bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Algorithmic Programming Approach for Back Pain Symptoms in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Using Spinal Cord Stimulation with a Multicolumn Surgically Implanted Epidural Lead: A Multicenter International Prospective Study
Authors: Rigoard Philippe , Jacques Line , Delmotte Alexandre , Poon Katherine , Munson Russell , Monlezun Olivier , Roulaud Manuel , Prevost Audrey , Guetarni Farid , Bataille Benoit , Kumar Krishna 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIntroductionMany studies have demonstrated the efficacy and the medical/economic value of epidural spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of “failed back surgery syndrome” (FBSS). However, the back pain component of FBSS has been recalcitrant. Recent clinical trials have suggested that multicolumn surgically implanted leads combined with enhanced programming capabilities in the newer implantable pulse generators demonstrate the ability to treat the back pain component of FBSS. The objective of our present international multicentre study is to prospectively evaluate these findings in a larger population.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, nonrandomized, observational study on 76 patients with refractory FBSS, consecutively implanted with multicolumn spinal cord stimulation (SCS) between 2008 and 2011 in three neurosurgical pain management centers (Poitiers, France; Montréal, Canada; and Regina, Canada). The primary objective of this study was to prospectively analyze the effect of multicolumn lead programming on paresthesia coverage for the back pain region in these patients. The secondary objective was to assess the analgesic efficacy of this technique on the global and back pain components.ResultsParesthesia could be induced in the lower extremities in the majority of patients with at least one of the configurations tested. Bilateral low back paresthesia was induced in 53.5% of patients, while unilateral low back paresthesia was induced in 78.9% of patients. Multicolumn configurations were statistically more effective than monocolumn configurations for all anatomic regions studied. At 6 months, 75.4% of patients receiving multicolumn stimulation (n = 57) obtained at least a 30% improvement of the back pain VAS score, while 42.1% of patients obtained at least a 50% improvement of the back pain VAS score.ConclusionThis study confirms the hypothesis that multicolumn SCS should be considered as an important tool in the treatment of radicular and axial pain in FBSS patients. The efficacy of this modality is based on a rigorous patient selection process, access to new generation lead technologies, but most importantly an algorithmic programming approach for optimal stimulation and electrical field shaping. With over 40 million potential programming combinations associated with 16 contact leads to achieve paresthesia coverage, optimal stimulation is often missed as either the patient or the clinician become exhausted or overwhelmed during the course of therapy programming and optimization session.
Associations Between Pain drawing and Psychological Characteristics of Different Body Region Pains
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiro , Arai Young‐Chang P. , Morimoto Atsuko , Aono Shuichi , Yoshimoto Takahiko , Nishihara Makoto , Osuga Tomoaki , Inoue Shinsuke , Ushida Takahiro 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundPain drawings have frequently been used for documentation of pain and a convenient diagnosis tool. Pain drawings were found to be associated with psychological states in chronic patients with low back pain. Few researchers have investigated pain drawings except in low back pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the pain, pain drawings, psychological characteristics, and pain interference in the head, neck–shoulder (NS), and low‐back/lower‐limb (LB‐LL) regions among patients with chronic pain.MethodsWe included a total of 291 patients with new chronic pain (headache, 62; NS pain, 87; LB‐LL pain, 142). The pain drawings and scores of 10‐cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Short‐Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF‐MPQ), and Pain Disability Assessment Scale (PDAS) were extracted from medical records. A subset of 60 pain drawings was scored by senior and junior evaluators to assess inter‐rater agreement. We investigated the correlation between pain drawings and VAS, HADS, PCS, SF‐MPQ, and PDAS in each body region group at the initial visit. Moreover, almost all patients received nonsurgical treatment as a follow‐up and were investigated using VAS after treatment.ResultsThe reliability of pain drawings was substantial with an interevaluator reliability in headache, NS, and LB‐LL pain. Nonorganic pain drawings were associated with psychological disturbances in NS and LB‐LL pain, but not headache. Poor outcomes were associated with nonorganic drawings in LB‐LL pain, but not in the case of headache or NS pain.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the characteristics of patients with nonorganic drawings differ according to body regions.
Pain is not Systematically Registered in Dutch Medical Oncology Outpatients
Authors: te Boveldt Nienke D. , Vernooij‐Dassen Myrra J.F.J. , Jansen Anne , Vissers Kris C.P. , Engels Yvonne 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundSystematic pain registration and assessment with a visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS) at each visit are key recommendations in one of the most recent guidelines on cancer pain management. It is unclear whether this recommendation is applied.ObjectivesThe aim was to explore registration of pain in medical records of patients visiting the medical oncology outpatient clinic.MethodsIn a multicenter study in six Dutch hospitals, data were extracted from medical records of 380 outpatients with cancer. Data of the first three visits at the outpatient clinic were studied. Descriptive statistics were conducted.ResultsIn 23% of all 987 visits at the outpatient clinic, pain or absence of pain was registered, and in an additional 15%, a nonspecific symptom description was given. Regarding all other visits, (62%) pain or absence of pain was not documented at all. Pain measurement using a VAS or NRS was documented in only one visit. Pain was more often registered in medical records of patients with metastasis, as well as in those of patients with urogenital tumors.ConclusionPain in medical oncology outpatients is not systematically registered in their medical records. With one exception, pain was not registered with a VAS or NRS. Yet, registration and assessment of pain to monitor pain are essential to evaluate and adapt pain treatment over time. Pain registration has not improved since 2001 and therefore implementing the recommendations regarding systematic monitoring of pain is needed.
The Effect of Methylnaltrexone on the Side Effects of Intrathecal Morphine after Orthopedic Surgery under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Zand Farid , Amini Afshin , Asadi Saman , Farbood Arash 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMethylnaltrexone is a peripheral opioid receptor antagonist that does not cross the blood–brain barrier; so without interference with pain relief, it could reverse the peripheral opioid side effects such as constipation, pruritus, postoperative ileus, and urinary retention. This study has been designed to evaluate the effect of methylnaltrexone on postoperative side effects of intrathecal morphine. In seventy‐two 18‐ to 55‐year‐old patients scheduled for elective orthopedic operations under spinal anesthesia, neuraxial blockade was achieved using 10 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 0.1 mg preservative‐free morphine sulfate. The first group (M) received 12 mg methylnaltrexone, while the second group (P) received normal saline, subcutaneously, immediately after spinal block in a randomized, double‐blind fashion. There was a significant decrease in the rate of nausea and vomiting in group M, but there was no significant difference in the rate of pruritus or urinary retention between the two groups. Pain score was significantly lower in group M. Respiratory depression or decreased level of consciousness was not reported in any patient. Subcutaneous administration of methylnaltrexone was not effective in decreasing postoperative urinary retention and pruritus, but lowered the rate of nausea and vomiting and pain score after intrathecal bupivacaine and morphine.
Photogrammetric Usage of 1956–57 Usaf Aerial Photography of Spain
Authors: Pérez Juan Antonio , Bascon Francisco Manuel , Charro María Cristina 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPhotogrammetric flights made by the United States Air Force during the 1950s using the Fairchild T‐11 camera were widespread throughout southern Europe, South America and various other regions. Photographs from these flights are valuable tools for analysing various geo‐temporal phenomena. However, there is a lack of information available about how the flights were undertaken and how the camera was calibrated and used, which has not allowed photogrammetric use of this source until now. The available data are researched along with approxi‐mations to the missing data in order to improve the mapping accuracy.
Corporate Social Responsibility and International Competition: A Welfare Analysis
Authors: Chang Yang‐Ming , Chen Hung‐Yi , Wang Leonard F. S. , Wu Shih‐Jye 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the welfare implications of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in international markets under imperfect competition. Based on a stylized model of an import‐competing duopolistic market, we show the feasibility of moving toward tariff reductions when both domestic and foreign firms launch CSR initiatives in that their payoffs include not only individual profits, but also the benefits of consumers. For the case where the foreign exporter unilaterally adopts the consumer‐oriented CSR as a strategy, there is a rent‐shifting effect because the foreign firm's payoff increases whereas the domestic firm's profit decreases. In response, the importing country's government raises its tariff on the foreign product. If, instead, the domestic firm adopts the CSR strategy unilaterally, the rent‐shifting effect disappears and both the competing firms’ payoffs increase. We further identify the conditions under which the CSR initiatives of the firms constitute the dominant strategy, leading to a Pareto efficient outcome at which the firms’ payoffs, consumer surplus, and social welfare are at their maximum levels.
Deep functional redundancy between FAMA and FOUR LIPS in stomatal development
Authors: Lee EunKyoung , Lucas Jessica Regan , Sack Fred David 
Published: February 2014

SummaryFunctional redundancy arises between gene paralogs as well as non‐homologous genes that play a common role at a shared node. The bHLH transcription factor FAMA, along with the paralogous MYB genes, FOUR LIPS (FLP) and MYB88 all ensure that Arabidopsis stomata contain just two guard cells (GCs) by enforcing a single symmetric precursor cell division before stomatal maturity. Consistent with this function, FLP and FAMA exhibit the same expression pattern in which both translational GFP fusions emit fluorescence just before and after symmetric division; however, FAMA but not FLP is required to confer GC fate. Strikingly, swapping the genes and promoters of the FLP and FAMA genes results in the reciprocal complementation of respective loss‐of‐function mutants. Thus, an FLP transgene can restore GC fate to a fama mutant background. FAMA, FLP and the FLP paralog MYB88 were previously shown to influence higher order functions in stomatal development, including maintaining and stabilizing stomatal fate. Here we show that these overlapping functions are likely to also involve interactions between FLP and FAMA with the RETINOBLASTOMA‐RELATED (RBR) protein.
An Extended Second Order Polynomial Model for Hydraulic Fluid Density
Authors: Karjalainen J.-P. , Karjalainen R. , Huhtala K. 
Published: February 2014

In this paper, a second order polynomial model for predicting the pressure-temperature behaviour of the density of any hydraulic fluid is presented. The model is an extension of the previously published model by the same authors for more moderate operating temperatures. Nevertheless, for a user the extension will not add any more complexity to the model. Even at a wider operating range, the density model can still always be parameterized without any unknown variables, once the standard fluid characteristics are available.
It is shown that compared to the measured values the maximum modelling error is well within 1% at the studied pressure range of up to 1500 bar, and at the studied temperature ranges overall covering from +20 to +130°C, with all the studied fluids.
This study includes 10 highly different hydraulic fluids used in various fluid power applications as power transmission fluids or fuel oils. The studied fluids have a density range from 827 to 997.2 kg/m3, and an ISO VG range from 2.6 to 1187. Also the studied base fluids cover a wide range. Moreover, the studied fluids contain different additives or not even additives at all (crude oils). Neither the base fluid nor the additives will be discovered to affect the received modelling accuracy.
A Basic Study on the Response Dynamics of Pulse-Frequency Controlled Digital Hydraulic Drives
Authors: Gradl Christoph , Scheidl Rudolf 
Published: February 2014

Various control strategies in digital hydraulics have been proposed and studied so far. In hydraulic switching control Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) of one or two switching valves was mostly considered. This paper deals with Pulse Frequency Control (PFC) which — opposite to PWM — uses the pulse repeating frequency and not the pulse width as control input. PFC may be to be preferred if the hydraulic switching device can realize a very particular pulse in a quite favorable way.
This paper studies the influences of the flow rate pulse shapes and of the pulse frequency on the overall system dynamics. Based on a dimensionless mathematical model of a simple linear hydraulic drive and on elementary performance requirements (e.g. overshooting and pressure pulsations) dimensioning rules are derived. In addition to a repeated pulsing single or just a few pulses are investigated. It turns out that particular single or twin pulses can realize stepping motions of the drive without subsequent pulsations. In this way a hydraulic stepping drive can be realized. In case of repeated pulsing, high pulsing frequencies, in particular frequencies well above the natural frequency of the drive system, reduce oscillations considerably. Such frequencies may be realized either by one high frequency pulse device or by several pulse devices which are arranged in parallel and are operated in a phase shifted mode.
A Novel Fluid–Structure–Thermal Interaction Model for the Analysis of the Lateral Lubricating Gap Flow in External Gear Machines
Authors: Dhar Sujan , Vacca Andrea , Lettini Antonio 
Published: February 2014

A novel Fluid-Structure-Thermal Interaction (FSTI) model for modeling of the lateral lubricating gaps between gears and lateral bushes in External Gear Machines (EGM) is presented in this study. Pressure compensated lateral bushes are key design elements for efficient operation of EGMs for high pressure hydraulic applications. The axial balance of these elements determines their actual position during operation, with significant implications on the effective sealing capabilities of the displacement chambers and on the losses from viscous friction.
The FSTI model presented in this paper is the first model of the lateral lubricating interface in EGMs capable of considering the heat transfer, thermal effects in the fluid film and solid components as well as thermo-elastic deformation of the solids. These capabilities, alongside a fluid flow solver and a stress/deformation solver for solid components due to pressure loads, enable prediction of the film thickness in the lateral gaps in EGMs considering thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHD) for the first time. In the present study the formulation of the novel FSTI model and detailed results are discussed with a particular focus on understanding the implications of thermal and TEHD effects.
Gas Turbine/Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine Integrated System for Fuel-Flexible, High Efficiency and Low Emissions Power Generation
Authors: Rabovitser Joseph , Pratapas John M. , Kezerle James , Kasab John 
Published: February 2014

This paper reviews the technical approach and reports on the results of ASPEN Plus® modeling of two patented approaches for integrating a gas turbine with reciprocating internal combustion engine for lower emissions and higher efficiency power generation. In one approach, a partial oxidation gas turbine (POGT) is located in the 1st stage, and the H2-rich fuel gas from POGT exhaust is cooled and fed as main fuel to the second stage, ICE. In this case, the ICE operates in lean combustion mode. In the second approach, an ICE operates in partial oxidation mode (POX) in the 1st stage. The exhaust from the POX-ICE (a low BTU fuel gas) is combusted to drive a conventional GT in the 2nd stage of the integrated system. In both versions, use of staged reheat combustion leads to predictions of higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to independently providing the same amount of fuel to separate GT and ICE where both are configured for lean combustion. The POGT and GT analyzed in the integrated systems are based upon building them from commercially available turbocharger components (turbo-compressor and turbo-expander).
Modeling results with assumptions predicting 50–52% LHV fuel to power system efficiency and supporting NOx < 9 ppm for gaseous fuels are presented for these GT-ICE integrated systems.
Assessment of Combustion Characteristics of Higher Alcohols in a Direct Injection Spark Ignition Engine
Authors: Lawyer Kristina , Wallner Thomas , Ickes Andrew , Miers Scott , Naber Jeffrey , Ertl David , Williamson Rodney 
Published: February 2014

The U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard requires an increase in the production of ethanol and advanced biofuels up to 36 billion gallons by 2022. Ethanol will be limited to 15 billion gallons, which leaves 21 billion gallons to come from other sources. Due to its high octane number, renewable character, and minimal toxicity, ethanol was believed to be one of the most favorable alternative fuels to displace gasoline in spark ignition engines.
Replacing gasoline with ethanol results in a substantial reduction in vehicle range, and high ethanol content blends can cause material compatibility issues and require adaptive engine calibrations. In addition, ethanol is fully miscible in water which requires blending at distribution sites instead of the refinery. Higher carbon number alcohols, on the other hand, have a higher energy density and lower affinity for water than ethanol, which could mitigate some of the above mentioned issues. However, little information is available on the combustion characteristics of a majority of the longer-chain alcohols.
This study evaluates the combustion properties of higher carbon number alcohols, ranging from ethanol (C2) to hexanol (C6) in a direct-injection, spark-ignition engine. Test fuels are created by splash blending alcohols at a volumetric concentration of 50% with a blendstock for oxygenate blending. Combustion characteristics are evaluated by comparing overall efficiencies as well as heat release characteristics and emissions for a set of representative steady-state operating points. Results suggest that combustion properties of blends of alcohols with carbon numbers from two to six are similar to those of the reference fuel at low and medium engine loads. Properties of blends of alcohols with carbon numbers from two to four are similar to those of the reference fuel even at high loads. However, due to their reduced knock resistance, the suitability of longer chain alcohols, specifically C5 and longer, as blending agents at increased levels is questionable.
Experimental Investigation of Spray and Combustion Characteristics of Soybean Biodiesel in a Constant-Volume Combustion Chamber: The Effects of Fuel and Ambient Gas Temperature
Authors: Wu Yifeng , Huang Ronghua , Lee Chia-fon F. 
Published: February 2014

Effects of fuel and ambient gas temperature on the spray and combustion characteristics of soybean biodiesel were studied in a constant-volume combustion chamber. Four different fuels or fuel blends including B0, B20, B50 and B100 were investigated experimentally. The soot mass data were obtained via a new technique called forward illumination light extinction (FILE). The ambient gas temperature was varied from 700 K to 1200 K. To simulate the engine operating conditions, the ambient oxygen concentration and its density were kept at 21 % and 15 kg/m3, respectively.
A higher peak pressure is found as the biodiesel content decreases. B20, B50 and B100 have a shorter ignition delay than B0 and the ignition delay decreases with increasing biodiesel content. The liquid penetration decreases with decreasing biodiesel content. Moreover, the integrated natural flame luminosity (INFL) increases with decreasing biodiesel content. Shorter flame (i.e., soot luminosity) duration and a longer delay between start of combustion (SOC) and the appearance of flame are found as the biodiesel content increases. The flame duration also increases with increasing ambient gas temperature for all fuels. Soot is lower and appears later at a lower ambient gas temperature, while it is burned out at around the same time. Near-zero soot mass was observed for all tested fuels at 700 K. A shorter soot formation process is observed for biodiesel fuels. The soot reduction using B20 and B50 is not obvious compared to B0 at a low temperature. But under the ordinary diesel engine operating condition at 1000 K, the soot reduction is significant. It is also found that the soot can be reduced by 60% and above when B100 is used in this study.
Cost Benefit Analysis of Alternative Fuel and Motive Power
Authors: Pinney Chris , Shurland Melissa , Smith Brian 
Published: February 2014

A research initiative by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) was developed to better understand the potential cost and benefits of using alternative fuels for United States freight and passenger locomotive operations. The framework for a decision model was developed to evaluate the feasibility of these newly emerging technologies. Because these alternatives (fuels and engine designs) are at early stages of development, the objective is to identify the most feasible alternatives and support their future development.
Energy security policies developed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and emission standards set forth by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are driving most of the technology initiatives related to alternative fuels in the US. Identifying alternatives that may provide benefits in the areas of emissions and energy security in relation to their potential cost, safety, and operating efficiencies are the main analysis objectives of this study.
Some of the alternative energy sources being studied, and that may be in limited use are biomass, natural gas and coal. These energy sources have the potential to replace diesel fuel and provide power for locomotive operations. However, most are considered experimental by the railway industry. In most cases engine modifications or complete motive power design changes are required. As a result, the use of alternative fuels or locomotives that are different from current diesel engine designs represent only a small percent of the total railroad fleet. The main drivers for the decision model identified in this research effort are Cost, Energy, Security, Emissions, Safety and Efficiency. Under each decision driver there are multiple criteria that may be used for comparison between proposed alternatives. The goal of the decision model is to understand if the criteria under the decision drivers are independently a cost or benefit to industry stakeholders as compared to a baseline case.