bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Whole-Body Vibration and Resistance Training on Total Work in the Rotator Cuff
Authors: Hand Jason , Verscheure Susan , Osternig Louis
Published: December 2009

Context:

Whole-body vibration machines are a relatively new technology being implemented in the athletic setting. Numerous authors have examined the proposed physiologic mechanisms of vibration therapy and performance outcomes. Changes have mainly been observed in the lower extremity after individual exercises, with minimal attention to the upper extremity and resistance training programs.

Objective:

To examine the effects of a novel vibration intervention directed at the upper extremity as a precursor to a supervised, multijoint dynamic resistance training program.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division IA institution.

Patients or Other Participants:

Thirteen female student-athletes were divided into the following 2 treatment groups: (1) whole-body vibration and resistance training or (2) resistance training only.

Intervention(s):

Participants in the vibration and resistance training group used an experimental vibration protocol of 2 × 60 seconds at 4 mm and 50 Hz, in a modified push-up position, 3 times per week for 10 weeks, just before their supervised resistance training session.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Isokinetic total work measurements of the rotator cuff were collected at baseline and at week 5 and week 10.

Results:

No differences were found between the treatment groups (P > .05). However, rotator cuff output across time increased in both groups (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Although findings did not differ between the groups, the use of whole-body vibration as a precursor to multijoint exercises warrants further investigation because of the current lack of literature on the topic. Our results indicate that indirectly strengthening the rotator cuff using a multijoint dynamic resistance training program is possible.
An Evaluation of an Educational Intervention in Psychology of Injury for Athletic Training Students
Authors: Stiller-Ostrowski Jennifer L. , Gould Daniel R. , Covassin Tracey
Published: December 2009

Context:

”Psychosocial Intervention and Referral„ is 1 of the 12 content areas in athletic training education programs, but knowledge gained and skill usage after an educational intervention in this area have never been evaluated.

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention in increasing psychology-of-injury knowledge and skill usage in athletic training students (ATSs).

Design:

Observational study.

Setting:

An accredited athletic training education program at a large Midwestern university.

Patients or Other Participants:

Participants included 26 ATSs divided into 2 groups: intervention group (4 men, 7 women; age  =  21.4 ± 0.67 years, grade point average  =  3.37) and control group (7 men, 8 women; age  =  21.5 ± 3.8 years, grade point average  =  3.27).

Data Collection and Analysis:

All participants completed the Applied Sport Psychology for Athletic Trainers educational intervention. Psychology-of-injury knowledge tests and skill usage surveys were administered to all participants at the following intervals: baseline, intervention week 3, and intervention week 6. Retention tests were administered to intervention-group participants at 7 and 14 weeks after intervention. Analysis techniques included mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) and repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results:

The Applied Sport Psychology for Athletic Trainers educational intervention effectively increased psychology-of-injury knowledge (29-point increase from baseline to intervention week 6; F2,23  =  29.358, P < .001, ηp2  =  0.719) and skill usage (50-point increase from baseline to intervention week 6; F2,23  =  5.999, P  =  .008, ηp2  =  0.343) in undergraduate ATSs. These increases were maintained at the 7-week and 14-week retention testing (P < .001 for both).

Conclusions:

This first attempt at evaluating an educational intervention designed to improve ATSs' knowledge and skill usage revealed that the intervention was effective. Although both knowledge and skill usage scores decreased by the end of the retention period, the scores were still higher than baseline scores, indicating that the intervention was effective.
Eccentric Hip Muscle Function in Females With and Without Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: de Marche Baldon Rodrigo , Nakagawa Theresa Helissa , Muniz Thiago Batista , Amorim César Ferreira , Maciel Carlos Dias , Serrão Fábio Viadanna
Published: December 2009

Context:

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee condition in athletes. Recently, researchers have indicated that factors proximal to the knee, including hip muscle weakness and motor control impairment, contribute to the development of PFPS. However, no investigators have evaluated eccentric hip muscle function in people with PFPS.

Objective:

To compare the eccentric hip muscle function between females with PFPS and a female control group.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Musculoskeletal laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Two groups of females were studied: a group with PFPS (n  =  10) and a group with no history of lower extremity injury or surgery (n  =  10).

Intervention(s):

Eccentric torque of the hip musculature was evaluated on an isokinetic dynamometer.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Eccentric hip abduction, adduction, and external and internal rotation peak torque were measured and expressed as a percentage of body mass (Nm/kg × 100). We also evaluated eccentric hip adduction to abduction and internal to external rotation torque ratios. The peak torque value of 5 maximal eccentric contractions was used for calculation. Two-tailed, independent-samples t tests were used to compare torque results between groups.

Results:

Participants with PFPS exhibited much lower eccentric hip abduction (t18  =  −2.917, P  =  .008) and adduction (t18  =  −2.764, P  =  .009) peak torque values than did their healthy counterparts. No differences in eccentric hip external (t18  =  0.45, P  =  .96) or internal (t18  =  −0.742, P  =  .47) rotation peak torque values were detected between the groups. The eccentric hip adduction to abduction torque ratio was much higher in the PFPS group than in the control group (t18  =  2.113, P  =  .04), but we found no difference in the eccentric hip internal to external rotation torque ratios between the 2 groups (t18  =  −0.932, P  =  .36).

Conclusions:

Participants with PFPS demonstrated lower eccentric hip abduction and adduction peak torque and higher eccentric adduction to abduction torque ratios when compared with control participants. Thus, clinicians should consider eccentric hip abduction strengthening exercises when developing rehabilitation programs for females with PFPS.
Knee Joint Kinematics and Kinetics During a Lateral False-Step Maneuver
Authors: Golden Grace M. , Pavol Michael J. , Hoffman Mark A.
Published: December 2009

Context:

Cutting maneuvers have been implicated as a mechanism of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in collegiate female basketball players.

Objective:

To investigate knee kinematics and kinetics during running when the width of a single step, relative to the path of travel, was manipulated, a lateral false-step maneuver.

Design:

Crossover design.

Setting:

University biomechanics laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Thirteen female collegiate basketball athletes (age  =  19.7 ± 1.1 years, height  =  172.3 ± 8.3 cm, mass  =  71.8 ± 8.7 kg).

Intervention(s):

Three conditions: normal straight-ahead running, lateral false step of width 20% of body height, and lateral false step of width 35% of body height.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Peak angles and internal moments for knee flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation.

Results:

Differences were noted among conditions in peak knee angles (flexion [P < .01], extension [P  =  .02], abduction [P < .01], and internal rotation [P < .01]) and peak internal knee moments (abduction [P < .01], adduction [P < .01], and internal rotation [P  =  .03]). The lateral false step of width 35% of body height was associated with larger peak flexion, abduction, and internal rotation angles and larger peak abduction, adduction, and internal rotation moments than normal running. Peak flexion and internal rotation angles were also larger for the lateral false step of width 20% of body height than for normal running, whereas peak extension angle was smaller. Peak internal rotation angle increased progressively with increasing step width.

Conclusions:

Performing a lateral false-step maneuver resulted in changes in knee kinematics and kinetics compared with normal running. The differences observed for lateral false steps were consistent with proposed mechanisms of ACL loading, suggesting that lateral false steps represent a hitherto neglected mechanism of noncontact ACL injury.
Identifying Relationships Among Lower Extremity Alignment Characteristics
Authors: Nguyen Anh-Dung , Shultz Sandra J.
Published: December 2009

Context:

The relationship between lower extremity alignment and lower extremity injury risk remains poorly understood, perhaps because most authors have examined only individual or a select group of alignment variables. Examining the relationships among alignment variables may allow us to more accurately describe lower extremity posture and clarify the relationship between lower extremity alignment and injury risk in future studies.

Objective:

To measure lower extremity alignment variables and examine whether relationships could be identified among these variables.

Design:

Observational study.

Setting:

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Two hundred eighteen (102 males: age  =  23.1 ± 3.2 years, height  =  177.3 ± 8.4 cm, mass  =  80.8 ± 13.0 kg; 116 females: age  =  21.8 ± 2.7 years, height  =  163.5 ± 7.4 cm, mass  =  63.4 ± 12.4 kg) healthy, college-aged participants.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We measured pelvic angle, femoral anteversion, quadriceps angle, tibiofemoral angle, genu recurvatum, and tibial torsion to the nearest degree and navicular drop to the nearest millimeter on the right and left lower extremities. Separate principal components factor analyses were performed for each sex and side (left, right).

Results:

A distinct lower extremity factor was identified, with relationships observed among increased pelvic angle, increased quadriceps angle, and increased tibiofemoral angle. A second distinct lower extremity factor was identified, with relationships observed among increased supine genu recurvatum, decreased tibial torsion, and increased navicular drop. Femoral anteversion loaded as an independent third factor. These distinct lower extremity alignment factors were consistent across side and sex.

Conclusions:

Factor analysis identified 3 distinct lower extremity alignment factors that describe the potential interactions among lower extremity alignment variables. Future authors should examine how these collective alignment variables, both independently and in combination, influence dynamic knee function and risk for lower extremity injuries.
Unilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Injury in a Collegiate Wrestler: A Case Report
Authors: Loro William A. , Owens Brett
Published: December 2009

Objective:

To introduce the case of a collegiate wrestler who suffered a traumatic unilateral hypoglossal nerve injury. This case presents the opportunity to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of a 20-year-old man with an injury to his right hypoglossal nerve.

Background:

Injuries to the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) are rare. Most reported cases are the result of malignancy, with traumatic causes less common. In this case, a collegiate wrestler struck his head on the wrestling mat during practice. No loss of consciousness occurred. The wrestler initially demonstrated signs and symptoms of a mild concussion, with dizziness and a headache. These concussion symptoms cleared quickly, but the athlete complained of difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and demonstrated slurred speech (dysarthria). Also, his tongue deviated toward the right. No other neurologic deficits were observed.

Differential Diagnosis:

Occipital-cervical junction fracture, syringomyelia, malignancy, iatrogenic causes, cranial nerve injury.

Treatment:

After initial injury recognition, the athletic trainer placed the patient in a cervical collar and transported him to the emergency department. The patient received prednisone, and the emergency medicine physician ordered cervical spine plain radiographs, brain computed tomography, and brain and internal auditory canal magnetic resonance imaging. The physician consulted a neurologist, who managed the patient conservatively, with rest and no contact activity. The neurologist allowed the patient to participate in wrestling 7 months after injury.

Uniqueness:

To our knowledge, no other reports of unilateral hypoglossal nerve injury from relatively low-energy trauma (including athletics) exist.

Conclusions:

Hypoglossal nerve injury should be considered in individuals with head injury who experience dysphagia and dysarthria. Athletes with head injuries require cranial nerve assessments.
Epidemiology of Cheerleading Fall-Related Injuries in the United States
Authors: Shields Brenda J. , Smith Gary A.
Published: December 2009

Context:

Over the past several decades, cheerleaders have been performing fewer basic maneuvers and more gymnastic tumbling runs and stunts. As the difficulty of these maneuvers has increased, cheerleading injuries have also increased.

Objective:

To describe the epidemiology of cheerleading fall-related injuries by type of cheerleading team and event.

Design:

Prospective injury surveillance study.

Setting:

Participant exposure and injury data were collected from US cheerleading teams via the Cheerleading RIO (Reporting Information Online) surveillance tool.

Patients or Other Participants:

Athletes from 412 enrolled cheerleading teams who participated in official, organized cheerleading practices, pep rallies, athletic events, or cheerleading competitions.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The numbers and rates of cheerleading fall-related injuries during a 1-year period (2006–2007) are reported.

Results:

A total of 79 fall-related injuries were reported during the 1-year period. Most occurred during practice (85%, 67/79) and were sustained by high school cheerleaders (51%, 40/79). A stunt or pyramid was being attempted in 89% (70/79) of cases. Fall heights ranged from 1 to 11 ft (0.30–3.35 m) (mean  =  4.7 ± 2.0 ft [1.43 ± 0.61 m]). Strains and sprains were the most common injuries (54%, 43/79), and 6% (5/79) of the injuries were concussions or closed head injuries. Of the 15 most serious injuries (concussions or closed head injuries, dislocations, fractures, and anterior cruciate ligament tears), 87% (13/15) were sustained while the cheerleader was performing on artificial turf, grass, a traditional foam floor, or a wood floor. The fall height ranged from 4 to 11 ft (1.22–1.52 m) for 87% of these cases (13/15).

Conclusions:

Cheerleading-related falls may result in severe injuries and even death, although we report no deaths in the present study. The risk for serious injury increases as fall height increases or as the impact-absorbing capacity of the surfacing material decreases (or both).
Epidemiology of Cheerleading Stunt-Related Injuries in the United States
Authors: Shields Brenda J. , Fernandez Soledad A. , Smith Gary A.
Published: December 2009

Context:

Cheerleading-related injuries are on the rise. To date, no epidemiologic studies of cheerleading stunt-related injuries have been published.

Objective:

To describe and compare cheerleading stunt-related injuries by type of cheerleading team (All Star, college, high school, middle school, or recreation league) and event (practice, pep rally, athletic event, or cheerleading competition).

Design:

Prospective injury surveillance study.

Setting:

Participant exposure and injury data were collected from US cheerleading teams via the Cheerleading RIO (Reporting Information Online) surveillance tool.

Patients or Other Participants:

Athletes from enrolled cheerleading teams who participated in official, organized cheerleading practices, pep rallies, athletic events, or cheerleading competitions.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The numbers, types, and rates of cheerleading stunt-related injuries during a 1-year period (2006–2007) are reported.

Results:

Stunt-related injuries accounted for 60% (338/567) of the injuries sustained by US cheerleaders who participated in the study and 96% (22/23) of the concussions and closed head injuries (CHIs) reported during the study. Collegiate cheerleaders were more likely to sustain a concussion or CHI than were cheerleaders on other types of teams (P  =  .02, odds ratio  =  3.10, 95% confidence interval  =  1.20, 8.06). Most injuries occurred while the cheerleader was spotting or basing another cheerleader (34%, 115/338), and these injuries comprised 32% (51/161) of all stunt-related strains and sprains. Four cheerleaders (1.2%, 4/335) were admitted to the hospital, and 9 cheerleaders (2.7%, 9/335) required surgery.

Conclusions:

Cheerleading stunts pose an increased risk for injury, especially in terms of sustaining a concussion or CHI. Spotters and bases were most likely to be injured during the performance of cheerleading stunts and were at risk for sustaining strain and sprain injuries. The ankle, lower back, and wrist were the sites most likely to be reinjured while performing cheerleading stunts.
Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) Practices of Sports Medicine Professionals
Authors: Covassin Tracey , Elbin Robert J. , Stiller-Ostrowski Jennifer L. , Kontos Anthony P.
Published: December 2009

Context:

Computerized neurocognitive testing is becoming popular among clinicians evaluating sport-related concussions across all levels of sport. Baseline neurocognitive testing has been recommended to provide more accurate representation of the preconcussion cognitive status of individual athletes. However, little is known about the use of baseline neurocognitive testing in concussion assessment and management.

Objective:

To examine implementation and practice trends of sports medicine professionals using baseline neurocognitive testing at the high school and collegiate levels.

Design:

Quantitative survey research.

Setting:

Online survey.

Patients or Other Participants:

Certified athletic trainers (ATs) from approximately 1209 US institutions listed on the ImPACT Web site were recruited. A total of 399 ATs completed the survey, for a response return rate of 32.7%.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Survey questions addressed educational level, years of certification, employment setting, percentage of athletes baseline tested, and accuracy of baseline tests. Other items addressed postconcussive neurocognitive testing protocols and scenarios for return-to-play decisions based on neurocognitive testing.

Results:

Nearly all ATs (94.7%) administered baseline computerized neurocognitive testing to their athletes. However, only 51.9% examined these baseline tests for validity. The majority of ATs indicated that they administer baseline neurocognitive tests most frequently to football players (88.4%), followed by women's soccer players (78.8%) and men's soccer players (71.2%). Nearly all respondents (95.5%) stated that they would not return a symptomatic athlete to play if the athlete's neurocognitive scores were back to baseline. However, when asked if they would return an athlete who is symptom free but who scores below his or her baseline, 86.5% responded no, 9.8% responded yes, and 3.8% indicated that it depended on the importance of the competition.

Conclusions:

The use of baseline testing, baseline testing readministration, and postconcussion protocols among ATs is increasing. However, the ATs in this study reported that they relied more on symptoms than on neurocognitive test scores when making return-to-play decisions.
A Comparison of High School Sports Injury Surveillance Data Reporting by Certified Athletic Trainers and Coaches
Authors: Yard Ellen E. , Collins Christy L. , Dawn Comstock R.
Published: December 2009

Context:

High school athletes sustain more than 1.4 million injuries annually. National high school sports injury surveillance forms the foundation for developing and evaluating preventive interventions to reduce injury rates. For national surveillance, individuals must report consistently and accurately with little one-on-one interaction with study staff.

Objective:

To examine the feasibility of relying on high school coaches as data reporters in a national, Internet-based sports injury surveillance study, using the same methods that have already proven successful in the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study, which calls on certified athletic trainers (ATs) as reporters.

Design:

Prospective injury surveillance study.

Setting:

Eighteen United States high schools

Participants:

Athletic trainers and varsity coaches for football, boys' and girls' soccer, and boys' and girls' basketball.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Quantity and quality of exposure and injury reports.

Results:

All enrolled ATs participated, compared with only 43.0% of enrolled coaches. Participating ATs submitted 96.7% of expected exposure reports, whereas participating coaches submitted only 36.5%. All ATs reported athlete exposures correctly, compared with only 2 in 3 coaches. Participating ATs submitted 338 injury reports; participating coaches submitted only 55 (16.3% of the 338 submitted by ATs). Injury patterns differed between AT-submitted and coach-submitted injury reports, with ATs reporting a higher proportion of ankle injuries and coaches reporting a higher proportion of knee injuries. The reports submitted by ATs and coaches for the same injury had low agreement for diagnosis and time loss, with only 63.2% and 55.3% of pairs, respectively, providing the same response. The ATs lacked more responses for demographic questions, whereas coaches lacked more responses regarding the need for surgery.

Conclusions:

Whenever possible, ATs should be the primary data reporters in large, national studies. In high schools without access to an AT, researchers must be willing to devote significant time and resources to achieving high participation and compliance from other reporters.
Concentric Evertor Strength Differences and Functional Ankle Instability: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Arnold Brent L. , Linens Shelley W. , de la Motte Sarah J. , Ross Scott E.
Published: December 2009

Objective:

To determine whether concentric evertor muscle weakness was associated with functional ankle instability (FAI).

Data Sources:

We conducted an electronic search through November 2007, limited to English, and using PubMed, Pre-CINAHL, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. A forward search was conducted using the Science Citation Index on studies from the electronic search. Finally, we conducted a hand search of all selected studies and contacted the respective authors to identify additional studies. We included peer-reviewed manuscripts, dissertations, and theses.

Study Selection:

We evaluated the titles and abstracts of studies identified by the electronic searches. Studies were selected by consensus and reviewed only if they included participants with FAI or chronic ankle instability and strength outcomes. Studies were included in the analysis if means and SDs (or other relevant statistical information, such as P values or t values and group n's) were reported for FAI and stable groups (or ankles).

Data Extraction:

Data were extracted by the authors independently, cross-checked for accuracy, and limited to outcomes of concentric eversion strength. We rated each study for quality. Outcomes were coded as either fast or slow velocity (ie, equal to or greater than 110°/s or less than 110°/s, respectively).

Data Synthesis:

Data included the means, SDs, and group sample sizes (or other appropriate statistical information) for the FAI and uninjured groups (or ankles). The standard difference in the means (SDM) for each outcome was calculated using the pooled SD. We tested individual and overall SDMs using the Z statistic and comparisons between fast and slow velocities using the Q statistic. Our analysis revealed that ankles with FAI were weaker than stable ankles (SDM  =  0.224, Z  =  4.0, P < .001, 95% confidence interval  =  0.115, 0.333). We found no difference between the fast- and slow-velocity SDMs (SDMFast  =  0.189, SDMSlow  =  0.244, Q  =  29.9, df  =  24, P  =  .187). Because of the small SDM, this method of measuring ankle strength in the clinical setting may need to be reevaluated.
Bilateral Pulmonary Emboli in a Collegiate Gymnast: A Case Report
Authors: Kahanov Leamor , Daly Tarah
Published: December 2009

Objective:

To characterize the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in collegiate student-athletes and to raise awareness among sports medicine providers of the possibility of this potentially fatal disease in the student-athlete population.

Background:

An 18-year-old, previously healthy National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female gymnast complained of intense pain, bilaterally, deep in her chest. The athlete was referred to her team physician, who identified normal vital signs but referred her to the emergency room because of significant pain. The student-athlete was diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary emboli in the emergency room.

Differential Diagnosis:

Pneumonia, renal calculi, upper urinary tract infection, intercostal muscle strain or rib fracture, pancreatitis, gall bladder disease, gastritis, ulceration, esophagitis, infection, tumor, pulmonary embolism.

Treatment:

The student-athlete was immediately placed on anticoagulants for 6 months. During that time, she was unable to participate in gymnastics and was limited to light conditioning.

Uniqueness:

Documented cases of female student-athletes developing a pulmonary embolism are lacking in the literature. Two cases of pulmonary embolism in male high school student-athletes have been documented, in addition to many cases in elderly and sedentary populations.

Conclusions:

All health care providers, including sports medicine professionals, should be aware that this condition may be present among student-athletes. During the initial evaluation, prescreening should include questions about any previous or family history of pulmonary embolism or other blood clots. Athletes who answer positively to these questions may have a higher likelihood of pulmonary embolism and should be referred for testing.
Formal Fibers of Unique Factorization Domains
Authors: Boocher Adam , Daub Michael , Johnson Ryan K. , Lindo H. , Loepp S. , Woodard Paul A.
Published: December 2009

Let (T,M) be a complete local (Noetherian) ring such that dimT ≥ 2 and |T| = |T/M| and let ﹛pi﹜i∈𝒥 be a collection of elements of T indexed by a set I so that |𝒥| < |T|. For each i ∈ 𝒥, let Ci := ﹛Qi1, … ,Qini ﹜ be a set of nonmaximal prime ideals containing pi such that the Qi j are incomparable and pi ∈ Qjk if and only if i = j. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions so that T is the m -adic completion of a local unique factorization domain (A,m ), and for each i ∈ I, there exists a unit ti of T so that pi ti ∈ A andCi is the set of prime ideals Q of T that are maximal with respect to the condition that Q ∩ A = pi tiA.

We then use this result to construct a (nonexcellent) unique factorization domain containingmany ideals for which tight closure and completion do not commute. As another application, we construct a unique factorization domain A most of whose formal fibers are geometrically regular.
Some Rigidity Results Related to Monge–Ampèere Functions
Authors: Jerrard Robert L.
Published: December 2009

The space of Monge–Ampère functions, introduced by J. H. G. Fu, is a space of rather rough functions in which the mapu⟼ DetD2uis well defined and weakly continuous with respect to a natural notion of weak convergence. We prove a rigidity theorem for Lagrangian integral currents that allows us to extend the original definition of Monge–Ampère functions. We also prove that if a Monge–Ampère functionuon a bounded set Ω ⊂ ℝ2satisfies the equation DetD2u= 0 in a particular weak sense, then the graph ofuis a developable surface, and moreoveruenjoys somewhat better regularity properties than an arbitrary Monge–Ampère function of 2 variables.
On the Distribution of Pseudopowers
Authors: Konyagin Sergei V. , Pomerance Carl , Shparlinski Igor E.
Published: December 2009

An x-pseudopower to base g is a positive integer that is not a power of g, yet is so modulo p for all primes p ≤ x. We improve an upper bound for the least such number, due to E. Bach, R. Lukes, J. Shallit, and H. C. Williams. The method is based on a combination of some bounds of exponential sums with new results about the average behaviour of the multiplicative order of g modulo prime numbers.
Characterisation Results for Steiner Triple Systems and Their Application to Edge-Colourings of Cubic Graphs
Authors: Král’ Daniel , Máčajov´ Edita , Pór Attila , Sereni Jean-Sébastien
Published: December 2009

It is known that a Steiner triple system is projective if and only if it does not contain the four-triple configurationC14. We find three configurations such that a Steiner triple system is affine if and only if it does not contain one of these configurations. Similarly, we characterise Hall triple systems using two forbidden configurations.

Our characterisations have several interesting corollaries in the area of edge-colourings of graphs. A cubic graphGisS-edge-colourable for a Steiner triple systemSif its edges can be coloured with points ofSin such a way that the points assigned to three edges sharing a vertex form a triple inS. Among others, we show that all cubic graphs areS-edge-colourable for every non-projective nonaffine point-transitive Steiner triple systemS.
Verma Modules over Quantum Torus Lie Algebras
Authors: Lü Rencai , Zhao Kaiming
Published: December 2009

Representations of various one-dimensional central extensions of quantum tori (called quantum torus Lie algebras) were studied by several authors. Now we define a central extension of quantum tori so that all known representations can be regarded as representations of the new quantum torus Lie algebras . The center of now is generally infinite dimensional.

In this paper, Z-graded Verma modules over and their corresponding irreducible highest weight modules are defined for some linear functions . Necessary and sufficient conditions for to have all finite dimensional weight spaces are given. Also necessary and sufficient conditions for Verma modules e to be irreducible are obtained.
On p-Adic Properties of Central L-Values of Quadratic Twists of an Elliptic Curve
Authors: Prasanna Kartik
Published: December 2009

We study p-indivisibility of the central values L(1, Ed) of quadratic twists Ed of a semi-stable elliptic curve E of conductor N. A consideration of the conjecture of Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer shows that the set of quadratic discriminants d splits naturally into several families ℱS, indexed by subsets S of the primes dividing N. Let δS = gcdd∈ℱSL(1, Ed)alg, where L(1, Ed)alg denotes the algebraic part of the central L-value, L(1, Ed). Our main theorem relates the p-adic valuations of δS as S varies. As a consequence we present an application to a refined version of a question of Kolyvagin. Finally we explain an intriguing (albeit speculative) relation betweenWaldspurger packets on and congruences of modular forms of integral and half-integral weight. In this context, we formulate a conjecture on congruences of half-integral weight forms and explain its relevance to the problem of p-indivisibility of L-values of quadratic twists.
The Chowla–Selberg Formula and The Colmez Conjecture
Authors: Yang Tonghai
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we reinterpret the Colmez conjecture on the Faltings height of CM abelian varieties in terms of Hilbert (and Siegel) modular forms. We construct an elliptic modular form involving the Faltings height of a CM abelian surface and arithmetic intersection numbers, and prove that the Colmez conjecture for CM abelian surfaces is equivalent to the cuspidality of this modular form.
A Combinatorial Reciprocity Theorem for Hyperplane Arrangements
Authors: Athanasiadis Christos A.
Published: December 2009

Given a nonnegative integer m and a finite collection of linear forms on ℚd, the arrangement of affine hyperplanes in ℚd defined by the equations α(x) = k for α ∈ and integers k ∈ [–m,m] is denoted by . It is proved that the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial of are quasi-polynomials in m and that they satisfy a simple combinatorial reciprocity law.
Restriction of the Tangent Bundle of G/P to a Hypersurface
Authors: Biswas Indranil
Published: December 2009

Let P be a maximal proper parabolic subgroup of a connected simple linear algebraic group G, defined over ℂ, such that n := dimℂG/P ≥ 4. Let ι : Z ↪ G/P be a reduced smooth hypersurface of degree at least (n – 1) · degree(T(G/P))/n. We prove that the restriction of the tangent bundle ι*TG/P is semistable.
Approximation and Interpolation by Entire Functions of Several Variables
Authors: Burke Maxim R.
Published: December 2009

Let f : ℝn → ℝ be C∞ and let h: ℝn → ℝ be positive and continuous. For any unbounded nondecreasing sequence ﹛ck﹜ of nonnegative real numbers and for any sequence without accumulation points ﹛xm﹜ in ℝn, there exists an entire function g : ℂn → ℂ taking real values on ℝn such that

This is a version for functions of several variables of the case n = 1 due to L. Hoischen.
C*-Crossed-Products by an Order-Two Automorphism
Authors: Choi Man-Duen , Latrémolière Frédéric
Published: December 2009

We describe the representation theory of C*-crossed-products of a unital C*-algebra A by the cyclic group of order 2. We prove that there are two main types of irreducible representations for the crossed-product: those whose restriction to A is irreducible and those who are the sum of two unitarily unequivalent representations of A. We characterize each class in term of the restriction of the representations to the fixed point C*-subalgebra of A. We apply our results to compute the K-theory of several crossed-products of the free group on two generators.
On the Relationship between Interpolation of Banach Algebras and Interpolation of Bilinear Operators
Authors: Cobos Fernando , Fernández-Cabrera Luz M.
Published: December 2009

We show that if the general real method (· , ·)Γ preserves the Banach-algebra structure, then a bilinear interpolation theorem holds for (· , ·)Γ.
A Note on the Exactness of Operator Spaces
Authors: Dong Z.
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we give two characterizations of the exactness of operator spaces.
Weighted Norm Inequalities for a Maximal Operator in Some Subspace of Amalgams
Authors: Feuto Justin , Fofana Ibrahim , Koua Konin
Published: December 2009

We give weighted norm inequalities for the maximal fractional operator ℳq,βof Hardy– Littlewood and the fractional integralIγ. These inequalities are established between (Lq,Lp)α(X,d, μ) spaces (which are superspaces of Lebesgue spacesLα(X,d, μ) and subspaces of amalgams (Lq,Lp)(X,d, μ)) and in the setting of space of homogeneous type (X,d, μ). The conditions on the weights are stated in terms of Orlicz norm.
Constructing (Almost) Rigid Rings and a UFD Having Infinitely Generated Derksen and Makar-Limanov Invariants
Authors: Finston David , Maubach Stefan
Published: December 2009

An example is given of a UFD which has an infinitely generated Derksen invariant. The ring is “almost rigid” meaning that the Derksen invariant is equal to the Makar-Limanov invariant. Techniques to show that a ring is (almost) rigid are discussed, among which is a generalization of Mason's ABC-theorem.
Cantor–Bernstein Sextuples for Banach Spaces
Authors: Galego Elói M.
Published: December 2009

Let X and Y be Banach spaces isomorphic to complemented subspaces of each other with supplements A and B. In 1996, W. T. Gowers solved the Schroeder–Bernstein (or Cantor–Bernstein) problem for Banach spaces by showing that X is not necessarily isomorphic to Y. In this paper, we obtain a necessary and sufficient condition on the sextuples (p, q, r, s, u, v) in ℕ with p + q ≥ 1, r + s ≥ 1 and u, v ∈ ℕ*, to provide that X is isomorphic to Y, whenever these spaces satisfy the following decomposition scheme

Namely, Φ = (p–u)(s–v)–(q + u)(r + v) is different from zero and Φ divides p + q and r + s. These sextuples are called Cantor–Bernstein sextuples for Banach spaces. The simplest case (1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1) indicates the well-known Pełczyński's decomposition method in Banach space. On the other hand, by interchanging some Banach spaces in the above decomposition scheme, refinements of the Schroeder– Bernstein problem become evident.
Elliptic Curves over the Perfect Closure of a Function Field
Authors: Ghioca Dragos
Published: December 2009

We prove that the group of rational points of a non-isotrivial elliptic curve defined over the perfect closure of a function field in positive characteristic is finitely generated.
Towards the Full Mordell–Lang Conjecture for Drinfeld Modules
Authors: Ghioca Dragos
Published: December 2009

Letϕbe a Drinfeld module of generic characteristic, and letXbe a sufficiently generic affine subvariety of. We show that the intersection ofXwith a finite rankϕ-submodule ofis finite.
The Global Attractor of a Damped, Forced Hirota Equation inH1
Authors: Guo Boling , Huo Zhaohui
Published: December 2009

The existence of the global attractor of a damped forced Hirota equation in the phase spaceH1(ℝ) is proved. The main idea is to establish the so-called asymptotic compactness property of the solution operator by energy equation approach.
Spacings Between Integers Having Typically Many Prime Factors
Authors: Khan Rizwanur
Published: December 2009

We show that the sequence of integers which have nearly the typical number of distinct prime factors forms a Poisson process. More precisely, forδarbitrarily small and positive, the nearest neighbor spacings between integersnwith |ω(n)–loglogn| < (loglogn)δobey the Poisson distribution law.
A Theorem on Unit-Regular Rings
Authors: Lee Tsiu-Kwen , Zhou Yiqiang
Published: December 2009

Let R be a unit-regular ring and let σ be an endomorphism of R such that σ(e) = e for all e2 = e ∈ R and let n ≥ 0. It is proved that every element of R[x ; σ]/(xn+1) is equivalent to an element of the form e0 + e1x + · · · + enxn, where the ei are orthogonal idempotents of R. As an application, it is proved that R[x ; σ]/(xn+1) is left morphic for each n ≥ 0.
The Uncomplemented SpacesW(X,Y) andK(X,Y)
Authors: Lewis Paul
Published: December 2009

Classical results of Kalton and techniques of Feder are used to study the complementation of the spaceW(X,Y) of weakly compact operators and the spaceK(X,Y) of compact operators in the spaceL(X,Y) of all bounded linear maps fromXtoY.
A Further Decay Estimate for the Dziubański–Hernández Wavelets
Authors: Moritoh Shinya , Tomoeda Kyoko
Published: December 2009

We give a further decay estimate for the Dziubański–Hernández wavelets that are band-limited and have subexponential decay. This is done by constructing an appropriate bell function and using the Paley–Wiener theorem for ultradifferentiable functions.
Pisot Numbers from {0, 1}-Polynomials
Authors: Mukunda Keshav
Published: December 2009

A Pisot number is a real algebraic integer greater than 1, all of whose conjugates lie strictly inside the open unit disk; a Salem number is a real algebraic integer greater than 1, all of whose conjugate roots are inside the closed unit disk, with at least one of them of modulus exactly 1. Pisot numbers have been studied extensively, and an algorithm to generate them is well known. Our main result characterises all Pisot numbers whose minimal polynomial is derived from a Newman polynomial — one with {0, 1}-coefficients — and shows that they form a strictly increasing sequence with limit (1 + √5)/2. It has long been known that every Pisot number is a limit point, from both sides, of sequences of Salem numbers. We show that this remains true, from at least one side, for the restricted sets of Pisot and Salem numbers that are generated by Newman polynomials.
Several Hardy Type Inequalities with Weights Related to Generalized Greiner Operator
Authors: Niu Pengcheng , Ou Yafei , Han Junqiang
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we establish several weightedLp(1 <p< ∞) Hardy type inequalities related to the generalized Greiner operator by improving the method of Kombe. Then the best constants in inequalities are discussed by introducing new polar coordinates.
Variants of Arnold's Stability Results for 2D Euler Equations
Authors: Taylor Michael
Published: December 2009

We establish variants of stability estimates in norms somewhat stronger than theH1-norm under Arnold's stability hypotheses on steady solutions to the Euler equations for fluid flow on planar domains.
Impact of Proposed Institute of Medicine Duty Hours: Family Medicine Residency Directors' Perspective
Authors: Carek Peter J. , Gravel Joseph W. , Kozakowski Stanley , Pugno Perry A. , Fetter Gerald , Palmer Elissa J.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

To examine the opinions of family medicine residency program directors concerning the potential impact of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) resident duty hour recommendations on patient care and resident education.

Methods

A survey was mailed to 455 family medicine residency program directors. Data were summarized and analyzed using Epi Info statistical software. Significance was set at the P < .01 level.

Results

A total of 265 surveys were completed (60.9% response rate). A majority of family medicine residency program directors disagreed or strongly disagreed that the recent IOM duty hour recommendations will, in general, result in improved patient safety and resident education. Further, a majority of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that the proposed IOM rules would result in residents becoming more compassionate, more effective family physicians.

Conclusion

A majority of family medicine residency program directors believe that the proposed IOM duty hour recommendations would have a primarily detrimental effect on both patient care and resident education.
Work Hour Regulations: Do We Need Further Changes Now? A Survey of Internal Medicine Faculty and Residents
Authors: Sloan Susan , Krishnamurthy Mahesh , Lyon David T. , Mitri Ghada , Chyshkevych Iryna , Livert David
Published: December 2009

Background

In 2003, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education standardized and regulated work hours for physicians in training in the United States. In December 2008, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended further reductions in duty hours to ensure safer conditions for patients and residents and fellows. Significantly, the IOM committee acknowledged that there are barriers to implementing its recommendations.

Methods

In the wake of the IOM proposals, we chose to survey a reference closer to home: residency program directors, faculty, and residents. Our survey allowed them the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the IOM proposals.

Results

The majority of the faculty oppose the proposed IOM changes, arguing that there is no definite evidence to support the hypothesis that fewer work hours mean better outcomes in patient safety and education. First-year residents and residents who moonlight were more likely to experience stress and to support decreased work hours.

Conclusions

The thoughts and opinions of faculty and residents collected through this survey, in combination with evidence-based studies from trial implementation of these standards, will contribute real answers to the challenging questions on resident work hours.
Advancing Resident Assessment in Graduate Medical Education
Authors: Swing Susan R. , Clyman Stephen G. , Holmboe Eric S. , Williams Reed G.
Published: December 2009

Background

The Outcome Project requires high-quality assessment approaches to provide reliable and valid judgments of the attainment of competencies deemed important for physician practice.

Intervention

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) convened the Advisory Committee on Educational Outcome Assessment in 2007–2008 to identify high-quality assessment methods. The assessments selected by this body would form a core set that could be used by all programs in a specialty to assess resident performance and enable initial steps toward establishing national specialty databases of program performance. The committee identified a small set of methods for provisional use and further evaluation. It also developed frameworks and processes to support the ongoing evaluation of methods and the longer-term enhancement of assessment in graduate medical education.

Outcome

The committee constructed a set of standards, a methodology for applying the standards, and grading rules for their review of assessment method quality. It developed a simple report card for displaying grades on each standard and an overall grade for each method reviewed. It also described an assessment system of factors that influence assessment quality. The committee proposed a coordinated, national-level infrastructure to support enhancements to assessment, including method development and assessor training. It recommended the establishment of a new assessment review group to continue its work of evaluating assessment methods. The committee delivered a report summarizing its activities and 5 related recommendations for implementation to the ACGME Board in September 2008.
Evaluating Professionalism and Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Implementing a 360-Degree Evaluation Instrument in an Anesthesiology Residency Program
Authors: Meng Li , Metro David G. , Patel Rita M.
Published: December 2009

Objectives

To implement a 360-degree resident evaluation instrument on the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) rotation and to determine the reliability, feasibility, and validity of this tool for assessing residents' professionalism and interpersonal and communication skills.

Methods

Thirteen areas of evaluation were selected to assess the professionalism and interpersonal and communication skills of residents during their PACU rotation. Each area was measured on a 9-point Likert scale (1, unsatisfactory performance, to 9, outstanding performance). Rating forms were distributed to raters after the completion of the PACU rotation. Raters included PACU nurses, secretarial staff, nurse aides, and medical technicians. Residents were aware of the 360-degree assessment and participated voluntarily. The multiple raters' evaluations were then compared with those of the traditional faculty. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to measure the reliability of ratings within each category of raters by the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

Four hundred twenty-nine rating forms were returned during the study period. Fifteen residents were evaluated. The response rate was 88%. Residents were ranked highest on availability and lowest on management skill. The average rating across all areas was high (8.23). The average mean rating across all items from PACU nurses was higher (8.34) than from secretarial staff (7.99, P > .08). The highest ranked resident ranked high with all raters and the lowest ranked was low with most raters. The intraclass coefficients of correlations were 0.8719, 0.7860, 0.8268, and 0.8575.

Conclusions

This type of resident assessment tool may be useful for PACU rotations. It appears to correlate with traditional faculty ratings, is feasible to use, and provides formative feedback to residents regarding their professionalism and interpersonal and communication skills.