bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Funerals in the ‘World of Warcraft’: Religion, polemic, and styles of play in a videogame universe
Authors: Servais Olivier
Published: August 2015

This article discusses ‘World of Warcraft’ (WoW), one of the most popular of today’s ‘massively multiplayer online role playing games’ (MMORPG). The author focuses on the funeral ceremonies organized by players within the game. The first section gives a brief outline of the different perspectives in current research relative to the study of religion on the internet and particularly in digital universes. The second contains the discussion on cyber funerals in WoW and the different dimensions of such ceremonies. In particular, the author examines the controversy surrounding a ceremony honoring a deceased player, which was unexpectedly and violently interrupted by other players. In the third and final part, the author considers the anthropological issues that this case raises.
Another look at research
Authors: Oldfield Chrissie
Published: August 2015

The traditional academic view of research is to derive new knowledge, generally involving studious inquiry and a search for new theories in order to contribute to an existing academic wealth of knowledge. This is alongside the primary objective of publishing peer reviewed articles in academic journals and the publication of relevant texts.
Strategies for High‐Quality Nutrition Therapy in Brazil
Authors: Waitzberg Dan L. , Correia Maria Isabel
Published: August 2015

Strategies for improving nutrition therapy (NT) are of utmost importance in any healthcare system. The identification and treatment of malnourished patients improves clinical outcome and reduces the length of hospital length of stay and the associated costs. In particular, federal policy regulating the use of NT in Brazil and reimbursement of enteral nutrition (EN) treatment were 2 powerful mechanisms that stimulated the development of nutrition care. Basic and clinical research have also contributed to best practices in NT, thereby highlighting the need for nutrition therapy teams, quality indicators, and nutrition education for the delivery of high‐quality NT. It is clear that the availability of training and continuing education programs in clinical nutrition is key to improving nutrition awareness and care, as well as patient outcome. On the basis of our experience, we recommend the Brazilian model as a strategy for improving nutrition care, with appropriate and necessary adaptations made to accommodate different settings.
Psychometric Properties of a German Translation of the PROMIS® Depression Item Bank
Authors: Jakob Teresa , Nagl Michaela , Gramm Lukas , Heyduck Katja , Farin Erik , Glattacker Manuela
Published: August 2015

The patient-reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS®) initiative has developed and evaluated a set of publicly available, efficient, and flexible measures of patient-reported outcomes in different health domains, including mental health. The objective of this study was to translate the PROMIS Depression item bank into German and evaluate the psychometric properties of the translated items. Items were translated using forward and backward translation and cognitive interviews. Distribution characteristics, unidimensionality, Rasch model fit, reliability, construct validity, and internal responsiveness were investigated in a sample of 234 patients in in-patient psychosomatic rehabilitation centers in Germany. The translated items showed good psychometric properties, the distribution characteristics were satisfactory, and the sufficient unidimensionality was obtained by fitting a bifactor model. The construct validity was demonstrated, and it was reliable and was shown to detect clinically significant changes. The translated items can be recommended for the assessment of depression. Future studies should examine the generalizability of the results.
Unemployment and the Transition From Separation to Divorce
Authors: Tumin Dmitry , Qian Zhenchao
Published: August 2015

Informal marital separation often quickly leads to divorce, but can become long-lasting, especially among disadvantaged populations. In this study, we focus on the timing of divorce after separating and examine how unemployment before or during separation affects this pivotal moment in the divorce process. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 Cohort ( N = 2,219), we track unemployment before and during separation and show that men’s unemployment during separation, rather than women’s, reduces the likelihood of divorce, independent of preseparation unemployment and other characteristics. For men, unemployment during a marital separation prolongs the divorce process, creating an extended period of uncertainty in marital relationships on the brink of dissolution. We discuss the gendered relationship observed between employment status during an informal separation and an estranged couple’s decision to complete the divorce process.
Accuracy of combined dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging for breast cancer detection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Li , Tang Min , Min Zhiqian , Lu Jun , Lei Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: August 2015

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used to examine patients with suspected breast cancer.

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic performance of combined dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for breast cancer detection.

Material and Methods

A comprehensive search of the PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was performed up to September 2014. Statistical analysis included pooling of sensitivity and specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and diagnostic accuracy using the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC). All analyses were conducted using STATA (version 12.0), RevMan (version 5.2), and Meta-Disc 1.4 software programs.

Results

Fourteen studies were analyzed, which included a total of 1140 patients with 1276 breast lesions. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of combined DCE-MRI and DWI were 91.6% and 85.5%, respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of DWI-MRI were 86.0% and 75.6%, respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of DCE-MRI were 93.2% and 71.1%. The area under the SROC curve (AUC-SROC) of combined DCE-MRI and DWI was 0.94, the DCE-MRI of 0.85. Deeks testing confirmed no significant publication bias in all studies.

Conclusion

Combined DCE-MRI and DWI had superior diagnostic accuracy than either DCE-MRI or DWI alone for the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Curiosity, place and wellbeing: encouraging place-specific curiosity as a ‘way to wellbeing’
Authors: Phillips Richard , Evans Bethan , Muirhead Stuart
Published: August 2015

This paper advances understandings of relationships between wellbeing and place by exploring one mechanism by which place is mobilised in the pursuit of wellbeing: the cultivation and practice of curiosity. It does so through discussion of projects funded through the Decade of Health and Wellbeing in Liverpool, England. This scheme advances ‘five ways to wellbeing,’ one of which – ‘take notice’ – encourages curiosity in and about places. Three projects – memory boxes for people living with dementia; a community garden in an area experiencing socio-economic deprivation; and an urban photography project involving veterans – form the case studies on which this paper is based. We focus on two related sets of practices and approaches to curiosity: (1) learning to see places differently; (2) focussing on the micro-geographies of place – literally, curiosities – such as found objects. These practices suggest ways in which ordinary places may be a catalyst for curiosity in ways that may benefit both individual and collective forms of wellbeing. This allows us to see and understand place and wellbeing in relational terms. In so doing, this paper contributes to conceptual debates about wellbeing, place and curiosity, and the relationships between these.
Arthroscopic Articular Reconstruction of Capitellar Osteochondral Defects
Authors: Gancarczyk Stephanie M. , Makhni Eric C. , Lombardi Joseph M. , Popkin Charles A. , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Articular reconstruction is recommended for some unstable capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions. Capitellar osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) through an open approach for optimal visualization and perpendicular graft implantation has been advocated. However, arthroscopic capitellar OAT may achieve the same treatment goals with decreased morbidity and ability to treat the entire joint for pathologic changes.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability to resurface the capitellum arthroscopically. The hypothesis was that arthroscopy allows sufficient access to facilitate perpendicular graft placement in most clinically significant capitellar OCD lesions.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Arthroscopy was performed on 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows. Of the tunnels created, 21 were used in final analysis. A 6-mm osteochondral transplantation bone graft harvester was used to generate perpendicular recipient sites in the capitellar articular surface. Both central (n = 11) and lateral (n = 10) OCD locations were studied. Fluoroscopy was used to measure the angle of the harvest relative to the axis of the humerus and tunnel perpendicularity.

Results:

Among central and lateral lesions, the average (±SD) degree of perpendicularity achieved was 85.3° ± 2.9° and 85.8° ± 2.5°, respectively. Perpendicular harvests were achieved in central and lateral lesions as high as 74.9° and 80.4°, anterior to the humeral shaft, respectively. No significant relationship was noted between increasing anterior location and ability to attain perpendicular harvests. Achieving perpendicularity in lesions that were more anterior to these values was not possible due to anatomic constraints of the radial head in maximal elbow flexion.

Conclusion:

Adequate recipient tunnels were created in lesions that were as high as 75° to 80° anterior to the humeral shaft, which encompasses most clinically relevant lesions. Moreover, increasing the anterior position of the lesion did not compromise the ability to generate perpendicular tunnels. The findings of this cadaveric study suggest that most clinically relevant capitellar osteochondral lesions can be successfully resurfaced arthroscopically.

Clinical Relevance:

This study demonstrates the feasibility of performing an arthroscopic versus open articular reconstruction when indicated for high-grade capitellar OCD lesions. These conclusions afford sports medicine surgeons another tool in the treatment of this challenging condition.
Psychometric Validation of Internet Addiction Test With Indian Adolescents
Authors: Dhir Amandeep , Chen Sufen , Nieminen Marko
Published: August 2015

The past few years have witnessed great developments in Internet infrastructure, which have led to increased Internet usage among people of various age groups. However, at the same time, there have been some negative implications associated with increased Internet usage for some individuals. “Internet addiction” (IA) is one such negative consequence of excessive Internet use among users. The present study investigates the psychometric properties of the Internet addiction test (IAT) with a total of 1,914 junior and senior high school students from India. The collected data were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, in addition to various other statistical tests. The study results show that a one-factor model for IAT demonstrates good psychometric properties and fits extremely well with our data. The present study provides empirical evidence that the IAT is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring IA. The study concludes with several theoretical and practical implications for IA research.
Analysis of the Use of Digital Technologies in Schools That Implement Different Learning Theories
Authors: Altuna Jon , Lareki Arkaitz
Published: August 2015

The main aim of this article is to find points of intersection at which learning theories and technologies converge. For this purpose, after a brief review of the historical evolution of learning theories and teaching methods, we define some indicators that allow us to identify the main learning theory applied in each school, as well as the technological resources used. After analyzing 21 schools, the results show that (a) different learning theories coexist in the schools that took part in this research project and (b) some Internet-based resources are more commonly used in Constructivism contexts, while instructional software tends to be more common when behavior theory is applied. Finally, this study points out the need to train teachers in both technological and theoretical aspects.
Factors Affecting Students’ Continued Usage Intention Toward Business Simulation Games
Authors: Liao Yi-Wen , Huang Yueh-Min , Wang Yi-Shun
Published: August 2015

While the impact and value of simulation games have been investigated in the context of business and management education, few studies have investigated why students are willing to reuse the games or not. The main purpose of this study is to explore the determinants of students’ continued usage intention for business simulation games in a higher education context based on the expectation-confirmation theory, flow theory, and motivation theory. Data collected from 381 valid respondents were used to test the research model using the partial least squares approach. The results of this study can provide several important theoretical and practical implications for educational use of business simulation games. The results indicate that continuance usage intention is influenced by learning satisfaction, which is in turn affected by perceived learning performance, learning confirmation, and learning expectation, and that learning confirmation is affected by learning expectation through the mediation of perceived learning performance. Additionally, perceived playfulness affects perceived learning performance while learning motivation influences learning expectation.
Advances in Radiation Therapy in Pediatric Neuro-oncology
Authors: Bindra Ranjit S. , Wolden Suzanne L.
Published: August 2015

Radiation therapy remains a highly effective therapy for many pediatric central nervous system tumors. With more children achieving long-term survival after treatment for brain tumors, late-effects of radiation have become an important concern. In response to this problem, treatment protocols for a variety of pediatric central nervous system tumors have evolved to reduce radiation fields and doses when possible. Recent advances in radiation technology such as image guidance and proton therapy have led to a new era of precision treatment with significantly less exposure to healthy tissues. These developments along with the promise of molecular classification of tumors and targeted therapies point to an optimistic future for pediatric neuro-oncology.
Pilot Testing Behavior Therapy for Chronic Tic Disorders in Neurology and Developmental Pediatrics Clinics
Authors: Ricketts Emily J. , Gilbert Donald L. , Zinner Samuel H. , Mink Jonathan W. , Lipps Tara D. , Wiegand Geoffrey A. , Vierhile Amy E. , Ely Laura J. , Piacentini John , Walkup John T. , Woods Douglas W.
Published: August 2015

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is an efficacious treatment with limited regional availability. As neurology and pediatric clinics are often the first point of therapeutic contact for individuals with tics, the present study assessed preliminary treatment response, acceptability, and feasibility of an abbreviated version, modified for child neurology and developmental pediatrics clinics. Fourteen youth (9-17) with Tourette disorder across 2 child neurology clinics and one developmental pediatrics clinic participated in a small case series. Clinician-rated tic severity (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale) decreased from pre- to posttreatment, z = –2.0, P < .05, r = –.48, as did tic-related impairment, z = –2.4, P < .05, r = –.57. Five of the 9 completers (56%) were classified as treatment responders. Satisfaction ratings were high, and therapeutic alliance ratings were moderately high. Results provide guidance for refinement of this modified CBIT protocol.
Persistence of Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Authors: Korzeniewski Steven J. , Feldman Judith F. , Lorenz John M. , Pinto-Martin Jennifer A. , Whitaker Agnes H. , Paneth Nigel
Published: August 2015

We examined the stability of nondisabling and disabling cerebral palsy at age 2 in a longitudinally followed tri-county low-birth-weight (<2000 g) birth cohort. A total of 1105 newborns were enrolled, 901 (81.5%) survived to age 2, and 86% (n = 777) were followed up. Of the 113 cerebral palsy diagnoses at age 2, 61 (9% of the cohort, n = 61/777) had disabling cerebral palsy and 52 (7%, n = 52/777) had nondisabling cerebral palsy. Of 48 followed children diagnosed with disabling cerebral palsy at age 2, 98% were again classified as having cerebral palsy at school age, and 1 had an uncertain cerebral palsy status. By contrast, 41% (n = 17) of the 43 children diagnosed with nondisabling cerebral palsy at age 2 were classified as not having cerebral palsy. Of the 517 followed children who were not diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 2, 7% (n = 35) were classified as having late emerging nondisabling cerebral palsy at school age.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Headaches in PHACE Syndrome
Authors: Yu JiaDe , Siegel Dawn H. , Drolet Beth A. , Blei Francine , Epstein Leon G. , Metry Denise , Heyer Geoffrey L.
Published: August 2015

PHACE ( posterior fossa brain malformation, hemangiomas, arterial anomalies, coarctation of the aorta and cardiac defects, and eye abnormalities) syndrome is a neurocutaneous disorder often involving the cerebral vasculature. PHACE patients appear to have early-onset and severe headaches more commonly than children without PHACE. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical features and prevalence of headache by conducting a cross-sectional survey of families in 2 large PHACE registries. Sixty-six percent of eligible families completed the survey in which 62.7% of respondents reported headaches. Average age of headache onset was 48.8 months. Females were more likely to have headaches (68.6% vs 30.8%, P = .014). Families reported associated migrainous features including nausea (62.5%), vomiting (37.5%), photophobia (75%), and phonophobia (75%). Headaches occurred at least weekly in 29.4%, lasted ≥1 hour in 85.4%, and led to ≥1 hospital admission in 15.7%. Three respondents with headaches had at least 1 ischemic stroke. We demonstrated that headaches are common among PHACE patients, develop at an early age, and have migrainous features.
The Child PTSD Symptom Scale: An Investigation of Its Psychometric Properties
Authors: Stewart Regan W. , Ebesutani Chad , Drescher Christopher F. , Young John
Published: August 2015

The current study addresses the need for accurate measurement of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in youth by investigating the psychometric properties of the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS). The factor structure, reliability, and concurrent and discriminant validity of the CPSS were investigated in a sample of 206 6th- to 12th-grade adolescents. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported a single-factor structure, which was contrary to the hypothesized three-factor structure. Scores comprising this one-factor structure were also associated with high reliability (α = .93), and tests of concurrent and discriminant validity were also strong. The implications of these findings are discussed, with particular emphasis on future directions for research on self-report measures for adolescent PTSD symptoms.
Ideological Extremity and Success in Primary Elections
Authors: King Aaron S. , Orlando Frank J. , Sparks David B.
Published: August 2015

Many cite the growing tendency of political parties to nominate ideologically extreme candidates in U.S. primary elections as a reason for increasing congressional polarization. However, a lack of quantitative data on candidate ideology makes this claim difficult to test. We propose a unique solution to this problem that exploits data from the increasingly popular realm of social media by estimating ideal points for candidates for the U.S. Senate based on the patterns of connections in their Twitter social network. We identify a latent ideological dimension from the matrix of following relations, which corresponds closely to roll call–based estimates for congressional officeholders. Controlling for other relevant factors, we find support for the hypothesis that ideological extremity is advantageous in party primaries.
Numerical simulation of continuous casting of steel alloy for different cooling ambiences and casting speeds using immersed boundary method
Authors: Kumar Manish , Roy Somnath , Panda Sudhanshu Sekhar
Published: August 2015

This article demonstrates implementation of immersed boundary method in continuous casting simulation involving boundary movement. In this methodology, the immersed boundary method is coupled with the second-order accurate finite difference solution of unsteady three-dimensional heat conduction equation. The moving molten metal front is modelled using the immersed boundary method in a Cartesian mesh framework that provides simplicity in its implementation and reduces the computational time as compared to the adaptive mesh solutions. A parallel programming paradigm using message passing interface has been implemented to obtain enhanced computational efficiency. This study has focused on capturing moving boundary during continuous casting and predicts the temperature distribution and shell thickness under different cooling ambiences and casting function. Good agreements with published data and correlations are obtained through numerical analysis. Mould-region shell thickness agrees well with Chipman–Fondersmith correlations. A new correlation has been further proposed for the delay constant at different heat extraction rates. The effects of key parameters like casting speed, convection and radiation from the continuous casting are also quantified in attempt to avail the data for optimal design of continuous caster.
Crowding in Visual Working Memory Reveals Its Spatial Resolution and the Nature of Its Representations
Authors: Tamber-Rosenau Benjamin J. , Fintzi Anat R. , Marois René
Published: August 2015

Spatial resolution fundamentally limits any image representation. Although this limit has been extensively investigated for perceptual representations by assessing how neighboring flankers degrade the perception of a peripheral target with visual crowding, the corresponding limit for representations held in visual working memory (VWM) is unknown. In the present study, we evoked crowding in VWM and directly compared resolution in VWM and perception. Remarkably, the spatial resolution of VWM proved to be no worse than that of perception. However, mixture modeling of errors caused by crowding revealed the qualitatively distinct nature of these representations. Perceptual crowding errors arose from both increased imprecision in target representations and substitution of flankers for targets. By contrast, VWM crowding errors arose exclusively from substitutions, which suggests that VWM transforms analog perceptual representations into discrete items. Thus, although perception and VWM share a common resolution limit, exceeding this limit reveals distinct mechanisms for perceiving images and holding them in mind.
Lipid peroxidation and antioxidants status in human malignant and non-malignant thyroid tumours
Authors: Stanley JA , Neelamohan R , Suthagar E , Vengatesh G , Jayakumar J , Chandrasekaran M , Banu SK , Aruldhas MM
Published: August 2015

Introduction:

Thyroid epithelial cells produce moderate amounts of reactive oxygen species that are physiologically required for thyroid hormone synthesis. Nevertheless, when they are produced in excessive amounts, they may become toxic.

Objective:

The present study is aimed to compare the lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant enzymes – superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and non-protein thiols (reduced glutathione (GSH)) in human thyroid tissues with malignant and non-malignant disorders.

Design and Methods:

The study used human thyroid tissues and blood samples from 157 women (147 diseased and 10 normal). Thyroid hormones, oxidative stress markers and antioxidants were estimated by standard methods.

Results:

LPO significantly increased in most of the papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC: 82.9%) and follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA: 72.9%) tissues, whilst in a majority of nodular goitre (69.2%) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT: 73.7%) thyroid tissues, it remained unaltered. GSH increased in PTC (55.3%), remained unaltered in FTA (97.3%) and all other goiter samples studied. SOD increased in PTC (51.1%) and all other malignant thyroid tissues studied. CAT remained unaltered in PTC (95.7%), FTA (97.3%) and all other non-malignant samples (HT, MNG, TMNG) studied. GPx increased in PTC (63.8%), all other malignant thyroid tissues and remained unaltered in many of the FTA (91.9%) tissues and all other non-malignant samples (HT, MNG, TMNG) studied.

Conclusions:

In the case of non-malignant thyroid tumours, the oxidant–antioxidant balance was undisturbed, whilst in malignant tumours the balance was altered, and the change in r value observed in the LPO and SOD pairs between normal and PTC tissues and also in many pairs with multi-nodular goitre (MNG)/toxic MNG tissues may be used as a marker to differentiate/detect different malignant/non-malignant thyroid tumours.
A study on the contraction and cooling times of actively cooled shape memory alloy wires
Authors: Lara-Quintanilla Adrian , Bersee Harald EN
Published: August 2015

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are thermally activated and show a strong thermomechanical coupling (i.e. the relationship between strain, stress and temperature). SMA wires are commonly used to develop SMA-based actuators. The most important characteristics of SMA wires is their capability to exert linear forces with strokes up to 8% of their original length. This make SMAs an attractive smart material for actuation purposes. However, the main weakness of SMAs is their limitation on actuation bandwidth. This limitation comes from the rate at which the SMA wires are able to heat up and cool down, releasing heat energy to the surroundings. This paper focuses on the effects that different heating and cooling rates have on the SMA wire’s working rate that can be attained. An SMA wire has been experimentally tested under different conditions of heating, cooling and applied load to find the influence of these parameters on the contraction and cooling times of an SMA wire and, therefore, on its attainable frequency. In addition, a model for SMAs has been implemented in a finite element analysis software and the experiments have also been simulated, which has been used to corroborate the conclusions drawn from the experiments.
A Distress Protocol for Respiratory Emergencies in Terminally Ill Patients With Lung Cancer or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Godbout Krystelle , Tremblay Lise , Lacasse Yves
Published: August 2015

A combination of opioid, midazolam, and scopolamine (that we call “distress protocol” [DP]) is used to induce transient sedation when emergencies occur in palliative care. We wished to describe the prescription and administration of DP in terminally ill patients with either lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In a retrospective study, 96 of 100 patients with cancer and 85 of 100 patients with COPD had a DP prescribed. Thirty patients with cancer and 29 with COPD received at least 1 DP. All patients receiving a DP for an appropriate indication were sedated within 30 minutes. There was no difference in survival from DP administration among patients who received it and those who did not.
Acute Appendicitis and Pneumatosis in a Duplicated Appendix With Schistosoma Remnants
Authors: Handra-Luca Adriana , Bisseret Damien , Dragoescu Ema
Published: August 2015

Appendiceal pneumatosis is rare, reported either in the context of acute appendicitis or enterocolitis. Here, we report the case of an elderly adult in whom the acute appendicitis was associated with pneumatosis and occurred in the context of a malformed appendix with pathogenic organism remnants. A 72-year-old man presented with abdominal pain 3 weeks after posttraumatic dorsolumbar surgery. The computed tomography scan showed acute appendicitis and 2 diverticula. On microscopy, the appendix showed acute appendicitis along with a Cave-Wallbridge type A duplication. In addition, several optically clear spaces were observed in the entire appendiceal wall consistent with pneumatosis of the appendix. Focally, calcified structures suggesting pathogenic organisms such as Schistosoma were noted as well. In conclusion, we report a case of appendiceal pneumatosis occurring in the context of acute appendicitis in a duplicated appendix, with presence of calcified structures suggestive of pathogenic organisms.
ICD 10
Authors: Gonzalez Tyler , Chiodo Christopher
Published: August 2015

The use of the 10th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) will likely be required as of October 2015. ICD-10 was developed to increase the specificity and accuracy of disease and injury reporting. The number of diagnostic codes in this system has increased substantially, and approximately half of all ICD-10 codes are related to the musculoskeletal system, whereas 25% of all codes are related to fractures. For most foot and ankle injuries, the new code structure includes location, laterality, degree of healing, and encounter type. At the provider level, navigating this system will initially be a complex task. Understanding the ICD-10 code structure, properly training appropriate staff, and financially preparing for implementation will minimize potential practice disruption.
Heart-Focused Anxiety in Patients With Noncardiac Chest Pain
Authors: Israel Jared I. , White Kamila S. , Farmer Courtney C. , Pardue Caleb M. , Gervino Ernest V.
Published: August 2015

Heart-focused anxiety (HFA) is a fear of cardiac sensations driven by worries of physical health catastrophe. HFA is impairing and distressing and has been shown to disproportionately affect individuals with noncardiac chest pain (NCCP), chest pain that persists in the absence of an identifiable source. The Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ) is a measure designed to assess HFA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties and factor structure of the CAQ in a sample of 229 adults diagnosed with NCCP. Results demonstrated that the CAQ is a useful measure of HFA in patients with NCCP and that a four-factor model including fear of cardiac sensations, avoidance of activities that elicit cardiac sensations, heart-focused attention, and reassurance seeking was the best fit for the data. Additionally, associations between CAQ subscales and two measures of health-related behaviors—pain-related interference and health care utilization—provided evidence of concurrent validity. Treatment implications are also discussed.
Bringing a Network-Oriented Approach to Domestic Violence Services
Authors: Goodman Lisa A. , Banyard Victoria , Woulfe Julie , Ash Sarah , Mattern Grace
Published: August 2015

Despite powerful evidence that informal social support contributes to survivors’ safety and well-being, mainstream domestic violence (DV) programs have not developed comprehensive models for helping isolated survivors reengage with these networks. Although many advocates use network-oriented strategies informally, they often do so without resources, funding, or training. This qualitative focus group study explored advocates’ use and perceptions of network-oriented strategies. Advocates working in a range of DV programs across one state described the importance of network-oriented work and articulated its five dimensions, including helping survivors build their capacity to form healthy relationships, identify helpful and harmful network members, reengage with existing networks, develop new relationships, and respond more effectively to network members.
Initiation and preliminary evaluation of an oncology pharmacy training course for staff pharmacists
Authors: Saylor Matthew S , Blanchette Lisa M , Smith Morgan B , Cambron Katie , Andricopulos Katie , Brown M Jay
Published: August 2015

Introduction

There is currently a disparity between oncology pharmacy job openings and PGY2 trained pharmacists completing residency training each year. As a result, pharmacists without specialized training in oncology are filling much needed oncology positions and may need on-the-job oncology training. To improve oncology knowledge among non-PGY2 trained pharmacists working in oncology positions, Novant Health coordinated an Oncology Pharmacy Training Course (OPTC).

Objectives

The primary objective was to assess efficacy of the OPTC through evaluation of post-intervention oncology knowledge. Secondary objectives included efficacy of each lecture, assessment of knowledge improvement in those with and without residency or chemotherapy training, and assessment of satisfaction with the OPTC.

Methods

This was a prospective, cohort study. All pharmacists expressing interest in the OPTC were included unless PGY2 oncology residency trained or Board-Certified in Oncology Pharmacy (BCOP). Participants were invited to attend twice monthly lectures and were evaluated using questionnaires at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

At the 3-month evaluation, 29 pharmacists completed the per-protocol evaluation. Knowledge scores increased from a mean of 29.6% to 52.2% ( p < 0.01). Ten participants were chemotherapy trained. Baseline knowledge scores were slightly higher in the chemotherapy-trained than training naïve participants (mean 42.5% vs. 27.4%). Both groups experienced significantly improved knowledge scores at 3 months (mean 59% and 48.1% respectively, p < 0.01).

Discussion

Implementation of a formalized OPTC can improve oncology knowledge among staff pharmacists in a community hospital system. This improvement in knowledge is consistent regardless of baseline chemotherapy training.
One-Year Efficacy Testing of Enabling Mothers to Prevent Pediatric Obesity Through Web-Based Education and Reciprocal Determinism (EMPOWER) Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Knowlden Adam , Sharma Manoj
Published: August 2015

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Enabling Mothers to Prevent Pediatric Obesity through Web-Based Education and Reciprocal Determinism (EMPOWER) intervention at 1-year, postintervention follow-up. Method. A mixed between–within subjects design was used to evaluate the trial. Independent variables included a two-level, group assignment: EMPOWER (experimental intervention) based on social cognitive theory (SCT) as well as a knowledge-based intervention Healthy Lifestyles (active control intervention). Dependent variables were evaluated across four levels of time: baseline (Week 0), posttest (Week 4), 1-month follow-up (Week 8), and 1-year follow-up (Week 60). Dependent variables included five maternal-facilitated SCT constructs (environment, emotional coping, expectations, self-control, and self-efficacy) as well as four child behaviors (minutes of child physical activity, cups of fruits and vegetables consumed, 8-ounce glasses of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed, and minutes of screen time). Null hypotheses implied no significant group-by-time interactions for the dependent variables under investigation. Results. A significant group-by-time interaction for child fruit and vegetable consumption was found in the experimental group ( p = .012) relative to the control group. At 1 year, results suggested an overall increase of 1.847 cups of fruits and vegetables (95% confidence interval = 1.207-2.498) in the experimental group ( p < .001). Analysis suggested changes in the maternal-facilitated home environment accounted for 13.3% of the variance in the change in child fruit and vegetable consumption. Improvements in child physical activity, sugar-free beverage intake, and screen time first detected at 1-month follow-up in both groups were no longer significant at 1-year follow-up. Conclusions. An online family-and-home-based intervention was efficacious for improving child fruit and vegetable consumption. Follow-up booster sessions may assist in maintaining treatment effects.
‘Friending someone means just adding them to your friends list, not much else’
Authors: Willett Rebekah
Published: August 2015

This article analyzes young preteens’ uses and understandings of virtual world games, with a focus on the structures that create different online experiences. The study involved working with a group of 28 children aged 8 to 10 years. Data analyzed in this article are paper-based activities, semistructured interviews, and field notes. The article investigates dominant constructions of children as ‘not yet complete’ and as ‘active, knowing beings’ (Cook, 2005). These dichotomous constructions are explored across the literature concerning children and virtual world games, particularly in relation to online risks and opportunities. The analysis focuses on ways data collected for this project challenge constructions of children as either at risk or active and empowered. The analysis reveals that many children’s online engagements in virtual world games are casual (i.e. they are not investing time or money in the games) and structured by factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and Internet access. The article suggests that studies of children online need to distinguish between different digital childhoods, particularly in relation to research and policy suggestions.
An examination of Greek physical educators’ implementation and perceptions of Spectrum teaching styles
Authors: Syrmpas Ioannis , Digelidis Nikolaos , Watt Anthony
Published: August 2015

The main purpose of the present study was to examine Greek physical education (PE) teachers’ self-reported use of the Spectrum of teaching styles and their perceptions of the benefits of adopting these styles for their students. An additional goal was to explore the teachers’ perceived ability to implement these teaching approaches. The participants of the study were 219 (132 males, 87 females) PE teachers. Using an adaptation of Kulinna and Cothran’s (2003) Spectrum of teaching styles questionnaire, the PE teachers reported greater implementation of the command, inclusion, and practice styles than the self-check, learner-initiated, and self-teaching styles in their teaching. The PE teachers also perceived that the reproduction and production clusters of teaching styles were equally effective in promoting fun, skill learning, and motivation for learning in their students. Results also revealed that the teachers’ self-perceived ability was highest for command style use and their perceived benefits of the styles for their students were highest for the practice approach. The findings of the present study reinforce that a variety of personal experience factors can influence PE teachers’ tendency to implement a specific teaching style.
Differences between hypothetical and experience-based value sets for EQ-5D used in Sweden: Implications for decision makers
Authors: Aronsson Mattias , Husberg Magnus , Kalkan Almina , Eckard Nathalie , Alwin Jenny
Published: August 2015

Aims: A number of value sets are available today for converting EQ-5D questionnaire responses to quality-adjusted life year-weights used in health economic evaluations. The aim of this study is to analyse the differences between the commonly used hypothetical UK value set and the newly introduced Swedish experience-based value set and to evaluate health economic implications of such differences on policy decisions. Methods: Differences between the two value sets were studied using two methods: a comparison of health states and improvements as well as an empirical comparison. In the comparison of health states and improvements, the valuations of all EQ-5D states and all pure improvements were compared. In the empirical study, a database of 23,925 individuals was used to identify patient groups that could be affected by the implementation of the Swedish experience-based value set. Results: The comparison of health states and possible improvements showed that only three health states were assigned a lower quality-adjusted life year-weight and most improvements were given smaller absolute values if the experience-based value set was used. The empirical comparison showed that severe conditions were assigned higher values when using the experience-based value set. Conclusions: The Swedish experience-based value set seems to render a higher estimated level of health-related quality of life in virtually all health conditions compared to the hypothetical UK value set. In extension, health-related quality of life enhancing interventions are likely to be given higher priority in decision-making situations where hypothetical values are used to construct quality-adjusted life year-weights. In situations where experience-based quality-adjusted life year-weights are used, life-prolonging interventions would be prioritised.
Experimental and numerical investigation of a novel energy-efficient vacuum glazing technology for low-carbon buildings
Authors: Cuce Erdem
Published: August 2015

In this study, a recently developed innovative window technology called vacuum tube window is introduced, and its performance assessment is presented through an experimental and numerical research. The novel design of vacuum tube window consists of evacuated tubes surrounded by Argon as inert gas to eliminate conductive and convective effects inside the window and thus to produce a building element with remarkably low overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value). Heat transfer inside the window was modelled via a reliable commercial computational fluid dynamics software ANSYS FLUENT. The accuracy of simulations was verified by environmental chamber tests. For the vacuum tube diameter of 28 mm, an excellent agreement between experimental and numerical data was achieved. For different values of design parameters such as pane thickness, tube thickness, tube diameter and Argon gap, total heat loss and U-value of the vacuum tube window and optimum data were evaluated. Optimum tube diameter was found to be 60 mm in terms of thermal performance characteristics, cost, lightness and aesthetic issues. It is concluded that the vacuum tube window is able to provide a U-value lower than 0.40 W/m2K, which is very promising for both retrofitting of existing buildings and new-build applications.
Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Tendinous Knee Extensor Mechanism Injuries
Authors: Ibounig T. , Simons T. A.
Published: August 2015

Background and Aims:

Quadriceps and patella tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries often resulting from minor trauma typically consisting of an eccentric contraction of the quadriceps muscle. Since rupture of a healthy tendon is very rare, such injuries usually represent the end stage of a long process of chronic tendon degeneration and overuse. This review aims to give an overview of the current understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnostic principles, and recommended treatment protocols as supported by the literature and institutional experience.

Material and Methods:

A non-systematic review of the current literature on the subject was conducted and reflected against the current practice in our level 1 trauma center.

Results and Conclusion:

Risk factors for patella and quadriceps tendon rupture include increasing age, repetitive micro-trauma, genetic predisposition, and systemic diseases, as well as certain medications. Diagnosis is based on history and clinical findings, but can be complemented by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Accurate diagnosis at an early stage is of utmost importance since delay in surgical repair of over 3 weeks results in significantly poorer outcomes. Operative treatment of acute ruptures yields good clinical results with low complication rates. Use of longitudinal transpatellar drill holes is the operative method of choice in the majority of acute cases. In chronic ruptures, tendon augmentation with auto- or allograft should be considered. Postoperative treatment protocols in the literature range from early mobilization with full weight bearing to cast immobilization for up to 12 weeks. Respecting the biology of tendon healing, we advocate the use of a removable knee splint or orthotic with protected full weight bearing and limited passive mobilization for 6 weeks.
Parental involvement in foreign language learning: The case of Hong Kong
Authors: Forey Gail , Besser Sharon , Sampson Nicholas
Published: August 2015

It has long been established that parents play a key role in educational achievement. In this paper, we examine parental involvement in children’s foreign language learning and the goal of finding ways to support families as they help their children to acquire a foreign language. The study investigated the ways in which Hong Kong families do and could support their children, aged 5–8, in English learning. The nature of existing parent involvement is described based on quantitative and qualitative data obtained via questionnaires and focus group discussions with a group of parents. In order to explore what parents could do to support their children with school-based requirements for English learning, a focus group of parents participated in a workshop that focused on the practice of reading aloud to their children in English. The results show that Hong Kong parents are involved in supporting their children’s English literacy development in a variety of ways, yet they do not generally embrace culturally specific Western practices such as reading aloud; and furthermore, to adopt such practices might be problematic.