bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Programa de ejercicio estructurado es viable y mejora la capacidad funcional en adultos mayores en Puerto Rico
Authors: Hernandez Soto Osvaldo J , Ramirez Marrero Farah A
Published: September 2014

La inactividad física es un factor de riesgo principal que afecta la salud y capacidad funcional en adultos mayores. En este estudio se evaluó la capacidad funcional en 22 adultos mayores en Puerto Rico (edad promedio ± desviación estándar = 73,3 ± 8,2 años) antes, durante y después de ocho semanas de participar en un programa de ejercicios estructurados. La capacidad funcional se evaluó mediante una batería de pruebas de campo (composición corporal, flexibilidad, coordinación, agilidad y balance, tolerancia muscular y tolerancia cardiorrespiratoria) validadas para esta población. Además, en una sub-muestra (n = 7) se midió la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria (VO2max) y los niveles de lípidos en sangre. Se utilizó una ANOVA con medidas repetidas para detectar cambios en la capacidad funcional antes, durante y después del programa. Con una t-pareada se evaluaron cambios en VO2max y lípidos antes y después del programa. La flexibilidad mejoró significativamente durante el programa (51,6 ± 12,2 vs. 57,7 ± 8,1 cm, p=0,04) y el cambio se sostuvo al final del programa (54,4 ± 10,2 cm). El tiempo en la prueba de agilidad y balance mejoró por dos segundos y la tolerancia muscular aumentó por cinco repeticiones al cabo de ocho semanas (p<0,05 en todos). No hubo cambios en la composición corporal, coordinación, VO2max y nivel de lípidos (p>0,05). Estos resultados sugieren que la participación en un programa de ejercicios estructurados por ocho semanas puede impactar positivamente aspectos que promueven la capacidad de movimiento en el adulto mayor.
O papel do agronegócio brasileiro no seu desenvolvimento econômico
Authors: Abbade Eduardo Botti
Published: September 2014

A agricultura brasileira tem alcançado altos níveis de produtividade, dando ao Brasil um destaque mundial como produtor de alimentos, e contribuindo significativamente para o seu desenvolvimento econômico. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o impacto da agricultura brasileira em sua ascensão econômica. Foram coletados dados históricos sobre a economia ea agricultura brasileiras em agências oficiais (FAO e Nações Unidas). Foi delineado um modelo de referência tendo a área de cultivo, o nível de consumo de fertilizantes e investimentos de capital na agricultura como fatores preditores de produtividade agrícola. Ademais, a produtividade agrícola é analisada como fator antecedente do crescimento do PIB. O modelo foi estimado pelo método dos Mínimos Quadrados Ordinário usando séries temporais de 1975 a 2010. Evidências sugerem que os fatores de produção agrícola brasileiro têm um impacto significativo na sua produtividade e, consequentemente, no crescimento do seu PIB. Além disso, o investimento de capital é considerado a variável com maior impacto sobre a produtividade agrícola no Brasil, seguido pelo consumo de fertilizantes. A área de cultivo, uma vez que não apresentou mudança drástica no período considerado, não mostrou um forte impacto sobre a produtividade.Palavras-chave: Agronegócio. Econometria. Milagre Brasileiro. EficiênciaAgrícola. Fatores de Produção.
Aduana do Brasil e competitividade: uma comparação em termos de eficiência relativa
Authors: Morini Cristiano , Barassa Edgar , Maurício Matheus Pereira Garuti , Moretti Antonio Carlos , Sá Porto Paulo Costacurta
Published: September 2014

Este artigo aborda questões relativas à competitividade internacional, com ênfase na administração aduaneira (aduana), com abordagem conceitual e aplicada. Com base nos conceitos de competitividade e administração aduaneira, o artigo apresenta o posicionamento competitivo relativo da aduana brasileira frente às aduanas mais eficientes, via metodologia do Data EnvelopmentAnalysis (DEA). Não há estudos semelhantes no Brasil sobre a área aduaneira. O software GNU Linear Programming Kit (GLPK) foi utilizado para a análise comparativa de unidades independentes. Como inputs, são considerados o posicionamento do Brasil em rankings de competitividade e o valor do produto interno bruto (PIB). Como output, o valor das importações e exportações. A análise dos resultados confirma a baixa eficiência do Brasil em termos comparativos com outras economias, considerando diferentes bases de dados. Dentre os motivos identificados para a relativa baixa posição competitiva, encontra-se a burocratização de procedimentos aduaneiros, que retira competitividade do Brasil em cadeias de suprimentos globais.Palavras-chave: DEA. Eficiência. Administração aduaneira. Comércio Internacional.
Planejamento das necessidades de materiais: ferramenta para a melhoria do planejamento e controle da produção
Authors: Guerra Rodrigo Marques de Almeida , Silva Milton Soares da , Tondolo Vilmar Antônio Gonçalves
Published: September 2014

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de identificar a importância do MRP (Planejamento das Necessidades de Materiais) para e eficiência operacional do Planejamento e Controle da Produção (PCP) a partir da implantação de uma ferramenta de MRP em uma empresa de médio porte do setor metal mecânico localizada na Serra Gaúcha no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul/RS. Para tanto, foram entrevistados três gestores da área de produção da empresa visando melhor percepção do funcionamento da ferramenta e das atividades realizadas pela área de PCP. A coleta de dados se deu por meio da aplicação de um roteiro de entrevista semi estruturada. No que tange à aplicação do MRP, buscou-se utilizar um modelo simples e de fácil entendimento, possibilitando identificar as contribuições da ferramenta para o PCP. Os resultados da pesquisa sugerem: i) agilidade para realização do cálculo das necessidades de materiais; ii) atendimento dos prazos de entrega dos produtos; iii) acuracidade dos estoques; iv) flexibilidade na (re)programação da produção; v) redução de custos; vi) minimização dos desperdícios; e vii) aumento da produtividade fabril.Palavras-chave: Empresa de Médio Porte. MRP. PCP. Setor Metal Mecânico.
[NO TITLE AVAILABLE]
Authors: Goularte Rodrigo da Silva
Published: September 2014

Este artigo trata das estratégias da Junta Provisória do Governo do Espírito Santo para promover a ocupação, ordenação e desenvolvimento da província nos anos de 1822 e 1823. Para sanar demandas que havia séculos grassavam na região, a junta mobilizou a elite e os segmentos por ela chamados de gente pobre. Essa mobilização expandiu os vínculos já existentes entre a política e a economia e fortaleceu hierarquias sociais existentes desde os tempos da colônia.
Speech Therapy where there are No Speech Therapists: The Task Force for the American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association
Authors: Scherer Nancy J. ,   For The “Speech Therapy Where There Are No Speech Therapists” Task Force
Published: September 2014

This paper describes the outcome of the 2013 American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association Task Force entitled “Speech Therapy Where There Are No Speech Therapists.” The membership and goals of the initial task force are presented. Survey methods, communication of the members, and meeting discussion of the task force at the 12th International Congress for Craniofacial Anomalies in Orlando, Florida, in May 2013 are described. Conclusions of the task force and recommendations for the future comprised four areas: organization and communication, protocols, service delivery models, and development of training programs/modules in speech-language pathology for craniofacial conditions.
Pushing toward Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) Patch Eradication: The Influence of Herbicide Treatment and Application Timing on Cogongrass Rhizome Elimination
Authors: Aulakh Jatinder S. , Enloe Stephen F. , Loewenstein Nancy J. , Price Andrew J. , Wehtje Glenn , Miller James H.
Published: September 2014

Cogongrass, an invasive grass native to Asia, has infested thousands of hectares in the southeastern United States. Although numerous studies have examined cogongrass control, no published studies, to our knowledge, have tested strategies for cogongrass eradication. Cogongrass has a persistent, thick rhizome mat but an ephemeral seedbank; therefore, successful eradication methods must largely focus on the rhizomes. A field study to evaluate specific herbicide treatments and application timings for cogongrass patch eradication was conducted at two locations in southwestern Alabama. Herbicide treatments included glyphosate at 4.48 kg ai ha−1, imazapyr at 0.84 kg ai ha−1, and a tank mix of glyphosate and imazapyr at the same rates. Treatments were applied in May, August, or October for 3 consecutive yr, and the May glyphosate treatment included a second annual application each October. Cogongrass visual control, shoot biomass, rhizome biomass, rhizome depth, and total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) content were sampled during the course of the study. Cogongrass response to treatments varied by location but by 36 mo after initial treatment (MAIT), complete elimination of cogongrass shoot and rhizome biomass and 100% visual control was achieved in several herbicide treatment–timing combinations at both locations. These included glyphosate plus imazapyr at any application timing, imazapyr in August or October, and glyphosate applied in May and October each year. TNC levels of surviving healthy rhizomes were not affected by herbicide treatments, but a seasonal pattern was observed. The maximum live-rhizome depth was not influenced by any treatment, indicating that herbicides were not preferentially leaving deeper, surviving rhizomes. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that the entire rhizome layer of cogongrass can be eliminated within 3 yr with multiple treatment options and that cogongrass patch eradication is possible for many land managers.
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Dispersal by European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
Authors: Edwards Ryan J. , Clark Larry C. , Beck K. George
Published: September 2014

Studies were conducted to document that European starlings consume Russian olive fruits and determine subsequent effects on seed germination. In the first study, avian feeding patterns at Russian olive trees were monitored over a 1-yr period using motion activated digital photography. Starlings fed on Russian olive fruits with highest activity occurring in November and December. In a second study, 20 captive European starlings were fed Russian olive fruits and seed germination rates were determined for three categories: consumed by starlings, hulled fruits (pericarp removed), and whole fruits. Starlings readily consumed Russian olive fruits and most seeds were regurgitated 30 min after consumption. Germination rates of ingested/regurgitated seeds (57%) and pericarp-removed seeds (40%) were greater than whole fruits (0%). Viability tests confirmed that 85% of starling ingested seeds remained viable after consumption. Our data suggest that Russian olive dispersal may be dependent upon animals for effective spread.
Evolution of grain grading and characteristics in repeatedly reconstituted assemblages subject to one-dimensional compression
Authors: Yan W. M. , Shi Y.
Published: September 2014

One-dimensional compression tests were carried out on repeatedly reconstituted assemblages that were uniformly graded prior to the first compression. Four stress levels were adapted to observe the interplay among grain shapes and grading, overburden stress and the number of remouldings. It was found that a stable limiting grading can be obtained after several loadings on repeatedly remoulded specimens. The position of this limiting grading is a function of the stress level. The evolution of grain shape with remoulding was found to depend on the magnitude of the applied stress. The grading with a fractal dimension of 2·65 can only be achieved by loading the repeatedly reconstituted specimen at an elevated stress. Stable shape characteristics of the grains were observed at the fractal grading. The amount of breakage of an assemblage is described by the relative breakage Br and the evolution of Br of the virgin compressed and repeatedly compressed specimens with stress is discussed.
A new approach for studying the load–displacement characteristics of rammed aggregate piers
Authors: Sasar Mohammadhasan , Pak Ali , Dashtara Sadegh
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates the load–displacement characteristics of rammed aggregate piers (RAPs) by applying the innovative idea of simulating the ramming procedure of the aggregates as a fully dynamic process. High radial stresses, induced by ramming, play an important role in the load–settlement behaviour of RAPs. Previously, two simplifying assumptions have been used for considering the effects of ramming in the numerical simulations of RAPs by researchers: (a) prescribed displacement of the cavity wall, and (b) prescribed volumetric strain of the cavity. The dynamic method in this paper, which simulates the cavity expansion in separate lifts, offers a useful option for the analysis of the cases in which the exact amount of the increase of the cavity diameter is not known earlier such as for RAP design purposes or evaluation of a completed project installed on RAPs. A parametric study is conducted using this method to investigate the effects of various parameters such as embedment depth, decreased compaction energy and soil friction angle on the behaviour of RAPs. A simple design method is then provided along with the design charts based on the results of the parametric study.
Comparison between the coagulants surfactant modified bentonite, combination chitosan-natural bentonite and combination chitosan-modified bentonite for peat water treatment
Authors: Siti Nor Farhana Zakaria , Syafalni S. , Nastaein Qamaruz Zaman
Published: September 2014

Peat water is an abundant water resource in Asia, especially in rural areas. However, it is unsuitable to be used as a commercial water supply. Monitoring peat water characteristics at Beriah swamp, Perak, recorded colour (238 PtCo), turbidity (12.86 NTU), iron (0.89 mg/L), pH (4.8) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (27 mg/L) over the national limitation standards. In this study, surfactant modified bentonite (SMB) shows high removal of colour (95%), turbidity (97%) and iron (100%) from peat water, but not COD (almost non-removal). From the results obtained, treatment of peat water using a combination of chitosan-natural bentonite was more efficient by the resulting optimal removal for all parameters such as colour (78%), turbidity (89%), iron (90%) and COD (67%). Meanwhile, a combination of chitosan-SMB gave similar results as SMB alone; however, reducing the amount of pollutants used in combination was advantageous in this combination. The response surface method was applied and the optimal reaction between coagulant and sample due to pH, dosage and contact time was determined.
Synthetic organic polymer fouling in municipal wastewater reuse reverse osmosis
Authors: Ekowati Y. , Msuya M. , Salinas Rodriguez S. G. , Veenendaal G. , Schippers J. C. , Kennedy M. D.
Published: September 2014

A full scale waste water reuse plant suffered from irreversible fouling of the reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The major suspect of fouling is cationic organic polymers applied in the wastewater sludge treatment. Thus, the purpose of this research is to study the effect of six cationic polymers, applied in the plant, on RO membrane performance. The filtration and adsorption experiments with 4 mg C/L polymer solutions were performed in laboratory RO set ups for 5–7 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to analyze polymers. Fouling prediction was calculated with Modified Fouling Index-ultrafiltration (MFI-UF) constant flux values. A flux decline of 30–50% was observed after filtration experiments. In adsorption experiments, the resistance increased from 6 to 35%. The MFI-UF results showed the rate of fouling was around 1 bar/month. The base-acid cleaning was able to reduce the resistance of the fouled membrane with irreversible fouling resistance, 6–7%. SEM images showed that the fouling layer after cleaning did not appear in the membrane. The FTIR spectra of the membrane after cleaning were similar to virgin membrane. However, several adsorption peaks on the membrane after cleaning were not restored to the initial state.
Experimental Study on Assembled Monolithic Concrete Shear Walls Built with Precast Two-Way Hollow Slabs
Authors: Sun Zhijuan , Mao Yukun , Liu Jiliang , Zhao Qinyan , Chu Mingjin
Published: September 2014

Assembled shear wall built with precast two-way hollow slab is a new-typed shear wall built with precast concrete. In order to study its mechanical property, a quasi-static experiment is conducted with 1 reinforced concrete shear wall and 2 new type shear walls as the study objects. It was found that the internal and vertical joints of the wall body were vulnerable parts so that the new-typed shear wall experienced the loading process from the whole wall to the portioned wall. So, brittle shear failure can be avoided, deformability and anti-collapse performance are greatly improved, and shear capacity of wall body is reduced. The new-typed shear wall is reasonably structured, with convenient and reliable horizontal and vertical reinforcement, which leads to satisfactory vertical joint force-bearing capacity. Thus, it can be applied in practical construction.
Plum pox virus strains: Diversity and geographical distribution in Serbia
Authors: Jevremovic Darko , Paunovic Svetlana
Published: September 2014

Plum pox virus (PPV) is the causal agent of Sharka disease. Since its
discovery, Sharka has been considered as a calamity in plum orchards. PPV is
present worldwide in many Prunus species, causing great economic losses. In
highly susceptible plum varieties, such as Pozegaca, PPV causes a premature
fruit drop and reduces fruit quality, which leads to total yield loss. Eight
PPV strains (PPV-M, PPV-D, PPV-EA, PPV-C, PPV-Rec, PPV-W, PPV-T and PPVCR)
have been recognized so far. Three major strains (PPV-M, PPV-D and PPV-Rec)
are the most widely dispersed and occur frequently in many European
countries. Other strains are of minor importance due to their limited host
preferences or geographic distribution. So far, all three major strains have
been identified in Serbia. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview
of the research into Plum pox virus variability in Serbia.
Comparative morphological analysis of apple blister mite, Eriophyes mali Nal., a new pest in Serbia
Authors: Vidovic Biljana , Marinkovic Slavica , Maric Ivana , Petanovic Radmila
Published: September 2014

The apple blister mite, Eriophyes mali Nalepa, 1926 (Acari: Prostigmata:
Eriophyoidea), has been recently found in Serbia as a new pest of apple. The
history of its research, the results of a morphological analysis and degree
of infestation are presented. A comparison of the main morphological features
of mites from different populations of remote geographical origin has shown
that the apple blister mite from Serbia is most similar to another European
population (Bulgarian [or Austrian?]) while it differs from E. mali
originating from the USA and New Zealand. The percentage of infestation
varied from 1.6% to 87.6%, with an average of 22.4%.
Phytotoxic effects of fungicides, insecticides and nonpesticidal components on pepper depending on water quality
Authors: Vukovic Slavica , Indjic Dusanka , Gvozdenac Sonja
Published: September 2014

Modern agriculture relies on simultaneous application of fungicides,
insecticides, fertilizers and adjuvants. The selection of compounds for
tank-mixes has been rarely studied and it presents a risk in the application
of pesticides but the quality of water should also be considered. The aim of
this study was to assess the phytotoxic effects of several fungicides,
insecticides, a complex fertilizer, an adjuvant and their mixtures on pepper
(Capsicum annuum L.) as a test plant, depending on water quality. The effects
of the pesticides: azoxystrobin (Quadris, 0.75 l/ha), mancozeb (Dithane M-70,
2.5 kg/ha), thiamethoxam (Actara 25-WG, 0.07 kg/ha) and cypermethrin (Cipkord
EC-20, 0.3 l/ha), a complex fertilizer (Mortonijc plus /hereinafter: M+/
3kg/ha), an adjuvant (Sillwet 77-L, 0.1 l/ha) and their mixtures, were
assessed depending on the quality of water (well water - slightly alkaline,
very hard and with high nitrite content; tap water - neutral and slightly
hard; surface water - alkaline, slightly hard and with high content of
nitrite and ammonia) using a puncture method. The effects were assessed after
seven days by measuring the diameter of chlorosis and/or necrosis around
puncture sites, and were expressed in mm2. The significance of differences
between treatments was analyzed using a one-way ANOVA (LSD 0.05 %). In the
slightly alkaline and very hard well water, all spray liquids containing
Dithane M-70 caused a significant increase in leaf chlorosis area (from 6.0
to 25.2 mm2), compared to the control and other treatments. In the neutral
and slightly hard tap water, all spray liquids containing Dithane M-70 caused
a significant increase in leaf chlorosis (5.3 to 7.9 mm2) compared to the
control and the other spray liquids, although its phytotoxicity in that water
was at a lower level than it was in well water. However, in the weakly
alkaline and slightly hard surface water from the river Sava, Dithane M-70,
Dithane M-70 + Actara WG-25, Dithane M-70 + Sillwet L-77, and Dithane M-70 +
Actara 25-WG + M+ showed a significant increase in phytotoxicity, compared to
the control.
Computational analysis of viscous dissipation and joule-heating effects on non-Darcy MHD natural convection flow from a horizontal cylinder in porous media with internal heat generation
Authors: Prasad Ramachandra , Rao Subba , Bég Anwar
Published: September 2014

In the present paper we examine the effects of viscous dissipation, Joule
heating and heat source/sink on non-Darcy MHD natural convection heat
transfer flow over permeable horizontal circular cylinder in a porous medium.
The boundary layer equations, which are parabolic in nature, are normalized
into non-similar form and then solved numerically with the well-tested,
efficient, implicit, stable Keller-box finite difference scheme. A parametric
study illustrating the influence of Darcy parameter (Da), Forchheimer
parameter (?), Grashof number(Gr), heat source/sink parameter (?) and
viscous dissipation parameter (Ec) on the fluid velocity, temperature as well
as local skin-friction and Nusselt numbers is conducted Increasing
Forchheimer inertial drag parameter (?) retards the flow considerably but
enhances temperatures. Increasing viscous dissipation parameter(Ec) is found
to elevate velocities i.e. accelerate the flow and increase temperatures.
Increasing heat source/sink parameter (?) is found to elevate velocities and
increase temperatures. Increasing the Grashof number (Gr) is found to elevate
the velocity and decrease the temperatures. Local skin friction number is
found to be increases with increasing heat source/sink parameter (?) where as
Local Nusselt number is found to decrease with increasing heat source/sink
parameter (?).
Unsteady flow of a micropolar fluid generated by a circular cylinder subject to longitudinal and torsional oscillations
Authors: Nagaraju G. , Ramana Murthy
Published: September 2014

The flow generated by a circular cylinder, performing longitudinal and
torsional oscillations, in an infinite expanse of a micropolar fluid is
studied. Analytical expressions for the velocity and micro rotation
components are obtained using no slip and hyper stick conditions at the
boundaries. The effects of coupling number; Reynolds number and gyration
parameter on the transverse and axial velocity components are shown and
explained graphically. Also explicit expression for the drag force acting on
the wall of the cylinder is derived and the effects of pertinent parameters
on the drag are shown graphically.
Repeated Anesthetic Management for a Patient With Klippel-Feil Syndrome
Authors: Hase Yuri , Kamekura Nobuhito , Fujisawa Toshiaki , Fukushima Kazuaki
Published: September 2014

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare disease characterized by a classic triad comprising a short neck, a low posterior hairline, and restricted motion of the neck due to fused cervical vertebrae. We report repeated anesthetic management for orthognathic surgeries for a KFS patient with micrognathia. Because KFS can be associated with a number of other anomalies, we therefore performed a careful preoperative evaluation to exclude them. The patient had an extremely small mandible, significant retrognathia, and severe limitation of cervical mobility due to cervical vertebral fusion. As difficult intubation was predicted, awake nasal endotracheal intubation with a fiberoptic bronchoscope was our first choice for gaining control of the patient's airway. Moreover, the possibility of respiratory distress due to postoperative laryngeal edema was considered because of the surgeries on the mandible. In the operating room, tracheotomy equipment was always kept ready if a perioperative surgical airway control was required. Three orthognathic surgeries and their associated anesthetics were completed without a fatal outcome, although once the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for precautionary postoperative airway management and observation. Careful preoperative examination and preparation for difficult airway management are important for KFS patients with micrognathia.
Cuffed Oropharyngeal Airway for Difficult Airway Management
Authors: Takaishi Kazumi , Kawahito Shinji , Tomioka Shigemasa , Eguchi Satoru , Kitahata Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

Difficulties with airway management are often caused by anatomic abnormalities due to previous oral surgery. We performed general anesthesia for a patient who had undergone several operations such as hemisection of the mandible and reconstructive surgery with a deltopectoralis flap, resulting in severe maxillofacial deformation. This made it impossible to ventilate with a face mask and to intubate in the normal way. An attempt at oral awake intubation using fiberoptic bronchoscopy was unsuccessful because of severe anatomical abnormality of the neck. We therefore decided to perform retrograde intubation and selected the cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) for airway management. We inserted the COPA, not through the patient's mouth but through the abnormal oropharyngeal space. Retrograde nasal intubation was accomplished with controlled ventilation through the COPA, which proved to be very useful for this difficult airway management during tracheal intubation even though the method was unusual.
Hair Tourniquet Syndrome in the Dental Patient
Authors: Flores Jason R.
Published: September 2014

Hair tourniquet syndrome is a condition where a hair becomes entangled around an appendage. In some cases a knot will form and the resulting tightened noose will slowly strangulate the appendage. Rarely, this condition will affect the oral cavity, but even more rarely, this condition will affect a dental structure.
OFIRMEV: An Old Drug Becomes New Again
Authors: Nishimoto Rodney N
Published: September 2014

This was judged to be the first place winning submission for the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Student Essay Award.

Acetaminophen is an old drug that is now available in an intravenous formulation. Its advantages and disadvantages are reviewed, including its potential role in multimodal postoperative pain therapy.
Hooked extended Langford sequences of small and large defects
Authors: Mor Shai , Linek Václav
Published: September 2014

It is shown that for m = 2d +5, 2d+6, 2d+7 and d ≥ 1, the set {1, …, 2m + 1} − {k} can be partitioned into differences d, d + 1, …, d + m − 1 whenever (m, k) ≡ (0, 1), (1, d), (2, 0), (3, d+1) (mod (4, 2)) and 1 ≤ k ≤ 2m+1.

It is also shown that for m = 2d + 5, 2d + 6, 2d + 7, and d ≥ 1, the set {1, …, 2m + 2} − {k, 2m + 1} can be partitioned into differences d, d + 1, … …, d + m − 1 whenever (m, k) ≡ (0, 0), (1, d + 1), (2, 1), (3, d) (mod (4, 2)) and k ≥ m + 2.

These partitions are used to show that if m ≥ 8d + 3, then the set {1, … …, 2m+2}−{k, 2m+1} can be partitioned into differences d, d+1, …, d+m−1 whenever (m, k) ≡ (0, 0), (1, d+1), (2, 1), (3, d) (mod (4, 2)).

A list of values m, d that are open for the existence of these partitions (which are equivalent to the existence of Langford and hooked Langford sequences) is given in the conclusion.
Common fixed point of generalized weak contractive mappings in partially ordered b-metric spaces
Authors: Aghajani Asadollah , Abbas Mujahid , Roshan Jamal
Published: September 2014

We prove some common fixed point results for four mappings satisfying generalized weak contractive condition in partially ordered complete b-metric spaces. Our results extend and improve several comparable results in the existing literature
Real hypersurfaces in a complex space form with a condition on the structure Jacobi operator
Authors: Kon S. , Loo Tee-How , Ren Shiquan
Published: September 2014

In this paper we classify the real hypersurfaces in a non-flat complex space form with its structure Jacobi operator R
ξ satisfying (∇X
R
ξ)ξ = 0, for all vector fields X in the maximal holomorphic distribution D. With this result, we prove the non-existence of real hypersurfaces with D-parallel as well as D-recurrent structure Jacobi operator in complex projective and hyperbolic spaces. We can also prove the non-existence of real hypersurfaces with recurrent structure Jacobi operator in a non-flat complex space form as a corollary.
Psychometrics of the Wrist Stability and Hand Mobility Subscales of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment in Moderately Impaired Stroke
Authors: Page Stephen J. , Hade Erinn , Persch Andrew
Published: September 2014

Background

There remains a need for a quickly administered, stroke-specific, bedside measure of active wrist and finger movement for the expanding stroke population. The wrist stability and hand mobility scales of the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (w/h UE FM) constitute a valid, reliable measure of paretic UE impairment in patients with active wrist and finger movement.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine performance on the w/h UE FM in a stable cohort of survivors of stroke with only palpable movement in their paretic wrist flexors.

Design

A single-center cohort study was conducted.

Method

Thirty-two individuals exhibiting stable, moderate upper extremity hemiparesis (15 male, 17 female; mean age=56.6 years, SD=10.1; mean time since stroke=4.6 years, SD=5.8) participated in the study, which was conducted at an outpatient rehabilitation clinic in the midwestern United States. The w/h UE FM and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) were administered twice. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Cronbach alpha, and ordinal alpha were computed to determine reliability, and Spearman rank correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots were computed to establish validity.

Results

Intraclass correlation coefficients for the w/h UE FM and ARAT were .95 and .99, respectively. The w/h UE FM intrarater reliability and internal consistency were greater than .80, and concurrent validity was greater than .70. This also was the first stroke rehabilitative study to apply ordinal alpha to examine internal consistency values, revealing w/h UE FM levels greater than .85. Concurrent validity findings were corroborated by Bland-Altman plots.

Conclusions

It appears that the w/h UE FM is a promising tool to measure distal upper extremity movement in patients with little active paretic wrist and finger movement. This finding widens the segment of patients on whom the w/h UE FM can be effectively used and addresses a gap, as commonly used measures necessitate active distal upper extremity movement.
Associations of Upper Limb Disability Measures on Different Levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in People With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Lamers Ilse , Cattaneo Davide , Chen Christine C. , Bertoni Rita , Van Wijmeersch Bart , Feys Peter
Published: September 2014

Background

It is unknown how impairments caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) affect upper limb capacity, performance, and community integration.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which impairments explained the variance in activity level and participation level measures of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the extent to which upper limb capacity measures explained perceived performance on the activity level in people with MS and different dexterity levels.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

A total of 105 people with MS (median Expanded Disability Status Scale=6.5) were assessed with measures on the ICF body functions and structures level (strength, active range of motion of the wrist, tactile sensitivity, tremor, spasticity, and pain), activity level (Nine-Hole Peg Test [NHPT], Action Research Arm Test, and Manual Ability Measure-36 [MAM-36]), and participation level (Community Integration Questionnaire). The sample was divided into low- and high-dexterity subgroups on the basis of the median score on the NHPT.

Results

In the total group, muscle strength, tactile sensitivity of the thumb, and intention tremor explained 53% to 64% of the variance in activity level measures. In the low-dexterity subgroup, muscle strength and active range of motion explained 43% to 71% of the variance in activity level measures. In the high-dexterity subgroup, only 35% of the variance in the MAM-36 was explained by muscle strength. Capacity measures (NHPT and Action Research Arm Test) were moderately to highly associated with perceived performance (MAM-36) in the low-dexterity subgroup.

Limitations

Some outcome measures showed ceiling effects in people with MS and a high dexterity level.

Conclusions

Upper limb muscle strength is the most important impairment affecting capacity and perceived performance in daily life. Associations among outcome measures differ in people with MS and different dexterity levels.
Unsettling the lawyers: Other forms of justice in Indigenous claims of expropriation, abuse, and injustice
Authors: Menkel-Meadow Carrie
Published: September 2014

This article considers, from the experience of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement, the limitations of the current formal justice system and the common ways that lawyers and parties act within it. Looking at the combinations of lawsuits, settlement negotiations, structured compensation schemes, truth and reconciliation processes, and memorial and education programs now provided for in the IRSS, the article suggests that we may need ‘process pluralism’ and different orientations to deal with modern mass harms: now recognized harms (like loss of culture, family, language, as well as physical, mental, and social injury) that the formal legal system has not yet developed the capacity to address. Placing the IRSS in a larger international context, the article suggests that some legal and social recognition of ‘new’ human harms and injuries has necessitated the development of different legal and quasi-legal processes. Whether called ‘restorative,’ ‘transitional,’ or ‘alternative’ justice, new forms of dealing with wrongs, harms, and conflicts will require redesigning legal processes and institutions; legal professional education; and social, cultural, and philosophical orientations to human injuries and ‘redress.’ Not all who are injured (both individually and in groups) want or require the same ‘remedies,’ and our conventional and historical common law and adversarial system must be adapted to the diverse needs of those who are injured by past and unconscionable wrongs, especially when inflicted by major governmental, religious, and civil society institutions and practices.
The settlement process: A personal reflection
Authors: Mahoney Kathleen
Published: September 2014

This paper discusses the author’s personal experiences as the chief negotiator of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement for the Assembly of First Nations. She discusses the key and central role the AFN played in the formulation of the Settlement Agreement, the values and principles that informed the Assembly’s positions and strategies, and some of the behind-the-scene steps that led to its rapid adoption. She argues that reconciliation is a long-term project that will require more than reparations and that Canada must take the major responsibility for creating conditions for reconciliation, which it is not presently doing. She argues that the legal profession and the law must be more context sensitive and take Aboriginal laws and values into account or justice to the Aboriginal population will never be achieved.
Long-term catheter angiography after aneurysm coil therapy: results of 209 patients and predictors of delayed recurrence and retreatment
Authors: Chalouhi Nohra , Bovenzi Cory D. , Thakkar Vismay , Dressler Jeremy , Jabbour Pascal , Starke Robert M. , Teufack Sonia , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Dalyai Richard , Dumont Aaron S. , Rosenwasser Robert , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula
Published: September 2014

Object

Aneurysm recurrence after coil therapy remains a major shortcoming in the endovascular management of cerebral aneurysms. The need for long-term imaging follow-up was recently investigated. This study assessed the diagnostic yield of long-term digital subtraction angiography (DSA) follow-up and determined predictors of delayed aneurysm recurrence and retreatment.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) available short-term and long-term (> 36 months) follow-up DSA images, and 2) no or only minor aneurysm recurrence (not requiring further intervention, i.e., < 20%) documented on short-term follow-up DSA images.

Results

Of 209 patients included in the study, 88 (42%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. On shortterm follow-up DSA images, 158 (75%) aneurysms showed no recurrence, and 51 (25%) showed minor recurrence (< 20%, not retreated). On long-term follow-up DSA images, 124 (59%) aneurysms showed no recurrence, and 85 (41%) aneurysms showed recurrence, of which 55 (26%) required retreatment. In multivariate analysis, the predictors of recurrence on long-term follow-up DSA images were as follows: 1) larger aneurysm size (p = 0.001), 2) male sex (p = 0.006), 3) conventional coil therapy (p = 0.05), 4) aneurysm location (p = 0.01), and 5) a minor recurrence on short-term follow-up DSA images (p = 0.007). Ruptured aneurysm status was not a predictive factor. The sensitivity of short-term follow-up DSA studies was only 40.0% for detecting delayed aneurysm recurrence and 45.5% for detecting delayed recurrence requiring further treatment.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight the importance of long-term angiographic follow-up after coil therapy for ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Predictors of delayed recurrence and retreatment include large aneurysms, recurrence on short-term follow-up DSA images (even minor), male sex, and conventional coil therapy.
Residual tumor volume versus extent of resection: predictors of survival after surgery for glioblastoma
Authors: Grabowski Matthew M. , Recinos Pablo F. , Nowacki Amy S. , Schroeder Jason L. , Angelov Lilyana , Barnett Gene H. , Vogelbaum Michael A.
Published: September 2014

Object

The impact of extent of resection (EOR) on survival for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) continues to be a point of debate despite multiple studies demonstrating that increasing EOR likely extends survival for these patients. In addition, contrast-enhancing residual tumor volume (CE-RTV) alone has rarely been analyzed quantitatively to determine if it is a predictor of outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of CE-RTV and T2/FLAIR residual volume (T2/F-RV) on overall survival.

Methods

A retrospective review of 128 patients who underwent primary resection of supratentorial GBM followed by standard radiation/chemotherapy was undertaken utilizing quantitative, volumetric analysis of pre- and postoperative MR images. The results were compared with clinical data obtained from the patients' medical records.

Results

At analysis, 8% of patients were alive, and no patients were lost to follow-up. The overall median survival was 13.8 months, with a median Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score of 90 at presentation. The median contrast-enhancing preoperative tumor volume (CE-PTV) was 29.0 cm3, and CE-RTV was 1.2 cm3, equating to a 95.8% median EOR. The median T2/F-RV was 36.8 cm3. CE-PTV, CE-RTV, T2/F-RV, and EOR were all statistically significant predictors of survival when controlling for age and KPS score. A statistically significant benefit in survival was seen with a CE-RTV less than 2 cm3 or an EOR greater than 98%. Evaluation of the volumetric analysis methodology was performed by observers of varying degrees of experience—an attending neurosurgeon, a fellow, and a medical student. Both the medical student and fellow recorded correlation coefficients of 0.98 when compared with the attending surgeon's measured volumes of CE-PTV, while for CE-RTV, correlation coefficients of 0.67 and 0.71 (medical student and fellow, respectively) were obtained.

Conclusions

CE-RTV and EOR were found to be significant predictors of survival after GBM resection. CERTV was the more significant predictor of survival compared with EOR, suggesting that the volume of residual contrast-enhancing tumor may be a more accurate and meaningful reflection of the pathobiology of GBM.
Detection of neurofilament-H in serum as a diagnostic tool to predict injury severity in patients who have suffered mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Gatson Joshua W. , Barillas Jennifer , Hynan Linda S. , Diaz-Arrastia Ramon , Wolf Steven E. , Minei Joseph P.
Published: September 2014

Object

In previous studies of traumatic brain injury (TBI), neural biomarkers of injury correlate with injury severity and predict neurological outcome. The object of this paper was to characterize neurofilament-H (NFL-H) as a predictor of injury severity in patients who have suffered mild TBI (mTBI). Thus, the authors hypothesized that phosphorylated NFL-H (pNFL-H) levels are higher in mTBI patients than in healthy controls and identify which subjects experienced a more severe injury such as skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhaging, and/or contusions as detected by CT scans.

Methods

In this prospective clinical study, blood (8 ml) was collected from subjects (n = 34) suffering from mTBI (as defined by the American Congress of Rehabilitation and Glasgow Coma Scale scores between 13 and 15) at Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas, on Days 1 and 3 after injury). Additional clinical findings from the CT scans were also used to categorize the TBI patients into those with and those without clinical findings on the scans (CT+ and CTgroups, respectively). The serum levels of pNFL-H were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, the mTBI patients exhibited a significant increase in the serum levels of pNFL-H on Days 1 (p = 0.00001) and 3 (p = 0.0001) after TBI. An inverse correlation was observed between pNFL-H serum levels and Glasgow Coma Scale scores, which was significant. Additionally, using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to compare the mTBI cases with controls to determine sensitivity and specificity, an area under the curve of 100% was achieved for both (p = 0.0001 for both). pNFL-H serum levels were only significantly higher on Day 1 in mTBI patients in the CT+ group (p < 0.008) compared with the CT− group. The area under the curve (82.5%) for the CT+ group versus the CT− group was significant (p = 0.021) with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 70%, using a cutoff of 1071 pg/ml of pNFL-H in serum.

Conclusions

This study describes the serum profile of pNFL-H in patients suffering from mTBI with and without CT findings on Days 1 and 3 after injury. These results suggest that detection of pNFL-H may be useful in determining which individuals require CT imaging to assess the severity of their injury.
Radial to axillary nerve neurotization for brachial plexus injury in children: a combined case series
Authors: Zuckerman Scott L. , Eli Ilyas M. , Shah Manish N. , Bradley Nadine , Stutz Christopher M. , Park Tae Sung , Wellons John C.
Published: September 2014

Object

Axillary nerve palsy, isolated or as part of a more complex brachial plexus injury, can have profound effects on upper-extremity function. Radial to axillary nerve neurotization is a useful technique for regaining shoulder abduction with little compromise of other neurological function. A combined experience of this procedure used in children is reviewed.

Methods

A retrospective review of the authors' experience across 3 tertiary care centers with brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injury in children (younger than 18 years) revealed 7 cases involving patients with axillary nerve injury as part of an overall brachial plexus injury with persistent shoulder abduction deficits. Two surgical approaches to the region were used.

Results

Four infants (ages 0.6, 0.8, 0.8, and 0.6 years) and 3 older children (ages 8, 15, and 17 years) underwent surgical intervention. No patient had significant shoulder abduction past 15° preoperatively. In 3 cases, additional neurotization was performed in conjunction with the procedure of interest. Two surgical approaches were used: posterior and transaxillary. All patients displayed improvement in shoulder abduction. All were able to activate their deltoid muscle to raise their arm against gravity and 4 of 7 were able to abduct against resistance. The median duration of follow-up was 15 months (range 8 months to 5.9 years).

Conclusions

Radial to axillary nerve neurotization improved shoulder abduction in this series of patients treated at 3 institutions. While rarely used in children, this neurotization procedure is an excellent option to restore deltoid function in children with brachial plexus injury due to birth or accidental trauma.
Initial diagnosis of the congenital disorder of glycosylation PMM2-CDG (CDG1a) in a 4-year-old girl after neurosurgical intervention for cerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Stefanits Harald , Konstantopoulou Vassiliki , Kuess Magnus , Milenkovic Ivan , Matula Christian
Published: September 2014

The congenital disorder of glycosylation characterized by a deficiency of phosphomannomutase 2 (PMM2-CDG) is the most common variant of congenital disorders of glycosylation. Besides typical clinical features, such as dysmorphism and abnormal body fat distribution, coagulation abnormities often lead to thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events in these patients. However, only 2 cases of intracerebral bleeding in patients with PMM2-CDG have been described so far.

A 4-year-old girl who initially presented with symptoms resulting from raised intracranial pressure underwent acute neurosurgical intervention for intracranial hemorrhage. The differential diagnoses after MRI included arteriovenous malformation and intraparenchymal brain tumor. However, clinical investigations promoted the diagnosis of PMM2-CDG, which was supported further by neuropathological findings and finally confirmed by isoelectric focusing and mutational analysis. No major complications or neurological deficits were evident after surgery, and the patient was able to attend an integrated kindergarten.

Unexplained intracranial hemorrhage should raise suspicion of a metabolic disorder and should be discussed with specialists to rule out an orphan disease such as PMM2-CDG.