bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of reliable fatigue life of orthotropic steel deck
Authors: Lukačević Ivan , Androić Boris , Dujmović Darko 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe fatigue life assessment of orthotropic steel decks of highway bridges still hasn’t been sufficiently investigated. The inspection results of orthotropic steel decks have shown that their working life can be shorter than other members of steel highway bridges due to fatigue. This means that particular details of orthotropic decks can be critical regarding the service life of a bridge. The fatigue life of typical details of orthotropic steel decks for the real load models in Croatia and for the standardized load model of highway bridges in Eurocode has been analysed. The reliability indices have also been calculated for these details and they have been used to determine reliable fatigue life. The paper proposed the introduction of the reliable fatigue life concept which is not explicitly specified in the modern standards for structures. This concept has been offered as well as the guidelines for further probabilistic research on reliable fatigue life.
Endovascular treatment of symptomatic intracranial stenosis with the Wingspan stent system and Gateway PTA balloon: a multicenter series of 60 patients with acute and midterm results
Authors: Costalat Vincent , Maldonado Igor Lima , Vendrell Jean-François , Riquelme Carlos , Machi Paolo , Arteaga Charles , Turjman Francis , Desal Hubert , Sedat Jacques , Bonafé Alain 
Published: July 2011

Object
The limitations of the medical management of symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis (SIAS) have encouraged the development of new strategies, such as endovascular treatment. In this study, the authors report and analyze a series of 63 endovascular procedures in which the Wingspan stent system was used.

Methods
Data from 60 patients presenting with refractory SIAS, treated in 5 French neurointerventional centers between September 2006 and August 2009, were retrieved. An angiogram was systematically obtained 6 months after the procedure and yearly thereafter. The clinical neurological status was assessed and reported using the modified Rankin scale at 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up visits.

Results
A total of 63 stenotic lesions was treated. The mean age of the patients was 65.3 years, and the mean diameter of the stenosis was 80.2%. Technical success was achieved in 95.2% of cases. The overall incidence of procedural complications was 20.6%, with a 4.8% rate of permanent postoperative morbidity and death. In-stent restenosis (ISR)/occlusion occurred in 11 cases (17.4%), of which 10 were asymptomatic and 9 were detected less than 1 year from the endovascular treatment. In 1 case, the patient presented with a recurrent transient ischemic attack and was treated again with angioplasty. The mean follow-up was 13.2 months.

Conclusions
Endovascular treatment of SIAS demonstrates a moderate risk of neurological complication. Nevertheless, considering the critical natural history of severe refractory lesions, this may be considered the first alternative in cases of failed medical therapy. Technical failure, residual stenosis, or in-stent restenosis did not lead to systematic recurrent stroke in this series, which suggests the importance of plaque stabilization and neoendothelialization.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for glossopharyngeal neuralgia: preliminary report of 5 cases
Authors: Pollock Bruce E. , Boes Christopher J. 
Published: July 2011

Object
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a rare pain disorder characterized by severe, stabbing pain of the ear, posterior tongue, and throat. The authors report their early experience of using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as an alternative to posterior fossa surgery for patients with medically resistant GPN.

Methods
Five patients (3 men, 2 woman) with medically resistant GPN underwent Gamma Knife surgery. The radiosurgical target was the distal portion of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves at the jugular foramen (glossopharyngeal meatus). The maximum radiation dose in all cases was 80 Gy. The median follow-up after radiosurgery was 13 months (range 2–19 months).

Results
Three patients became pain-free at 2 days, 3 days, and 2 weeks, respectively, and were able to discontinue the medications taken preoperatively for their pain. None of these patients have suffered recurrent pain since becoming pain free. Two patients experienced no benefit from the procedure and underwent posterior fossa surgery 2 and 5 months after SRS. Both of these patients continued to have pain after posterior fossa surgery. One of these patients was later discovered to have a head and neck cancer as the cause of his pain. No patient developed hoarseness or dysphagia after radiosurgery.

Conclusions
This preliminary experience demonstrates that SRS is an option for patients with medically resistant GPN. Additional follow-up and a larger number of patients are needed to demonstrate the long-term safety and optimal radiation dosimetry for this indication.
Primary holocord ganglioneuroblastoma
Authors: Miele William R. , Pfannl Rolf , Kryzanski James T. 
Published: July 2011

The authors present a case of extensive primary intramedullary spinal CNS ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB) in a 23-year-old man. Central nervous system GNB is a poorly differentiated neuroepithelial tumor composed of neuroblasts and differentiated ganglion cells, and these lesions are extremely uncommon. Most previously reported primary intraaxial neuroblastic tumors were described in the brain. There has been only one other report of primary spinal cord CNS GNB published to date; the clinical course and prognosis for primary spinal cord tumors of this type are unknown. Similar tumor types demonstrate poor prognoses.
This 23-year-old man presented after 9 months of progressive myelopathy. Admission MR imaging showed an intraaxial enhancing mass extending from C-3 to the conus medullaris, with a holocord appearance in several areas. Due to the tumor size, operative intervention was initially limited to biopsy sampling. Chemotherapy resulted in histological maturation, but initial tumor regression was temporary. The patient suffered progressive quadriparesis, and neuroimaging demonstrated slow enlargement of the tumor and an associated syrinx. Nineteen months after diagnosis, the tumor was excised to gross-total resection in a 2-stage operation. One year following resection, the patient had no radiographic recurrence and was functional in a wheelchair with minimal paresis in the upper extremities. This case represents the most extensive example of primary spinal intramedullary CNS GNB reported to date. Holocord tumors present a significant challenge to the neurosurgeon, and resection bears substantial risk of morbidity. In spinal cord CNS GNB, chemotherapy followed by complete resection may be the most effective means of tumor control.
Management and prognosis of symptomatic patients with intramedullary spinal cord cavernoma
Authors: Liang Jian-tao , Bao Yu-hai , Zhang Hong-qi , Huo Li-rong , Wang Zhen-yu , Ling Feng 
Published: July 2011

Object
The authors conducted a study to assess the clinical pattern, radiological features, therapeutic strategies, and long-term outcomes in patients with intramedullary spinal cord cavernomas (ISCCs) based on a large case series.

Methods
This retrospective study identified 96 patients (60 males, 36 females) surgically (81 cases) or conservatively (15 cases) treated for ISCCs between May 1993 and November 2007. Each diagnosis was based on MR imaging and spinal angiography evidence. For all surgically treated patients, the diagnosis was verified pathologically. The neurological outcomes pre- and postoperatively, as well as long-term follow-up, were assessed using the Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale.

Results
The mean age at the onset of symptoms was 34.5 years (range 9–80 years). Of the lesions, 68 (71%) were located in the thoracic spine, 25 (26%) in the cervical spine, and only 3 (3%) in the lumbar spine. The median symptom duration was 19.7 months. The clinical behavior of the lesion was a slow progression in 73 cases and an acute decline in 23 cases. Long-term follow-up data (mean 45.8 months, range 10–183 months) were available for 75 patients (64 surgical cases and 11 conservative cases). In the surgical group, a complete resection was achieved in 60 patients, and incomplete resection was detected in 4 patients after operation. At the end of the follow-up period in the operative group, 23 patients (36%) improved, 35 (55%) remained unchanged, and 6 (9%) worsened. In the nonoperative group, 5 patients improved, 6 patients remained unchanged, and none worsened.

Conclusions
For differential diagnosis, spinal angiography was necessary in some cases. For most symptomatic lesions, complete microsurgical resection of the symptomatic ISCC is safe and prevents rebleeding and further neurological deterioration. However, in patients whose lesions were small and located ventrally in the spinal cord, one can also opt for a rigorous follow-up, considering the high surgical risk.
Factors associated with delay to pituitary adenoma diagnosis in patients with visual loss
Authors: Jahangiri Arman , Lamborn Kathleen R. , Blevins Lewis , Kunwar Sandeep , Aghi Manish K. 
Published: July 2011

Object
The duration of visual symptoms associated with a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFA) is a predictive factor for chances of visual improvement. The authors investigated factors associated with increased duration of visual symptoms in patients with NFAs.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed NFAs resected at their institution between 2004 and 2010 for duration of visual symptoms, postoperative improvement, and associated factors.

Results
Seventy-five patients underwent NFA resection with a median visual symptom duration of 6.5 months (range 1 week–15 years). A multivariate logistic regression showed that duration of symptoms (p = 0.04), but not age at surgery (p = 0.2), predicted postoperative normalization of vision. Univariate nonparametric analyses investigating age at symptom onset, sex, race, insurance type, ophthalmological conditions, income, marital status, emergency department admission, language, and medical provider found that age was the only variable significantly prolonging symptom duration (p = 0.04), a finding confirmed by a multivariate regression analysis. Patients 20–39, 40–59, and 60–79 years old had median durations of symptoms of 4, 7, and 9 months, respectively. Seven older patients had symptoms attributed to preexisting ophthalmological conditions for a median of 18 months before NFA diagnosis. Among age and race subgroups, the largest difference in median symptom duration was between white patients in the 60–79-year age range (duration of 5 months) and nonwhite patients in the 60–79-year age range (duration of 24 months) (p = 0.04).

Conclusions
The authors found that older age was associated with delayed NFA diagnosis in visually impaired patients. Contributing factors were the attributing of visual symptoms from NFAs to other ophthalmological conditions in these patients, and delayed presentation in elderly nonwhite patients. These findings highlight challenges associated with timely NFA diagnosis in visually impaired patients, a key factor for chances of improvement.
La thérapie familiale comme espaces narratifs pour les familles contemporaines Apport de la sémiotique à une anthropologie clinique des systèmes humains
Authors: Escots Serge 
Published: July 2011

La thérapie familiale comme espaces narratifs pour les familles contemporaines. Apport de la sémiotique à une anthropologie clinique des systèmes humains. – Les sciences sociales et humaines connaissent une crise épistémologique du statut ontologique de leurs objets. Entre renoncer à s’articuler aux sciences naturelles ou s’engager dans la voie d’un cognitivisme des représentations, l’auteur préconise la troisième voie de la sémiotique. Parallèlement, l’évolution des thérapies familiales a intégré les apports de la cybernétique, du constructivisme et du constructionnisme social, et rendu explicite le langage dans le processus thérapeutique, au prix d’une multitude de concepts qui aboutissent à des antagonismes. En adoptant la perspective d’une sémiotique des systèmes humains, l’article propose une continuité entre les épistémologies successives. Appliquée au processus thérapeutique, une meilleure compréhension du fonctionnement structurel sémiotique ouvre alors à des dispositifs thérapeutiques mieux adaptés aux configurations des familles d’aujourd’hui, que les transformations de l’idéologie contemporaine affectent au plus haut point. Des espaces pour d’autres constructions narratives deviennent ainsi possibles.
An Asymptotic Bound on the Composition Number of Integer Sums of Squares Formulas
Authors: Hrubeš P. , Wigderson A. , Yehudayoff A. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractLet σZ(k) be the smallest n such that there exists an identity , with f1, . . . , fn being polynomials with integer coefficients in the variables x1, . . . , xk and y1, . . . , yk. We prove that σℤ(k) ≥ (k6/5).
Semi-invariant Submersions from Almost Hermitian Manifolds
Authors: Ṣahin Bayram 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe introduce semi-invariant Riemannian submersions from almost Hermitian manifolds onto Riemannian manifolds. We give examples, investigate the geometry of foliations that arise from the definition of a Riemannian submersion, and find necessary sufficient conditions for total manifold to be a locally product Riemannian manifold. We also find necessary and sufficient conditions for a semi-invariant submersion to be totally geodesic. Moreover, we obtain a classification for semiinvariant submersions with totally umbilical fibers and show that such submersions put some restrictions on total manifolds.
Numerical Methods for Constrained Elliptic Optimal Control Problems with Rapidly Oscillating Coefficients
Authors: Chen Yanping , Tang Yuelong 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn this paper we use two numerical methods to solve constrained optimal control problems governed by elliptic equations with rapidly oscillating coefficients: one is finite element method and the other is multiscale finite element method. We derive the convergence analysis for those two methods. Analytical results show that finite element method can not work when the parameter ε is small enough, while multiscale finite element method is useful for any parameter ε.
Mixed Fourier-Jacobi Spectral Method for Two-Dimensional Neumann Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Yu Xu-Hong , Wang Zhong-Qing 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a mixed Fourier-Jacobi spectral method for two dimensional Neumann boundary value problem. This method differs from the classical spectral method. The homogeneous Neumann boundary condition is satisfied exactly. Moreover, a tridiagonal matrix is employed, instead of the full stiffness matrix encountered in the classical variational formulation. For analyzing the numerical error, we establish the mixed Fourier-Jacobi orthogonal approximation. The convergence of proposed scheme is proved. Numerical results demonstrate the efficiency of this approach.
The Fechnerian Idea
Authors: Dzhafarov Ehtibar N. , Colonius Hans 
Published: July 2011

AbstractFrom the principle that subjective dissimilarity between 2 stimuli is determined by their ratio, Fechner derives his logarithmic law in 2 ways. In one derivation, ignored and forgotten in modern accounts of Fechner’s theory, he formulates the principle in question as a functional equation and reduces it to one with a known solution. In the other derivation, well known and often criticized, he solves the same functional equation by differentiation. Both derivations are mathematically valid (the much-derided “expedient principle” mentioned by Fechner can be viewed as merely an inept way of pointing at a certain property of the differentiation he uses). Neither derivation uses the notion of just-noticeable differences. But if Weber’s law is accepted in addition to the principle in question, then the dissimilarity between 2 stimuli is approximately proportional to the number of just-noticeable differences that fit between these stimuli: The smaller Weber’s fraction the better the approximation, and Weber’s fraction can always be made arbitrarily small by an appropriate convention. We argue, however, that neither the 2 derivations of Fechner’s law nor the relation of this law to thresholds constitutes the essence of Fechner’s approach. We see this essence in the idea of additive cumulation of sensitivity values. Fechner’s work contains a surprisingly modern definition of sensitivity at a given stimulus: the rate of growth of the probability-of-greater function, with this stimulus serving as a standard. The idea of additive cumulation of sensitivity values lends itself to sweeping generalizations of Fechnerian scaling.
The Structure of Common Fears: Comparing Three Different Models
Authors: De Jongh Ad , Oosterink Floor M. D. , Kieffer Jacobien M. , Hoogstraten Johan , Aartman Irene H. A. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Previous studies showed discrepant findings regarding the factor structure of common fears. The purpose of the present study was to expand on these findings and contribute to the development of a descriptive framework for a fear classification. Using data from the Dutch general population (n = 961; 50.9% women), an exploratory factor analysis was performed to delineate the multidimensional structure of 11 common fears previously used in a factor analytic study by Fredrikson, Annas, Fischer, and Wik (1996). An independent sample (n = 998; 48.3% women) was used to confirm the newly derived model by means of confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, the model was tested against the DSM–IV–TR model and a model found earlier by Fredrikson et al. (1996). Although support was found for a 3-factor solution consisting of a blood–injection–injury factor, a situational–animal factor, and a height-related factor, confirmatory factor analysis showed that this 3-factor model and the DSM–IV–TR 4-factor model fitted the data equally well. The findings suggest that the structure of subclinical fears can be inferred from the DSM classification of phobia subtypes and that fears and phobias are two observable manifestations of a fear response along a continuum.
Rheumatologists on the road: A subspecialist's role in caring for the homebound
Authors: Jain Ruchi , Dasari Suma , Soriano Theresa , DeCherrie Linda , Kerr Leslie Dubin 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveBy 2030, the number of permanently homebound individuals in the US will increase by 50% to reach 2 million. However, no medicine subspecialty consult services exist for this rising subset of the population. This pilot program establishes a rheumatology consult service for the Mount Sinai Visiting Doctors, the largest primary care academic home visit program in the nation serving more than 1,000 patients in New York City. Our service addresses the unmet need for homebound patients with rheumatic diseases, and secondarily provides an educational opportunity for trainees in community‐based rheumatology.MethodsUsing an electronic medical record, home‐based primary care physicians sent consult requests to the Rheumatology Division. Initial assessments were made using the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) questionnaire.ResultsOver 12 months, 57 home visits were made: 31 new consults and 26 followup visits. Reasons for referral included medical management of a known connective tissue disease, question of inflammatory arthritis, and procedures. The demographics for new consults were as follows: 94% women, 45% Hispanic, and 80% between ages 60 and 101 years. Thirty‐nine percent of patients had rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment interventions included addition of a disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug in 11 patients, 11 procedures, nonpharmacologic management in 8 patients, and a change in the dose of the existing medication in 5 patients. At the initial evaluation, the average RAPID3 scores for patients reflected high severity of disease.ConclusionThe number of consults and the severity of disease seen highlight the importance of a rheumatologist's role in the community, especially because the number of homebound patients will dramatically increase in the future.
Anti‐Ro/SSA–associated corrected QT interval prolongation in adults: The role of antibody level and specificity
Authors: Lazzerini Pietro Enea , Capecchi Pier Leopoldo , Acampa Maurizio , Morozzi Gabriella , Bellisai Francesca , Bacarelli Maria Romana , Dragoni Saverio , Fineschi Irene , Simpatico Antonella , Galeazzi Mauro , Laghi‐Pasini Franco 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveRecent evidence suggests that anti‐Ro/SSA antibodies, strongly associated with the development of congenital heart block, may also be arrhythmogenic for the adult heart. In fact, anti‐Ro/SSA–positive patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) frequently display corrected QT (QTc) prolongation associated with an increase in ventricular arrhythmias. However, QTc prolongation prevalence markedly differs throughout the studies (10–60%), but the reason why is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether anti‐Ro/SSA–associated QTc prolongation in adult patients with CTD is related to antibody level and specificity.MethodsForty‐nine adult patients with CTD underwent a resting 12‐lead electrocardiogram recording to measure QTc interval, and a venous withdrawal to determine anti‐Ro/SSA antibody level and specificity (anti–Ro/SSA 52 kd and anti–Ro/SSA 60 kd) by immunoenzymatic methods and Western blotting.ResultsIn our population, a direct correlation was demonstrated between anti–Ro/SSA 52‐kd level and QTc duration (r = 0.38, P = 0.007), patients with a prolonged QTc had higher levels of anti–Ro/SSA 52 kd with respect to those with a normal QTc (P = 0.003), and patients with a moderate to high level (≥50 units/ml) of anti–Ro/SSA 52 kd showed a longer QTc interval (P = 0.008) and a higher QTc prolongation prevalence (P = 0.008) than those with a low positive/negative level (<50 units/ml). On the contrary, no association was found between QTc and anti–Ro/SSA 60‐kd level.ConclusionIn anti‐Ro/SSA–positive adult patients with CTD, the occurrence of QTc prolongation seems strictly dependent on the anti–Ro/SSA 52‐kd level. This finding, possibly explaining the different QTc prolongation prevalence reported, strengthens the hypothesis that an extremely specific autoimmune cross‐reaction is responsible for the anti‐Ro/SSA–dependent interference on ventricular repolarization.
Compatibilizer‐tracer: A powerful concept for polymer‐blending processes
Authors: Zhang Cai‐Liang , Feng Lian‐Fang , Hoppe Sandrine , Hu Guo‐Hua 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPolymer blending is a very important polymer processing operation. It aims at preparing new polymer materials by blending existing polymers without the need of creating new molecules. For immiscible polymer blends, it is always challenging, if not impossible, to choose an appropriate compatibilizer and assess its compatibilizing efficiency under pilot or industrial polymer‐blending conditions. The concept of compatibilizer‐tracer developed in this work is able to take this challenge. This is shown using polystyrene (PS)/polyamide 6 (PA6) blends and fluorescent labeled graft copolymers of PS and PA6 as compatibilizer‐tracer. Transient experiments allow using very small amounts of compatibilizer‐tracer to obtain emulsification curves, namely, the evolution of the dispersed phase domain size as a function of the compatibilizer‐tracer concentration. Other potential applications of this concept are discussed and its limitations are investigated. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 1921–1928, 2012