bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Francisco Adolfo de Varnhagen e a negação do indianismo romântico
Authors: Oliveira Laura Nogueira
Published: June 2015

Este artigo, a partir da análise de textos de Francisco Adolfo de Varnhagen, visconde de Porto Seguro, demonstra como e por que esse autor passou de uma perspectiva favorável em relação ao indianismo romântico a sua negação como o fundamento de consolidação da literatura nacional brasileira. Em um momento no qual o indianismo ganhava amplo apoio e concretizava as aspirações dos críticos no sentido de se dar início à produção de uma literatura nacional, Varnhagen era uma voz discordante entre os indianistas. Para ele, o indianismo não era apenas um erro, mas uma verdadeira ameaça à nacionalidade brasileira, pois colocava em dúvida a validade de toda a obra colonizadora e civilizadora portuguesa e era um empecilho à constituição de uma nação branca europeizada.
Darcy Ribeiro
Authors: Coelho Haydee Ribeiro
Published: June 2015

Para enfocar a questão indígena, representação literária e suas múltiplas interfaces a partir de alguns textos de Darcy Ribeiro, situo primeiramente o indianismo, como tema literário, com base no ensaio de Walnice Nogueira Galvão que retorna a este aspecto, tendo em vista a publicação de Maíra em 1976. Em seguida, remeto a outros estudos e ressalto que, antes de publicar seu primeiro romance, Darcy Ribeiro produziu uma importante, extensa e complexa obra antropológica da qual saliento Os índios e a civilização. Maíra, ao apresentar visões diferenciadas sobre os índios a partir de si mesmos e dos brancos civilizados, possibilita o diálogo com uma gama variada de textos históricos e antropológicos como A fundação do Brasil, livro organizado por Darcy Ribeiro e Carlos de Araújo Moreira Neto e, ainda, O povo brasileiro: a formação e o sentido do Brasil, com destaque para o capítulo “Enfrentamento dos mundos”. Em Diários índios, Darcy Ribeiro narra, de forma cronológica, sua viagem ao norte do país, para “estudar os descendentes dos velhos Tupinambá”, o que propiciou focalizar o contato do antropólogo com os índios e o olhar destes para a escrita do branco sobre eles. A abrangência de Diários índios implicou um destaque para aspectos mais gerais do livro.
Conectados pela ficção
Authors: Abreu Márcia
Published: June 2015

Este artigo tem por propósito apresentar e analisar as conexões culturais estabelecidas entre a Europa e o Brasil por meio da leitura de romances em circulação na primeira metade do século XIX e discutir o impacto que a consideração do gosto dos leitores pode ter para a historiografia literária. Para tanto, o texto se divide em três partes. Na primeira, apresentam-se dados sobre o comércio e leitura de livros no Rio de Janeiro e em Paris, a fim de dar a conhecer os romances que despertaram maior interesse nesses lugares. Na segunda, tecem-se considerações sobre a maneira pela qual os letrados receberam os romances na Europa e no Brasil na primeira metade do século XIX. Na terceira e última parte discutem-se as consequências que o conhecimento das preferências dos leitores e dos modos de avaliação da crítica podem ter para a história da literatura.
Luzia-Homem
Authors: Cara Salete de Almeida
Published: June 2015

A análise de Luzia-Homem, de Domingos Olímpio, mostra como o romance respondeu às determinações da forma social objetiva do seu tempo, e deu a ver, a contrapelo da própria prosa, problemas que escapavam ao escritor e ao narrador ficcional que ele construiu.
Grande sertão: veredas e a impossibilidade de fixação do sentido das coisas e da linguagem
Authors: Soares Claudia Campos
Published: June 2015

Este estudo faz reflexões sobre a composição fragmentada da narrativa em Grande sertão: veredas, de Guimarães Rosa, associando-a à impossibilidade de fixação do sentido das coisas e da linguagem. Essa impossibilidade manifesta-se também nas relações amorosas de Riobaldo, das quais trata a parte final do texto.
Formas do conto romântico no Brasil
Authors: Boechat Maria Cecilia
Published: June 2015

Análise da narrativa “Carlotinha da mangueira”, de autoria do poeta maranhense Gentil Homem de Almeida Braga, tendo em vista o uso de procedimentos poéticos. O breve comentário visa, ainda, a indicar a possibilidade de reconhecimento da existência de uma tradição propriamente romântica na história do conto moderno brasileiro.
João Ternura e Macunaíma
Authors: Teixeira Marcos Vinicius
Published: June 2015

O propósito deste artigo é investigar as possíveis relações entre os livros João Ternura, de Aníbal Machado, e Macunaíma, de Mário de Andrade. Vários episódios e temas de João Ternura dialogam, cada um a seu modo, com o romance-rapsódia de Mário, dentre os quais: o primitivismo do reino de Bubuia; os discursos proferidos pelos personagens; e o símbolo da pedra.
Ut pictura poesis
Authors: Cavalcanti Luciano Marcos Dias
Published: June 2015

Um ponto marcante em A vida passada a limpo, de Carlos Drummond de Andrade, refere-se à estreita relação do poeta com as artes plásticas. Drummond foi amigo de vários artistas plásticos modernistas, alguns homenageados por ele em seu livro, como Santa Rosa (“A um morto na Índia”), Di Cavalcanti (“Pacto”) e Goeldi (“A Goeldi”). Neste último, Drummond encontra ampla afinidade com sua própria obra poética. Este artigo pretende realizar um estudo comparativo entre o referido poema e as xilogravuras de Oswaldo Goeldi por meio de uma possível relação homológica entre as obras dos dois artistas.
Bárbara bela
Authors: Miranda José Américo
Published: June 2015

Este artigo analisa o poema 21 (classificação de Rodrigues Lapa) do poeta árcade Alvarenga Peixoto, mais conhecido por seu primeiro verso – “Bárbara bela”. Além de um estudo da estrutura do poema, o texto avalia a pertinência da compreensão do poema durante o Romantismo em relação à sua significação mais importante: a de que a separação entre o poeta e sua Bárbara será irreversível.
quadrado e a espiral
Authors: Soares Lúcia Maria Quadros
Published: June 2015

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Comunicação: o verso e o inverso
Authors: Walty Ivete Lara Camargos , Campos Maria Helena Rabelo
Published: June 2015

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O espelho e o espelhado na literatura brasileira
Authors: Almeida Ana Maria De
Published: June 2015

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Singular e anônimo
Authors: Santiago Silviano
Published: June 2015

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Nos trilhos da memória (uma leitura da obra de Fernando Gabeira)
Authors: Figueiredo Vera Follain de
Published: June 2015

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Memória, antropofagia e carnaval
Authors: Lopes Júnior Francisco Caetano
Published: June 2015

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Fios da memória
Authors: Miranda Wander Melo
Published: June 2015

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Auto-retrato retocado - em torno de Minha Formação de J. Nabuco
Authors: Cardoso Marília Rothier
Published: June 2015

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Nísia Floresta e Mary Woolstonecraft: diálogo ou apropriação?
Authors: Duarte Constância Lima
Published: June 2015

Um artigo do caderno mais!, do Jornal Folha de São Paulo (de 10/09/1995), contendo acusações a Nísia Floresta Brasileira Augusta (1810-1885) de haver plagiado escritores europeus em seu livro Direitos das Mulheres e injustiça dos homens (Recife, 1832), é tomado como uma provocação para o presente ensaio. Apesar de reconhecer méritos no artigo, como, por exemplo, a descoberta de outros pensadores que Nísia Floresta leu e assimilou em seu trabalho, discordo do posicionamento assumido pela articulista e considero oportuno o debate em torno de conceitos como “plágio” e “apropriação”, entre outros, principalmente pelo equívoco de se tentar ler e julgar hoje, a partir de uma perspectiva redutora e ingênua, algo que foi escrito há cerca de 160 anos, naturalmente submetido a outros parâmetros, conceitos e procedimentos intelectuais.
Wilton Cardoso, o professor e o cidadão
Authors: Leão Ângela Vaz
Published: June 2015

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O sertanejo de Wells em Euclides da Cunha
Authors: Ávila Myriam
Published: June 2015

O artigo propõe uma aproximação entre o sertanejo descrito porEuclides da Cunha em Os sertões e aquele representado pelo viajanteinglês James Wells em Três mil milhas através do Brasil. Partindo dapremissa de que Euclides conhecia a obra do engenheiro inglês, publicadaem 1876, apresenta-se a imagem euclideana do sertanejo como uma“resposta” ao texto de Wells.
Memórias do século 20
Authors: Orlando José Antônio
Published: June 2015

Este ensaio propõe reflexões sobre o discurso memorialista entreescritores modernistas mineiros, destacando aspectos narrativos econceituais em “Boitempo A falta que ama”, de Carlos Drummond deAndrade, que evidencia sua condição poética através do que reúne, porprocesso de aglutinação de palavras, a partir do título: nostalgia em noçõesfiguradas de ruminação e memória.
Reflexões de Silviano Santiago a partir de Em liberdade
Authors: Cheola Maria Laura van Boekel
Published: June 2015

Entrevista
A figura literária do soter em Os Sertões
Authors: Cambeiro Délia
Published: June 2015

Este artigo visa a analisar de que modo se construiu a figuraliterária de Antônio Vicente Mendes Maciel – o Conselheiro. No diálogodo texto com o contexto, analisam-se passagens de Os sertões, de Euclidesda Cunha, obra revista pela crítica de Ataliba Nogueira e de RobertoVentura. Utilizou-se uma leitura baseada na categoria sagrado, além doapoio teórico de Pierre Brunel, para concluir-se que na metamorfose doConselheiro permanece a figura do soter.
Entre a bondade natural e o discurso ilustrado: o índio em O Uraguai, de Basílio da Gama
Authors: Bastos Alcmeno
Published: June 2015

Em O Uraguai, de Basílio da Gama, a representação do índiodivide-se entre a idealização que pretende ver nele o bom selvagem euma outra, que o eleva à condição de oponente ilustrado do herói dopoema. O poema não é exemplo de exaltação da brasilidade, pois oelemento nativo é derrotado pelas armas e pela razão do europeu, mas osatributos positivos do índio e o deslocamento da condição negativa deantagonista para os padres jesuítas permite vê-lo como antecipador doindianismo romântico.
O vôo do olhar e a cena melancólica em Sérgio Sant’Anna
Authors: Dias Angela Maria
Published: June 2015

O princípio de crueldade é tomado como constante na produçãoartística brasileira contemporânea, na medida em que se exerce entre aviolência obscena e a conivência com o “bovarismo” da imagem, típicoda educação sentimental das massas. Na atual sociabilidade urbana,modelada pela injunção tecnomidiática, a dinâmica de uma convivênciahostil e estranhada produz e promove, como bens de consumo, algunsolhares possíveis sobre a alteridade: o propriamente cruel, o exótico e omelancólico. Visando a discussão da última modalidade, apresentamosa interpretação da mais recente obra de Sérgio Sant’Anna, O vôo damadrugada.
Cartas em foco: Clarice Lispector e o teatro
Authors: Gomes André Luís
Published: June 2015

O presente artigo procura analisar as correspondências de ClariceLispector, destacando o envolvimento da escritora com o teatro através desuas apreciações sobre a arte dramática e o interesse pelo panoramateatral da época. Apresentamos, ainda, um artigo jornalístico – inéditoem livro – em que Clarice Lispector comenta a encenação da peça J.B., dopoeta Archibald Mac Leish, sucesso de crítica e de público na Broadway,em 1958.
Thank you and looking forward
Authors: Gregory Mark A
Published: June 2015

On behalf of the Editorial Board, authors and readers of the Journal, the recently appointed Managing Editor Mark Gregory thanks the outgoing Managing Editor Peter Gerrand for his leadership, scholarly editing and hard work over the past 21 years.
Remote assessment of locally important ecological features across landscapes: how representative of reality?
Authors: Willis Katherine J. , Seddon Alistair W. R. , Long Peter R. , Jeffers Elizabeth S. , Caithness Neil , Thurston Milo , Smit Mathijs G. D. , Hagemann Randi , Macias-Fauria Marc
Published: June 2015

The local ecological footprinting tool (LEFT) uses globally available databases, modeling, and algorithms to remotely assess locally important ecological features across landscapes based on five criteria: biodiversity (beta‐diversity), vulnerability (threatened species), fragmentation, connectivity, and resilience. This approach can be applied to terrestrial landscapes at a 300‐m resolution within a given target area. Input is minimal (latitude and longitude) and output is a computer‐generated report and series of maps that both individually and synthetically depict the relative value of each ecological criteria. A key question for any such tool, however, is how representative is the remotely obtained output compared to what is on the ground. Here, we present the results from comparing remotely‐ vs. field‐generated outputs from the LEFT tool on two distinct study areas for beta‐diversity and distribution of threatened species (vulnerability), the two fields computed by LEFT for which such an approach is feasible. The comparison method consists of a multivariate measure of similarity between two fields based on discrete wavelet transforms, and reveals consistent agreement across a wide range of spatial scales. These results suggest that remote assessment tools such as LEFT hold great potential for determining key ecological features across landscapes and for being utilized in preplanning biodiversity assessment tools.
Aboveground vertebrate and invertebrate herbivore impact on net N mineralization in subalpine grasslands
Authors: Risch Anita C. , Schütz Martin , Vandegehuchte Martijn L. , van der Putten Wim H. , Duyts Henk , Raschein Ursina , Gwiazdowicz Dariusz J. , Busse Matt D. , Page-Dumroese Deborah S. , Zimmermann Stephan
Published: June 2015

Aboveground herbivores have strong effects on grassland nitrogen (N) cycling. They can accelerate or slow down soil net N mineralization depending on ecosystem productivity and grazing intensity. Yet, most studies only consider either ungulates or invertebrate herbivores, but not the combined effect of several functionally different vertebrate and invertebrate herbivore species or guilds. We assessed how a diverse herbivore community affects net N mineralization in subalpine grasslands. By using size‐selective fences, we progressively excluded large, medium, and small mammals, as well as invertebrates from two vegetation types, and assessed how the exclosure types (ET) affected net N mineralization. The two vegetation types differed in long‐term management (centuries), forage quality, and grazing history and intensity. To gain a more mechanistic understanding of how herbivores affect net N mineralization, we linked mineralization to soil abiotic (temperature; moisture; NO3−, NH4+, and total inorganic N concentrations/pools; C, N, P concentrations; pH; bulk density), soil biotic (microbial biomass; abundance of collembolans, mites, and nematodes) and plant (shoot and root biomass; consumption; plant C, N, and fiber content; plant N pool) properties.

Net N mineralization differed between ET, but not between vegetation types. Thus, short‐term changes in herbivore community composition and, therefore, in grazing intensity had a stronger effect on net N mineralization than long‐term management and grazing history. We found highest N mineralization values when only invertebrates were present, suggesting that mammals had a negative effect on net N mineralization. Of the variables included in our analyses, only mite abundance and aboveground plant biomass explained variation in net N mineralization among ET. Abundances of both mites and leaf‐sucking invertebrates were positively correlated with aboveground plant biomass, and biomass increased with progressive exclusion. The negative impact of mammals on net N mineralization may be related partially to (1) differences in the amount of plant material (litter) returned to the belowground subsystem, which induced a positive bottom‐up effect on mite abundance, and (2) alterations in the amount and/or distribution of dung, urine, and food waste. Thus, our results clearly show that short‐term alterations of the aboveground herbivore community can strongly impact nutrient cycling within ecosystems independent of long‐term management and grazing history.
Timing of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application for Annual Ryegrass Overseeded into Unimproved Perennial Warm‐season Pasture
Authors: Bartholomew P. W.
Published: June 2015

Successful production of herbage by cool‐season forage grasses in the southern Plains is heavily dependent on a sufficient supply of available nitrogen (N), and appropriate scheduling of N application is an important component of cost‐effective fertilizer use. The effects of different combinations of fall, early‐spring, and late‐spring increments of 22.3 lb N/acre on herbage dry matter (DM) and N yields of annual (Italian) ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) were tested over 3 yr. Fall N application had minimal effect on ryegrass establishment, measured in plant or tiller counts in the following spring. Application of N in fall did not produce harvestable herbage DM in fall and provided significant increase in DM yield in the following spring in only one year out of three. Early‐spring N application produced significant yield increase in two out of three years and provided a mean yield response of 17.2 lb DM/lb N applied. Application of N for regrowth after initial ryegrass harvest in early May produced a mean yield increment of 6.7 lb DM/lb N applied. There was no residual effect of fall or spring N application on warm‐season grass production. Limited N supply (<89 lb N/acre) is likely to be most efficiently used when applied at the beginning of the spring growing season.
Suitability of Legume Cover Crop Mixtures in Central South Dakota for Late‐season Forage
Authors: Hansen Matthew J. , Owens Vance N. , Beck Dwayne , Sexton Peter
Published: June 2015

Cover crops provide many agronomic benefits and can be a useful forage resource. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) suitable forages based on yield and quality; and (ii) changes in feed value and yield of these crops through the late fall. Six legume cover crop mixtures, consisting mainly of chickling vetch (Lathyrus sativus L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), and rape (Brassica napus L.), were planted at Dakota Lakes Research Farm after winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) harvest in 2010 and 2011 and were sampled at three fall dates, approximately 1 October, 1 November, and 1 December, to determine changes in yield and quality. Due to poor emergence of rape in 2010 all the mixtures had similar yields and quality values. Emergence of rape in 2011 decreased fiber and protein concentrations of the mixtures it was in. Yields for the mixtures ranged from 933 to 4590 kg ha−1 over the two years, with yields increasing after the first harvest date both years. Crude protein concentrations ranged from 113 to 270 g kg−1 for all treatments. All mixtures showed good forage potential, with some fiber supplementation needed in 2011 due to the high amounts of rape present in some mixtures.
Forage Yield and Quality, Water Use, and Weeds of Selected Winter Cereals
Authors: Lenssen Andrew W. , Cash S. Dennis , Carlstrom Ron D.
Published: June 2015

Fall‐seeded cereals harvested as forage may be suitable rotation crops in the spring grain region of the northern Great Plains (NGP). A 3‐year field study was conducted to determine the biomass, forage quality, weed community, and water use dynamics of cereals grown for forage with or without post‐emergence broadleaf weed control. Fall‐seeded cereals were ‘Willow Creek’ awnletted winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), ‘Yellowstone’ awned winter wheat, and ‘Bobcat’ awnletted triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.). ‘Hays’ hooded barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was included as a spring‐planted control. Willow Creek had greater biomass yield than other fall‐seeded cereals, ranging from 4265 to 8435 lb/acre dry matter. Hays barley and Willow Creek had similar forage yield for 2 years, but Hays was the lowest yielding entry in 1 year. Water use (WU) and water use efficiency (WUE) were higher for Willow Creek than Yellowstone or Bobcat, while WU and WUE of Hays were intermediate to fall cereal entries. All entries had acceptable levels of crude protein and fiber for beef cattle maintenance diets. Willow Creek had the lowest crude protein concentration all three years despite harvesting entries at similar maturity. Weed biomass varied with cereal entry × year, but never exceeded 8% of total biomass for fall‐seeded cereals. In the absence of postemergence weed control, weed seed production was low with all entries. Fall‐seeded cereal forages are well adapted to the spring‐seeded cereal region of the semiarid NGP.
First Report of the Invasive Crane Fly, Tipula oleracea, Associated with Turfgrass in Utah
Authors: Van Dyke Adam , Ramirez Ricardo A. , McGraw Benjamin A.
Published: June 2015

This is the first report of Tipula oleracea L. (the common crane fly, also marsh crane fly) in Utah. Tipulid larvae were collected from a putting green in Tooele County in fall 2012. Pupal exuvia and adult crane flies were seen flying on golf courses in Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties in 2013, but adults were not captured or identified as the exotic species until fall 2014. The detection of T. oleracea in Utah is somewhat surprising, given the species’ association with moist environments. A statewide survey is needed to better understand the spread and potential impact of T. oleracea on the turfgrass industry in Utah and the surrounding Intermountain West region.
Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the water environment and their removal in a water treatment process
Authors: Pramanik Biplob Kumar
Published: June 2015

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are found in aquatic environments worldwide. The presence of these compounds in the water environment is still unclear, even though direct or indirect discharges of these compounds from industries to the aquatic environment are the potential routes. In this paper, PFOA and PFOS contamination of aquatic ecosystems, and their removal efficiency by different water treatment processes are reviewed. Typically, PFOS and PFOA contamination levels are higher in industrialized countries than in non-industrial countries. Coagulation, sand filtration, sedimentation, oxidation and disinfection are mostly ineffective in removing PFASs from drinking and wastewater. Granular activated carbon demonstrated the removal of PFASs and the extent of removal depends on operational conditions, such as temperature, operational life period and empty bed contact time. High-pressure membrane systems are the most suitable processes for removing the PFOS and PFOA in water sources. In the high-pressure membrane, removal of those chemicals occurs through rejection via electrostatic interaction. The extent of the reduction efficiency depends on the solution chemistry of the sample; lower pH and higher calcium ion addition in the water sample enhance the reduction efficiency in the high-pressure membrane application.
A pilot study on suspended activated sludge process augmented with immobilized biomass for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification
Authors: Chen Haon-Yao , Andy Hong Pui-Kwan , Yang Ping-Yi , Kwang Ng Kok , Yang Sheng-Fu , Lee Chien-Hsien , Lin Cheng-Fang
Published: June 2015

Concurrent nitrification and denitrification (CND) are natural phenomena in the soil environment that can be applied in wastewater treatment for enhanced total nitrogen removal. However, significant renovation is necessary for existing plants to equip them for nutrient removal. At a domestic wastewater treatment plant, we performed a pilot test by installing bioplates with entrapped biomass in a conventional aeration basin for CND, and investigated the effects of bioplate packing ratio (PR), hydraulic retention time (HRT), dissolved oxygen (DO) level, on/off aeration mode, and supplemental carbon and alkalinity on nitrogen removal. With the pilot aeration basin of 1.3 m3 loaded with mixed liquor suspended solids of 1,500–2,500 mg/L and bioplates at PR of 3.2% (3.2% basin volume) operated at HRT of 6 h and DO of 4–6 mg/L without supplemental carbon or alkalinity, nitrogen in the wastewater was removed to an effluent total nitrogen (TN) of 7.3 mg/L from an influent TN of 28 mg/L, achieving a specific TN removal of 25 g TN/m2/d. The bioplate, consisting of modular, robust cellulose triacetate structure carrying the biomass, shows promise in retrofitting conventional aeration basins for enhanced nutrient removal.
Responsiveness and Minimal Clinically Important Change: A Comparison Between 2 Shoulder Outcome Measures
Authors: Christiansen David Høyrup , Frost Poul , Falla Deborah , Haahr Jens Peder , Frich Lars Henrik , Svendsen Susanne Wulff
Published: June 2015

Study Design

A prospective cohort study nested in a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives

To determine and compare responsiveness and minimal clinically important change of the modified Constant score (CS) and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS).

Background

The OSS and the CS are commonly used to assess shoulder outcomes. However, few studies have evaluated the measurement properties of the OSS and CS in terms of responsiveness and minimal clinically important change.

Methods

The study included 126 patients who reported having difficulty returning to usual activities 8 to 12 weeks after arthroscopic decompression surgery for subacromial impingement syndrome. The assessment at baseline and at 3 months included the OSS, the CS, and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-3 Level (EQ-5D-3L) index. Responsiveness was assessed as follows: by correlation analysis between the change scores of the OSS, CS, and EQ-5D-3L index, and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale; by receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using the PGIC scale as an external anchor; and by effect-size statistics.

Results

At 3 months, a follow-up assessment of 112 patients (89%) was conducted. The change scores of the CS and the OSS were more strongly correlated with the external anchor (PGIC scale) than the change score of the EQ-5D-3L index. The areas under the ROC curves exceeded 0.80 for both shoulder scores, with no significant differences between them, and comparable effect-size estimates were observed for the CS and the OSS. Minimal clinically important change ROC values were 6 points for the OSS and 11 points for the CS, with upper 95% cutoff limits of 12 and 22 points, respectively.

Conclusion

The CS and the OSS were both suitable for assessing improvement after decompression surgery. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(8):620–625. Epub 25 Jun 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5760
Baseline Examination Factors Associated With Clinical Improvement After Dry Needling in Individuals With Low Back Pain
Authors: Koppenhaver Shane L. , Walker Michael J. , Smith Ryan W. , Booker Jacquelynn M. , Walkup Isaac D. , Su Jonathan , Hebert Jeffrey J. , Flynn Timothy
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Quasi-experimental.

Objectives

To explore for associations between demographic, patient history, and physical examination variables and short-term improvement in self-reported disability following dry needling therapy performed on individuals with low back pain (LBP).

Background

Dry needling is an intervention used with increasing frequency in patients with LBP; however, the characteristics of patients who are most likely to respond are not known.

Methods

Seventy-two volunteers with mechanical LBP participated in the study. Potential prognostic factors were collected from baseline questionnaires, patient history, and physical examination tests. Treatment consisted of dry needling to the lumbar multifidus muscles bilaterally, administered during a single treatment session. Improvement was based on percent change on the Oswestry Disability Index at 1 week. The univariate and multivariate associations between 33 potential prognostic factors and improved disability were assessed with correlation coefficients and multivariate linear regression.

Results

Increased LBP with the multifidus lift test (rpb = 0.31, P = .01) or during passive hip flexion performed with the patient supine (rpb = 0.23, P = .06), as well as positive beliefs about acupuncture/dry needling (rho = 0.22, P = .07), demonstrated univariate associations with Oswestry Disability Index improvement. Aggravation of LBP with standing (rpb = −0.27, P = .03), presence of leg pain (rpb = −0.29, P = .02), and any perception of hypermobility in the lumbar spine (rpb = −0.21, P = .09) were associated with less improvement. The multivariate model identified 2 predictors of improved disability with dry needling: pain with the multifidus lift test and no aggravation with standing (R2 = 0.16, P = .01).

Conclusion

Increased LBP with the multifidus lift test was the strongest predictor of improved disability after dry needling, suggesting that the finding of pain during muscle contraction should be studied in future dry needling studies.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis, level 1b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(8):604–612. Epub 25 Jun 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5801
Atrophy of the Quadriceps Is Not Isolated to the Vastus Medialis Oblique in Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Giles Lachlan S. , Webster Kate E. , McClelland Jodie A. , Cook Jill
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Cross-sectional.

Objectives

To determine if quadriceps atrophy was present in people with patellofemoral pain (PFP), and whether the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) was selectively involved.

Background

Despite the lack of research investigating individual quadriceps muscle size in individuals with PFP, it has been suggested that selective atrophy of the VMO relative to the vastus lateralis could be associated with PFP.

Methods

The quadriceps muscle sizes of 35 participants with PFP (22 with unilateral and 13 with bilateral symptoms) and 35 asymptomatic control participants matched for age and sex were measured using real-time ultrasound. The thicknesses of the VMO, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius were measured. Paired-samples t tests were used to compare muscle thickness between limbs in those with unilateral PFP, and independent t tests were used to compare muscle thickness between groups with and without PFP.

Results

In those with unilateral PFP, the thickness of all portions of the quadriceps muscle was statistically smaller in the symptomatic compared to the asymptomatic limb: VMO (P = .038), vastus medialis (P<.001), vastus lateralis (P = .005), vastus intermedius (P = .013), and rectus femoris (P = .045). No difference was found in thickness of any of the portions of the quadriceps on the affected side of people with PFP compared to asymptomatic controls: VMO (P = .148), vastus medialis (P = .474), vastus lateralis (P = .122), vastus intermedius (P = .466), and rectus femoris (P = .508).

Conclusion

Atrophy of all portions of the quadriceps muscles is present in the affected limb of people with unilateral PFP. There was no atrophy of the quadriceps in individuals with PFP compared to those without pathology. Selective atrophy of the VMO relative to the vastus lateralis was not identified in people with PFP. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(8):613–619. Epub 25 Jun 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5852
Virtual Sensorimotor Balance Training for Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Feasibility Study
Authors: McCoy Sarah Westcott , Jirikowic Tracy , Price Robert , Ciol Marcia A. , Hsu Lin-Ya , Dellon Brian , Kartin Deborah
Published: June 2015

Background

Diminished sensory adaptation has been associated with poor balance control for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). A virtual reality system, Sensorimotor Training to Affect Balance, Engagement and Learning (STABEL), was developed to train sensory control for balance.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the STABEL system in children with FASD and children with typical development (TD) to (1) determine the feasibility of the STABEL system and (2) explore the immediate effects of the STABEL system on sensory attention and postural control.

Design

This is a technical report with observational study data.

Methods

Eleven children with FASD and 11 children with TD, aged 8 to 16 years, completed 30 minutes of STABEL training. The children answered questions about their experience using STABEL. Sensory attention and postural control were measured pre- and post-STABEL training with the Multimodal Balance Entrainment Response system and compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results

All children engaged in game play and tolerated controlled sensory input during the STABEL protocol. Immediate effects post-STABEL training in both groups were increased postural sway velocity and some changes in entrainment gain. Children with FASD showed higher entrainment gain to vestibular stimuli. There were no significant changes in sensory attention fractions.

Limitations

The small sample size, dose of STABEL training, and exploratory statistical analyses are study limitations, but findings warrant larger systematic study to examine therapeutic effects.

Conclusions

Children completed the training protocol, demonstrating the feasibility of the STABEL system. Differences in postural sway velocity post-STABEL training may have been affected by fatigue, warranting further investigation. Limited immediate effects suggest more practice is needed to affect sensory attention; however, entrainment gain changes suggest the STABEL system provoked vestibular responses during balance practice.
Design of an efficient terahertz wave source from a GaP waveguide embedded in a silicon slot waveguide
Authors: Saito K. , Tanabe T. , Oyama Y.
Published: June 2015

Here, we propose an efficient scheme for terahertz (THz) wave generation on the basis of difference frequency mixing (DFM) using a GaP ridge waveguide embedded in a silicon slot waveguide. Phase matching in the DFM process, between the nonlinear polarisation wave induced by two near-infrared pumps and the generated THz wave in the low-refractive-index slot waveguide, was achieved by utilizing the modal birefringence of the fundamental transverse electric- and transverse magnetic-like modes at telecom wavelengths in the GaP ridge waveguide. The effective cross-sectional area of the THz wave in the waveguide was small, 220 μm2 at 2.26 THz, resulting in a photon conversion efficiency of 5.7 × 10-2%. The THz output power approached the multi-μW level using the proposed waveguide structure.
Equivalency of Paper Versus Tablet Computer Survey Data
Authors: Ravert Russell D. , Gomez-Scott Jessica , Donnellan M. Brent
Published: June 2015

Survey responses collected via paper surveys and computer tablets were compared to test for differences between those methods of obtaining self-report data. College students ( N = 258) were recruited in public campus locations and invited to complete identical surveys on either paper or iPad tablet. Only minor homogeneity differences were found between methods, whereas no significant differences were evident in terms of acceptance rates, proportion of missing data, words per text response, scale scores, or scale internal consistencies. Findings suggest that collecting data from students via computer tablet is a viable alternative to paper-based methods and results in similar psychometric survey properties.
Microvascular anatomy of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: arteriovenous connections and their relationships with the dura mater
Authors: Takai Keisuke , Komori Takashi , Taniguchi Makoto
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

The microvascular anatomy of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), especially the relationships of the vessels with the dura mater, has yet to be angiographically demonstrated in detail and proven histologically.

METHODS

From January 2012 through April 2014, a total of 7 patients with spinal dural AVFs in the thoracic region underwent open microsurgical obliteration at Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital. The microvascular anatomy of spinal dural AVFs was comprehensively assessed by using advanced microangiography, including 3D computer graphics and intraoperative indocyanine green video angiography, and by histological findings.

RESULTS

The 2 microangiography techniques revealed the spatial course and in vivo blood flow of the meningeal vessels and their relationships with the dura mater in sufficient detail. The meningeal branch of the intercostal artery split into multiple meningeal vessels on the outer dural surface adjacent to the root sleeve. After crossing the dura mater to the inner dural surface, these vessels gathered and joined a single intradural draining vessel. On the inner dural surface, the single draining vessel was fed by the surrounding multiple meningeal vessels, which appeared to be caput medusae.

Histological findings revealed that the structure of the meningeal branch of the intercostal artery corresponded to that of a normal artery. The structure of intradural draining vessels corresponded to that of a vein modified by retrograde arterial inflow. On the inner dural surface, more than 1 meningeal artery gathered and joined with the proximal radiculomedullary vein.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal dural AVFs are located on the inner dural surface, where multiple direct AV connections between more than 1 meningeal feeding artery and a single proximal radiculomedullary vein occur at the site where the vein connects to the dura mater.
Skull base chondrosarcoma radiosurgery: report of the North American Gamma Knife Consortium
Authors: Kano Hideyuki , Sheehan Jason , Sneed Penny K. , McBride Heyoung L. , Young Byron , Duma Christopher , Mathieu David , Seymour Zachary , McDermott Michael W. , Kondziolka Douglas , Iyer Aditya , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a potentially important option for patients with skull base chondrosarcomas. The object of this study was to analyze the outcomes of SRS for chondrosarcoma patients who underwent this treatment as a part of multimodality management.

METHODS

Seven participating centers of the North American Gamma Knife Consortium (NAGKC) identified 46 patients who underwent SRS for skull base chondrosarcomas. Thirty-six patients had previously undergone tumor resections and 5 had been treated with fractionated radiation therapy (RT). The median tumor volume was 8.0 cm3 (range 0.9–28.2 cm3), and the median margin dose was 15 Gy (range 10.5–20 Gy). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate progression-free and overall survival rates.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 75 months after SRS, 8 patients were dead. The actuarial overall survival after SRS was 89% at 3 years, 86% at 5 years, and 76% at 10 years. Local tumor progression occurred in 10 patients. The rate of progression-free survival (PFS) after SRS was 88% at 3 years, 85% at 5 years, and 70% at 10 years. Prior RT was significantly associated with shorter PFS. Eight patients required salvage resection, and 3 patients (7%) developed adverse radiation effects. Cranial nerve deficits improved in 22 (56%) of the 39 patients who deficits before SRS. Clinical improvement after SRS was noted in patients with abducens nerve paralysis (61%), oculomotor nerve paralysis (50%), lower cranial nerve dysfunction (50%), optic neuropathy (43%), facial neuropathy (38%), trochlear nerve paralysis (33%), trigeminal neuropathy (12%), and hearing loss (10%).

CONCLUSIONS

Stereotactic radiosurgery for skull base chondrosarcomas is an important adjuvant option for the treatment of these rare tumors, as part of a team approach that includes initial surgical removal of symptomatic larger tumors.
Edema following Gamma Knife radiosurgery for parasagittal and parafalcine meningiomas
Authors: Sheehan Jason P. , Lee Cheng-Chia , Xu Zhiyuan , Przybylowski Colin J. , Melmer Patrick D. , Schlesinger David
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been shown to offer a high probability of tumor control for Grade I meningiomas. However, SRS can sometimes incite edema or exacerbate preexisting edema around the targeted meningioma. The current study evaluates the incidence, timing, and degree of edema around parasagittal or parafalcine meningiomas following SRS.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of a prospectively maintained database of patients treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery at the University of Virginia Health System. All patients with WHO Grade I parafalcine or parasagittal meningiomas with at least 6 months of clinical follow-up were identified, resulting in 61 patients included in the study. The median radiographic follow-up was 28 months (range 6–158 months). Rates of new or worsening edema were quantitatively assessed using volumetric analysis; edema indices were computed as a function of time following radiosurgery. Statistical methods were used to identify favorable and unfavorable prognostic factors for new or worsening edema.

RESULTS

Progression-free survival at 2 and 5 years was 98% and 90%, respectively, according to Kaplan-Meier analysis. After SRS, new peritumoral edema occurred or preexisting edema worsened in 40% of treated meningiomas. The median time to onset of peak edema was 36 months post-SRS. Persistent and progressive edema was associated with 11 tumors, and resection was undertaken for these lesions. However, 20 patients showed initial edema progression followed by regression at a median of 18 months after radiosurgery (range 6–24 months). Initial tumor volume greater than 10 cm3, absence of prior resection, and higher margin dose were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with increased risk of new or progressive edema after SRS.

CONCLUSIONS

Stereotactic radiosurgery offers a high rate of tumor control in patients with parasagittal or parafalcine meningiomas. However, it can lead to worsening peritumoral edema in a minority of patients. Following radiosurgery, transient edema occurs earlier than persistent and progressive edema. Longitudinal follow-up of meningioma patients after SRS is required to detect and appropriately treat transient as well as progressive edema.
Surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the United States from 1997 to 2012: an analysis of 20, 346 patients
Authors: Vigneswaran Hari T. , Grabel Zachary J. , Eberson Craig P. , Palumbo Mark A. , Daniels Alan H.
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can cause substantial morbidity and may require surgical intervention. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate US trends in operative AIS as well as patient comorbidities, operative approach, in-hospital complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges in the US for the period from 1997 to 2012.

METHODS

Patients with AIS (ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes 737.30) who had undergone spinal fusion (ICD-9-CM procedure codes 81.xx) from 1997 to 2012 were identified from the Kids' Inpatient Database. Parameters of interest included patient comorbidities, operative approach (posterior, anterior, or combined anteroposterior), in-hospital complications, hospital LOS, and hospital charges.

RESULTS

The authors identified 20, 346 patients in the age range of 0–21 years who had been admitted for AIS surgery in the defined study period. Posterior fusions composed 63.4% of procedures in 1997 and 94.1% in 2012 (r = 0.95, p < 0.01). The mean number of comorbidities among all fusion groups increased from 3.0 in 1997 to 4.2 in 2012 (r = 0.92, p = 0.01). The percentage of patients with complications increased from 15.6% in 1997 to 22.3% in 2012 (r = 0.78, p = 0.07). The average hospital LOS decreased from 6.5 days in 1997 to 5.6 days in 2012 (r = -0.86, p = 0.03). From 1997 to 2012, the mean hospital charges (adjusted to 2012 US dollars) for surgical treatment of AIS more than tripled from $55,495 in 1997 to $177,176 in 2012 (r = 0.99, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the 15-year period considered in this study, there was an increasing trend toward using posterior-based techniques for AIS corrective surgery. The number of comorbid conditions per patient and thus the medical complexity of patients treated for AIS have increased. The mean charges for the treatment of AIS have increased, with a national bill over $1.1 billion per year in 2012.
Transient aphasias after left hemisphere resective surgery
Authors: Wilson Stephen M. , Lam Daniel , Babiak Miranda C. , Perry David W. , Shih Tina , Hess Christopher P. , Berger Mitchel S. , Chang Edward F.
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Transient aphasias are often observed in the first few days after a patient has undergone resection in the language-dominant hemisphere. The aims of this prospective study were to characterize the incidence and nature of these aphasias and to determine whether there are relationships between location of the surgical site and deficits in specific language domains.

METHODS

One hundred ten patients undergoing resection to the language-dominant hemisphere participated in the study. Language was evaluated prior to surgery and 2–3 days and 1 month postsurgery using the Western Aphasia Battery and the Boston Naming Test. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping was used to identify relationships between the surgical site location assessed on MRI and deficits in fluency, information content, comprehension, repetition, and naming.

RESULTS

Seventy-one percent of patients were classified as aphasic based on the Western Aphasia Battery 2–3 days postsurgery, with deficits observed in each of the language domains examined. Fluency deficits were associated with resection of the precentral gyrus and adjacent inferior frontal cortex. Reduced information content of spoken output was associated with resection of the ventral precentral gyrus and posterior inferior frontal gyrus (pars opercularis). Repetition deficits were associated with resection of the posterior superior temporal gyrus. Naming deficits were associated with resection of the ventral temporal cortex, with midtemporal and posterior temporal damage more predictive of naming deficits than anterior temporal damage. By 1 month postsurgery, nearly all language deficits were resolved, and no language measure except for naming differed significantly from its presurgical level.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that transient aphasias are very common after left hemisphere resective surgery and that the precise nature of the aphasia depends on the specific location of the surgical site. The patient cohort in this study provides a unique window into the neural basis of language because resections are discrete, their locations are not limited by vascular distribution or patterns of neurodegeneration, and language can be studied prior to substantial reorganization.