bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Existence and uniqueness for a nonlinear parabolic/Hamilton–Jacobi coupled system describing the dynamics of dislocation densities
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan 
Published: December 2007

We study a mathematical model describing the dynamics of dislocation densities in crystals. This model is expressed as a 1D system of a parabolic equation and a first order Hamilton–Jacobi equation that are coupled together. We examine an associated Dirichlet boundary value problem. We prove the existence and uniqueness of a viscosity solution among those assuming a lower-bound on their gradient for all time including the initial time. Moreover, we show the existence of a viscosity solution when we have no such restriction on the initial data. We also state a result of existence and uniqueness of entropy solution for the initial value problem of the system obtained by spatial derivation. The uniqueness of this entropy solution holds in the class of bounded-from-below solutions. In order to prove our results on the bounded domain, we use an “extension and restriction” method, and we exploit a relation between scalar conservation laws and Hamilton–Jacobi equations, mainly to get our gradient estimates.

Résumé
Nous étudions un modèle mathématique décrivant la dynamique de densités de dislocations dans les cristaux. Ce modèle s'écrit comme un système 1D couplant une équation parabolique et une équation de Hamilton–Jacobi du premier ordre. Nous examinons un problème de Dirichlet associé. On montre l'existence et l'unicité d'une solution de viscosité dans la classe des fonctions ayant un gradient minoré pour tout temps ainsi qu'au temps initial. De plus, on montre l'existence d'une solution de viscosité sans cette condition sur la donnée initiale. On présente également un résultat d'existence et d'unicité d'une solution entropique pour le problème d'évolution obtenu par dérivation spatiale. L'unicité de cette solution entropique a lieu dans la classe des solutions minorées. Pour montrer nos résultats sur le domaine borné, on utilise une méthode de « prolongement et restriction », et on profite essentiellement d'une relation entre les lois de conservation scalaire et les équations de Hamilton–Jacobi, pour obtenir des contrôles du gradient.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of cerebral activation during spinal cord stimulation in failed back surgery syndrome patients
Authors: Stančák Andrej , Kozák Jiří , Vrba Ivan , Tintěra Jaroslav , Vrána Jiří , Poláček Hubert , Stančák Marián 
Published: December 2007

AbstractSpinal cord stimulation (SCS) consisting of electrical stimulation of the dorsal spinal cord using epidural electrodes has been shown to relieve chronic neuropathic pain. To analyze the cerebral activation patterns related to SCS, and to evaluate the effects of SCS on the processing of acute experimental pain, we performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on eight patients suffering from failed back surgery syndrome who were also being treated with SCS for severe pain in their legs and lower back. Three types of stimulation were used, each lasting 36s: (i) SCS, (ii) heat pain (HP) applied to the leg affected by neuropathic pain, and (iii) simultaneous HP and SCS.During SCS, we found increased activation of the medial primary sensorimotor cortex somatotopically corresponding to the foot and/or perineal region, contralateral posterior insula, and the ipsilateral secondary somatosensory cortex (S2). Decreased activation was seen in the bilateral primary motor cortices and the ipsilateral primary somatosensory cortex corresponding to the shoulder, elbow and hand. Compared to separately presented HP and SCS, simultaneous HP and SCS showed statistically significant activation of the bilateral inferior temporal cortex and the ipsilateral cerebellar cortex.The activation of the primary motor cortex, insula and S2 during SCS may directly interfere with the processing of neuropathic pain. When SCS is associated with heat pain, the paralimbic association cortex and cerebellum show activation exceeding the sum of activations resulting from separate SCS and heat pain stimulation. The explanation of this could possibly rest with the continuous comparisons of simultaneous pain and somatosensory sensations occurring in a single dermatome.
Self‐reported prevalence of endometriosis and its symptoms among Puerto Rican women
Authors: Flores Idhaliz , Abreu Silkha , Abac Sonia , Fourquet Jessica , Laboy Joaquin , Ríos‐Bedoya Carlos 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of endometriosis and its symptoms in a Puerto Rican cohort, and to describe the menstrual, obstetric, and clinical profiles of the women.MethodsA self‐administered questionnaire was given to 1285 Puerto Rican women. Categorical variables were compared using χ2 analysis or Fisher exact test.ResultsThere were 57 self‐reported cases of endometriosis (48 surgically confirmed) among 1193 valid questionnaires, for a point prevalence of 4.0%. A diagnosis of endometriosis was significantly associated with dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain, but not with menstrual cycle characteristics. Undiagnosed women commonly reported signs and symptoms of endometriosis.ConclusionsThe estimated prevalence of endometriosis in Puerto Rico is 4.0%, comparable to what has been reported in other populations. Endometriosis symptoms were common in the population surveyed, indicating the need for increased awareness and development of public health policies leading to early diagnosis and appropriate management.
Fatty acids, antioxidants, and oxidative stress in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Mehendale Savita , Kilari Anitha , Dangat Kamini , Taralekar Vaishali , Mahadik Sahebarao , Joshi Sadhana 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether free radical‐mediated membrane lipid peroxidation may be implicated in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia.MethodsA prospective study using a sample of 55 healthy pregnant women and 60 pre‐eclamptic women recruited at Bharati Medical Hospital, Pune, India. Maternal and cord samples were examined for (red blood cells and plasma) fatty acid profiles, antioxidants, and oxidative stress levels. Mean values were compared between case and control groups using the t test and Wilcoxon rank test.ResultsPre‐eclamptic women showed reduced total omega‐3 fatty acids (P < 0.05), increased omega‐6:omega‐3 ratio (P < 0.05), higher oxidative stress (P < 0.05), and lower antioxidant (P < 0.05) levels. Similar trends were also observed in cord samples.ConclusionReduced antioxidants and increased oxidative stress leading to impaired essential polyunsaturated fatty acid levels may be a key factor in the development of pre‐eclampsia.
Prevalence of and attitude toward urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women
Authors: Hsieh Ching‐Hung , Su Tsung‐Hsien , Chang Shao‐Tung , Lin Shu‐Hui , Lee Meng‐Chih , Lee Mei Yu 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of urinary incontinence, and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Taiwanese women aged 60 years or older.MethodA nationwide epidemiological study was conducted and a sample of 2410 women was selected. Personal visits to 1517 women were completed.ResultsA total of 485 (29.8%) women reported urinary incontinence; 250 (69.9%) urinary incontinent women experienced symptoms less than once a month. Regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices, 822 (54.3%) of the women surveyed knew the meaning of urinary incontinence, and 147 (30.3%) with urinary incontinence had visited a doctor. The main reason given for not seeking medical help was shyness.ConclusionAlthough urinary incontinence is a common symptom, it is often not reported to doctors, which leads to undertreatment. From a public health perspective, there is considerable opportunity to improve women's quality of life by increasing health education about urinary incontinence and its treatment.
Culdocele repair in female pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Cronjé H.S. , de Beer J.A.A. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo review patients with a culdocele, a wide and deep cul‐de‐sac, and to report the results of treatment by sacrocolpopexy.MethodsA retrospective review of 117 patients with a culdocele identified by clinical examination and intraoperatively.ResultsThe mean age and parity of the patients were 61.4 years and 3.1, respectively. Bladder complaints occurred in 46% of patients and bowel problems in 74% (mainly obstructed defecation). Something protruded through the vaginal introitus in 84% of patients. All patients were treated with a sacrocolpopexy: 96% with mobilization and elevation of the rectum (rectopexy), and 79% with Burch colposuspension. Follow‐up results were obtained for 98% of the patients (mean, 14.7 months). Recurrent prolapse occurred in 10% of patients.ConclusionsA culdocele differs from an enterocele because it a distended and deep cul‐de‐sac without a true hernia between the distal vagina and rectum. Sacrocolpopexy resulted in a 10% recurrence rate of prolapse.
Remarriage in a pre-transitional Italian community
Authors: BRESCHI MARCO , MANFREDINI MATTEO , FORNASIN ALESSIO 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTThe article explores the roles of household compositional factors and socio-economic status on widowhood and remarriage. By using micro-level data from a nineteenth-century Italian community for the period 1819–1859, we found evidence of the very predominant role of household structure in the decision to remarry for both widows and widowers. In particular, the interplay between the presence of a supportive family network and the presence of coresiding children from previous marriages stood out as the key factors. The presence of children aged 12 and under promoted the search for a new bride for widowers, whilst the presence of children of any age, especially young ones, decreased the chances of remarriage for widows.
Uniqueness of spacelike hypersurfaces with constant higher order mean curvature in generalized Robertson–Walker spacetimes
Authors: ALÍAS LUIS J. , COLARES A. GERVASIO 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIn this paper we study the problem of uniqueness for spacelike hypersurfaces with constant higher order mean curvature in generalized Robertson–Walker (GRW) spacetimes. In particular, we consider the following question: under what conditions must a compact spacelike hypersurface with constant higher order mean curvature in a spatially closed GRW spacetime be a spacelike slice? We prove that this happens, essentially, under the so callednull convergence condition. Our approach is based on the use of the Newton transformations (and their associated differential operators) and the Minkowski formulae for spacelike hypersurfaces.
Lehmer's Question, Knots and Surface Dynamics
Authors: SILVER DANIEL S. , WILLIAMS SUSAN G. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractLehmer's question is equivalent to one about generalized growth rates of Lefschetz numbers of iterated pseudo-Anosov surface homeomorphisms. One need consider only homeomorphisms that arise as monodromies of fibered knots in lens spacesL(n, 1),n> 0. Lehmer's question for Perron polynomials is equivalent to one about generalized growth rates of words under free group endomorphisms.
There exist conjugate simple braids whose associated permutations are not strongly conjugate
Authors: MANCHÓN P. M. G. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIf two permutations are strongly conjugate, then their corresponding positive permutation braids (also called simple braids) are conjugate. In this paper we exhibit two conjugate simple braids whose associated permutations are not strongly conjugate. In terms of the grey and black graphs with vertices in the ultra summit set defined in [1], this result can be reformulated by saying that there are ultra summit sets with simple braids (hence with canonical lengthk= 1) in which the grey graph is not connected. Birman, Gebhardt and González Meneses have given similar examples, but withk≥ 2 [1]. Recall that the set of simple braids onnstrings is a basis of the Hecke algebraHn. If two simple braids onnstrings are conjugate, the associated permutations are centrally conjugate, which means that the coefficients of any central element ofHncorresponding to these simple braids are equal. Working on topological dynamics, Hall and Carvalho [8] have discovered two braids on 12 strings (one and its reverse) which are not conjugate. Since one braid is the reverse of the other, their corresponding permutations are centrally conjugate. Forn≤ 6 we checked that central conjugacy implies conjugacy of the corresponding simple braids.
Polynomial bounds for equivalence of quadratic forms with cube-free determinant
Authors: DIETMANN RAINER 
Published: December 2007

AbstractGiven two integrally equivalent integral quadratic forms in at least three variables and with cube-free determinant, we establish an upper bound on the smallest unimodular matrix transforming one of the forms into the other. This bound is polynomial in the height of the two forms involved, confirming a conjecture of Masser for the class of forms considered.
Innovative strategies for on-farm weed management in organic carrot
Authors: Peruzzi Andrea , Ginanni Marco , Fontanelli Marco , Raffaelli Michele , Bàrberi Paolo 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWeed management is often the most troublesome technical problem to be solved in organic farming, especially in poorly competitive crops like vegetables. A four-year (2000–2003) series of trials was established to assess the possibility of adopting an innovative non-chemical weed management system in organic carrot grown on the Fucino plateau, i.e., the most important carrot-growing area in Italy. The system utilized for physical weed control was based first on a false seedbed technique followed by pre-sowing weed removal, performed with a special 2 m wide 6-row spring-tine harrow. Prior to crop emergence, a pass with a flame weeder equipped with four 50 cm wide-open flame burners was also performed. Post-emergence weed control consisted of one or more hoeing passes with a purpose-designed 11-tine precision hoe equipped with spring implements (torsion weeders and vibrating tines), in addition to hand weeding. This innovative system was applied to a novel planting pattern (sowing in ten individual rows within 2 m wide beds) and compared to the standard management system of the area (sowing within 2 m wide beds but in five bands, use of spring-tine harrowing and flame weeding pre-emergence and of traditional hoeing post-emergence). The new system was tested in different commercial farms including both early and late-sown carrot. Assessments included machine operative characteristics, labor time, weed density and biomass, crop root yield and yield quality, and economic data (physical weed control costs and crop gross margin). Compared to the standard system, the innovative system usually resulted in reduced labor time (from 28 to 40%) and total costs for physical weed control (on average −416 € ha−1). Use of the precision hoe resulted in intra-row weed reduction ranging from 65 to 90%, which also led to a marked reduction in the labor required for hand weeding. In 2001 the two systems did not differ in terms of yield and yield quality, whereas in 2002 and 2003 the innovative system showed a higher mean density of carrot plants (from 28 to 55%), root yield (from 30 to 42%), and gross margin (from 40 to 100%). Carrot yield was higher in farms which adopted an early sowing whereas root commercial quality was somewhat variable between systems and years. In general, results obtained with the innovative management system look very promising.
Farmer perceptions of soil quality and their relationship to management-sensitive soil parameters
Authors: Gruver J.B. , Weil R.R. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA critical step in the quantification of soil quality (SQ) is the selection of SQ benchmarks. The benchmarks used in this study were SQ ratings made by 32 farmer collaborators representing a range of farming systems, scales of operation and geographic locations in the Mid-Atlantic region of USA. Soils from 45 pairs of sites identified by their farmers as having good and poor SQ were sampled over three seasons and analyzed for 19 soil parameters. Farmer judgments of SQ were based on many factors, most commonly soil organic matter, crop performance, soil water availability and erosion history. Selected individual soil parameters were normalized and integrated into an additive SQ index (SQI). Three additional indices were developed using discriminant analysis. The level of agreement between individual parameters, SQIs and farmer SQ ratings was evaluated using paired t-tests and mean percent difference values. The additive SQI was found to have the highest level of agreement with farmer SQ ratings (P<0.0001), demonstrating that a linear combination of soil parameters can be assembled that is more in agreement with holistic SQ criteria, such as farmer SQ ratings, than individual soil parameters. Extractable C from microwave (MW) sterilized soil (a measure of microbial biomass) was the individual parameter that best agreed with farmer SQ ratings (P<0.0001). Five additional soil C parameters, as well as aggregate stability, also agreed well with farmer SQ ratings (all P values <0.0005). The three parameters with the highest ratio of mean percent difference to coefficient of variation (an indication of parameter reliability) were extractable C from MW sterilized soil, anthrone reactive C and macroaggregate stability (14.2, 7.7 and 3.7, respectively). Mineral fertility parameters (pH, Ca, Ca:Mg ratio, P and K) were not significantly related to farmer SQ ratings (P values >0.05). The strong relationships observed between soil C parameters, soil structural parameters and farmer SQ ratings suggest that efforts to improve SQ in the study region should focus on monitoring and enhancement of soil C and soil structure.
Applicability of Central Auditory Processing Disorder Models
Authors: Jutras Benoît , Loubert Monique , Dupuis Jean-Luc , Marcoux Caroline , Dumont Véronique , Baril Michèle 
Published: December 2007

Purpose
Central auditory processing disorder ([C]APD) is a relatively recent construct that has given rise to 2 theoretical models: the Buffalo Model and the Bellis/Ferre Model. These models describe 4 and 5 (C)APD categories, respectively. The present study examines the applicability of these models to clinical practice. Neither of these models was based on data from peer-reviewed sources.

Method
This is a retrospective study that reviewed 178 records of children diagnosed with (C)APD, of which 48 were retained for analysis.

Results
More than 80% of the children could be classified into one of the Buffalo Model categories, while more than 90% remained unclassified under the Bellis/Ferre Model. This discrepancy can be explained by the fact that the classification of the Buffalo Model is based primarily on a single central auditory test (Staggered Spondaic Word), whereas the Bellis/Ferre Model classification uses a combination of auditory test results.

Conclusion
The 2 models provide a conceptual framework for (C)APD, but they must be further refined to be fully applicable in clinical settings.
Program for the Conservation and Promotion of Hearing Among Adolescents
Authors: Serra Mario R. , Biassoni Ester C. , Hinalaf María , Pavlik Marta , Pérez Villalobo Jorge , Curet Carlos , Minoldo Gloria , Abraham Silvia , Moreno Barral José , Reynoso Raúl , Barteik María E. , Joekes Silvia , Yacci María R. 
Published: December 2007

Purpose
We describe a program for the promotion of hearing conservation aimed at the adolescent population. The intent of our program is to (a) detect hearing disorders early, as well as to establish their relation to psychosocial and acoustic factors; (b) devise a follow-up procedure to study relevant variables; (c) evaluate the relation between hearing disorders and genetic factors, and (d) raise the social awareness of the effects of noise and its consequences.

Method
This program, designed to be carried out over a 7-year period, focuses on participants from technical schools in the city of Cordoba, Argentina. Every student will be examined at age 14–15 years and will be reexamined at age 17–18. There will be a yearly follow-up in those cases in which disorders are detected.

Results and Conclusions
We discuss the organization and planning of this program, together with its launching in the first of the selected schools. We also describe the findings on the following topics: (a) the hearing data on adolescents (age 14–15 years); (b) their recreational habits, personality traits, and attitudes; and (c) the sound immision characteristics these individuals are exposed to during recreational activities.
Comparison of Audiometric Screening Criteria for the Identification of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Adolescents
Authors: Meinke Deanna K. , Dice Noel 
Published: December 2007

PurposeTo ascertain whether current pure-tone school hearing screening criteria used across the United States are adequate for the early identification of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in adolescents.MethodSchool-based pure-tone hearing screening protocols were collected, reviewed, and consolidated from 46 state agencies. A retrospective categorical analysis of air-conduction audiometric thresholds from a computerized database of 9th-grade (n= 376) and 12th-grade (n= 265) students from a suburban high school was conducted. The database analysis was designed to determine whether each screening protocol would identify high-frequency notched audiometric configurations suggestive of NIHL when using the noise notch criteria described by A. S. Niskar et al. (2001).ResultsAll of the school-based hearing screening criteria identified significantly (p≤ .05) fewer students with a high-frequency notch (HFN) than the noise notch protocol regardless of screening decibel level specified. Over half of the school-based hearing screening protocols used in the United States will identify only 22% of the students with an HFN and consequently would fail to detect a potential NIHL.ConclusionsCurrently implemented school-based hearing screening guidelines are nonstandardized and inadequate for the early identification of NIHL. This denies the majority of students the opportunity to receive early intervention and to prevent further progression of NIHL. It is necessary to identify, standardize, and implement effective and efficient screening or monitoring programs for the early detection and prevention of NIHL in adolescents.
Flaubert, Ethics and Queer Religious Art: ‘La Légende de saint Julien L'Hospitalier’
Authors: Hartford Jason 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

‘La Légende de saint Julien l'Hospitalier’, from Flaubert's
Trois Contes
, engages harmoniously with Christianity while remaining independent of it. It reconciles the amoral demands of the writer's ‘language-project’ with his equally strong ethical commitments. Flaubert found a symbolic and metaphorical foil for reconciling this unlikely pairing of ideals by queering the figure of St Julien, in the senses both of associating him with minority sexuality, and of rendering strange the representational process of which he is the centre. In doing this the story incorporates an audacious approach to visual as well as literary sources, particularly the figure of the devil in the stained glass window at Rouen cathedral. This discussion elucidates these topics through re-examining crucial moments from the tale, especially its ending, with comparative reference to
Madame Bovary
. It pursues such topics as scandal, the iconic, irony and atheism — always with reference to Flaubert's representational project, and his recognition of a moral ideal in the concept of hospitality.