bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13) deficiency in septic shock patients involves interleukin-6 and is not dependent on disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Peigne Vincent , Azoulay Elie , Coquet Isaline , Mariotte Eric , Darmon Michael , Legendre Paulette , Adoui Nadir , Marfaing-Koka Anne , Wolf Martine , Schlemmer Benoit , Veyradier Agnès 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13) deficiency has been reported in patients with sepsis but its clinical relevance and pathophysiology remain unclear. Our objectives were to assess the clinical significance, prognostic value and pathophysiology of ADAMTS13 deficiency in patients with septic shock with and without disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Methods
This was a prospective monocenter cohort study of patients with septic shock. Von Willebrand Factor, ADAMTS13-related parameters and plasma IL-6 concentration were measured at inclusion to the study. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the presence of ADAMT13 deficiency (<30%) or DIC.

Results
This study included 72 patients with a median age of 59 years (interquartile range (IQR) 50 to 71). Each of the included patients received vasopressors; 55 (76%) were under mechanical ventilation and 22 (33%) underwent renal replacement therapy. Overall, 19 patients (26%) had DIC, and 36 patients had ADMTS13 deficiency (50%). Patients with DIC, ADAMTS13 deficiency or both were more severe at ICU admission. Mortality was higher in septic shock patients from group one. By multivariate analysis, Simplified Acute Physiology Score 2 (SAPS2) score (odds ratio (OR) 1.11/point; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.24) and ADAMTS13 activity <30% (OR 11.86; 95% CI 1.36 to 103.52) were independently associated with hospital mortality. There was no correlation between ADAMTS13 activity and the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) score (rs = -0.97, P = 0.41) suggesting that ADAMTS13 functional deficiency and DIC were independent parameters. IL-6 level was higher in patients with ADAMTS13 activity <30% [895 (IQR 330 to 1843) pg/mL versus 83 (IQR 43 to 118), P = 0.0003).

Conclusions
Septic shock was associated with a functional deficiency of ADAMTS13, independently of DIC. ADAMTS13 functional deficiency is then a prognostic factor for mortality in septic shock patients, independently of DIC.
A Model of Phonological Processing, Language, and Reading for Students With Mild Intellectual Disability
Authors: Barker R. Michael , Sevcik Rose A. , Morris Robin D. , Romski MaryAnn 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Little is known about the relationships between phonological processing, language, and reading in children with intellectual disability (ID). We examined the structure of phonological processing in 294 school-age children with mild ID and the relationships between its components and expressive and receptive language and reading skills using structural equation modeling. Phonological processing consisted of two distinct but correlated latent abilities: phonological awareness and naming speed. Phonological awareness had strong relationships with expressive and receptive language and reading skills. Naming speed had moderate relationships with these variables. Results suggest that children with ID bring the same skills to the task of learning to read as children with typical development, highlighting the fact that phonologically based reading instruction should be considered a viable approach.
Cortisol Reactivity and Performance Abilities in Social Situations in Adults with Williams Syndrome
Authors: Lense Miriam D. , Dykens Elisabeth M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWilliams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with hypersociability and anxiety. However, little is known about how these salient aspects of the phenotype are related or their underlying physiology. We examined cortisol reactivity in WS because cortisol is responsive to psychosocial stress. Compared to typically developing adults, adults with WS had a significant cortisol decrease in response to a challenging cognitive battery. In contrast, cortisol levels in WS stayed stable in response to a solo musical performance, and baseline cortisol levels were significantly associated with musical skill. Results indicate that people with WS respond differentially to different socially-loaded situations. Implications for salience and arousal in cognitive and social situations are discussed.
Income Distribution and the Occupational Choices of Entrepreneurs
Authors: Schwenkenberg Julia M. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This article presents a model that analyzes the effects of redistribution on the occupational choices of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs can either engage in costly search for projects and produce or become rent-seekers who collect rents for reversing redistribution. The model illustrates that redistribution of aggregate output is possible until a tipping point is reached. Higher levels of redistribution decrease entrepreneurship, employment, and aggregate income. Which level of redistribution is too much depends on the degree of inequality inherent in the firm quality distribution and on the power of rent-seekers to alter redistributive outcomes. An exogenous increase in the ratio of average realized output to output produced at the lowest-productivity firm reduces the gains from entrepreneurship relative to rent-seeking. This happens because entrepreneurs expend search costs to find those high-quality projects that drive up the average production value, but only a few entrepreneurs can realize these big hits. Wages and rent-seeker pay-offs, on the other hand, depend on average realized production. An increase in the power of rent-seekers further reduces the government’s options. The model implies that the government’s ability to redistribute might be declining when inequality rises.
Pharmacological anti-thrombotic prophylaxis after elective caesarean delivery in thrombophilia unscreened women: should maternal age have a role in decision making?
Authors: Gizzo Salvatore , Noventa Marco , Anis Omar , Saccardi Carlo , Zambon Alessandra , Di Gangi Stefania , Tormene Daniela , Gangemi Michele , D’Antona Donato , Nardelli Giovanni Battista 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In obstetrical practice, the best prevention strategy for pregnant women aged >35 years without known thrombosis risk factors who underwent elective caesarean delivery (CD) is controversial. We performed an observational-longitudinal cohort study on pregnant women aged >35 years who delivered at term by elective caesarean section after a physiological single pregnancy to evaluate the role of maternal age in the decision-making process of whether or not to perform low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis during the post-partum period after elective CD in healthy women with unknown inherited thrombophilia status. During the 6 post-partum weeks, we followed two groups: GROUP-A (349 women treated for 7 days with low-molecular-weight heparin) and GROUP-B (180 women not treated with LMWH treatment). The outcomes were as follows: onset of thromboembolic events during the post-partum period; non-obstetrical-linked maternal haemorrhage; blood transfusion; re-laparotomy; detection of a surgical site haematoma; length of hospitalisation; and treatment suspension because of decreased platelet count. Except for the parity number, the two groups were homogeneous with regard to general features. In both the groups, we reported no cases of thromboembolic events during the follow-up period. Maternal haemorrhage requiring transfusion occurred in 16 women in GROUP-A and none in GROUP-B. Among the GROUP-A women, 11 demonstrated a surgical site haematoma and 4 required re-laparotomy. No cases of treatment suspension were reported. Pneumatic compression stockings represent a better, low cost and safe way to prevent post-partum venous thromboembolic episodes after elective caesarean section in an unscreened population. Pharmacological prophylaxis after elective caesarean section should be performed only in case of clear and known adjunctive risk factors, independent of maternal age.
Minimum 60 years of recording are needed to compute the sea level rate of rise in the Western South Pacific
Authors: Parker Albert 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Sea levels generally oscillate with multi-decadal
periodicities worldwide with up to the quasi-60 years detected
in many tide gauges. Nevertheless, the most part of
the literature on sea levels computes apparent rates of rise
of sea levels much larger than the legitimate by using short
time windows in selected locations only covering part of a
valley-to-peak of this multi-decadal oscillation. It is shown
in this paper that along the Pacific coast of Australia the
sea levels oscillate with a frequency close to the Southern
Ocean Index (SOI) oscillation of 19 years and a lower frequency
of about 60 years. The rates of rise of sea levels
computed by linear fitting of the data recorded since the
early 1990s in selected locations of the Australian Pacific
coastline and in the tropical Pacific islands are from a valley
of the peak and valley oscillations and are much higher
than the legitimate long term values.
Cushing's disease presenting with gastrointestinal perforation: a case report
Authors: Hara Takuma , Akutsu Hiroyoshi , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Ishikawa Eiichi , Matsuda Masahide , Matsumura Akira 
Published: November 2013

SummaryGastrointestinal perforation is a complication associated with steroid therapy or hypercortisolism, but it is rarely observed in patients with Cushing's disease in clinical practice, and only one case has been reported as a presenting symptom. Herein, we report a rare case of Cushing's disease in which a patient presented with gastrointestinal perforation as a symptom. A 79-year-old man complained of discomfort in the lower abdomen for 6 months. Based on the endocrinological and gastroenterological examinations, he was diagnosed with Cushing's disease with a perforation of the descending colon. After consultation with a gastroenterological surgeon, it was decided that colonic perforation could be conservatively observed without any oral intake and treated with parenteral administration of antibiotics because of the mild systemic inflammation and lack of abdominal guarding. Despite the marked elevated levels of serum cortisol, oral medication was not an option because of colonic perforation. Therefore, the patient was submitted to endonasal adenomectomy to normalize the levels of serum cortisol. Subsequently, a colostomy was successfully performed. Despite its rarity, physicians should be aware that gastrointestinal perforation may be associated with hypercortisolism, especially in elderly patients, and immediate diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening condition are essential. If a perforation can be conservatively observed, endonasal adenomectomy prior to laparotomy is an alternative treatment option for hypercortisolism.Learning pointsThus far, only one case of gastrointestinal perforation as a presenting clinical symptom of Cushing's disease has been reported.Physicians should be aware that gastrointestinal perforation might be associated with hypercortisolism in elderly patients because elevated levels of serum cortisol may mask the clinical signs of perforation. Because of this masking effect, the diagnosis of the perforation also tends to be delayed.Although parenteral administration of etomidate is a standard treatment option for decreasing the elevated levels of serum cortisol, endonasal adenomectomy prior to laparotomy is an alternative treatment option if etomidate therapy is unavailable.
Is trabecular bone related to primary stability of miniscrews?
Authors: Marquezan Mariana , Lima Inayá , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu , Sant'Anna Eduardo Franzotti , de Souza Margareth Maria Gomes 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To compare the primary stability of miniscrews inserted into bone blocks of different bone mineral densities (BMDs) with and without cortical bone, and investigate whether some trabecular properties could influence primary stability.

Materials and Methods:
Fifty-two bone blocks were extracted from fresh bovine pelvic bone. Four groups were created based on bone type (iliac or pubic region) and presence or absence of cortical bone. Specimens were micro-computed tomography imaged to evaluate trabecular thickness, trabecular number, trabecular separation, bone volume density (BV/TV), BMD, and cortical thickness. Miniscrews 1.4 mm in diameter and 6 mm long were inserted into the bone blocks, and primary stability was evaluated by insertion torque (IT), mini-implant mobility (PTV), and pull-out strength (PS).

Results:
Intergroup comparison showed lower levels of primary stability when the BMD of trabecular bone was lower and in the absence of cortical bone (P ≤ .05). The Pearson correlation test showed correlation between trabecular number, trabecular thickness, BV/TV, trabecular BMD, total BMD, and IT, PTV, and PS. There was correlation between cortical thickness and IT and PS (P ≤ .05).

Conclusion:
Cancellous bone plays an important role in primary stability of mini-implants in the presence or absence of cortical bone.
Usability Analysis of the Virtual Reality Techniques to Risk Assessment Made in the Course of Machinery Design Process / Badania Użyteczności Technik Rzeczywistości Wirtualnej Do Prowadzenia Oceny Ryzyka Przy Projektowaniu Maszyn
Authors: Dźwiarek Marek , Strawiński Tomasz , Jankowski Jarosław 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The scope of the project covers the development of a method for assessment of risk related to machinery, based on the computer-aided virtual reality technique. The investigations started with the formulation of the matrix of correspondence between the hazards and functions performed by the VR using document-based inspection method based on documentation of the 3 machines. Further investigations have been conducted by Expert Inspection method using virtual models of 3 machines. It was proved that the immersive projection technology were highly usable in the assessment of risk involved by mechanical hazards and arriving at more accurate results necessary for machine assessment in view of ergonomic then the HDM techniques. In further research the usability of the developed method will be investigated using the User Testing method.
Diagnostics System of Marine Engines and Auxiliary Machinery / SYSTEM DIAGNOSTYCZNY SILNIKÓW OKRĘTOWYCH I URZĄDZEŃ POMOCNICZYCH
Authors: Gdynia Adam 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Presently, as a result of the technical progress, more and more complicated machines are being used in our everyday life. This is even more the case in relation to technology used at sea, where highly specialised services are needed. Sophisticated marine devices require special diagnostic methods that take into account the specific conditions of use of this type of machinery. In this paper we present the diagnostic systems elaborated to support the exploitation of the vessel power. Marine engine is a complex technical object. For the purpose of diagnostics it is convenient to divide the engine into several units - subsystems such as: piston -crank assembly; working medium exchange system, fuel supply system, lubricating system, cooling system, starting up - reversing system; combustion chamber, etc. The organization of the marine engine and auxiliary machinery diagnostic process can usually come down to two stages, general diagnostics and damage location. Most popular in marine engine diagnostics have been the periodic run analyzers, called pressure analyzers, electronic indicators. The diagnostic system of marine engine is able to assess the current engine condition and give forecast concerning its future operation in a complex way with the use of computer technology. Working out operating decision was based on proper preparation of operational parameters which were processed in a computer according to defined algorithms.
Water Main Failure Risk Assesment / OCENA RYZYKA AWARII MAGISTRALI WODOCIĄGOWEJ
Authors: Studziński Andrzej , Pietrucha-Urbanik Katarzyna 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Town of Krosno is supplied with water by 3 intakes: Sieniawa, Iskrzynia and Szczepańcowa. After the treatment water flows in water mains to the water network in Krosno. The aim of his paper is qualitative risk analysis of the water main Sieniawa failures. The consequences of the failure: pressure value in the network and its duration, were described for different conditions of failures: time of failure, water demand and water storage tanks initial filling. For simulations of pipe failure water network model made in Epanet 2 program was used. The model was verified both during operation of water network and during the failure, where field data were used. The results of the simulations are corresponding to observations made during the real failures. Negative consequences appear only after emptying the water storage tanks, it results from two features of the storage tanks: they stabilize pressure in the network and for some time can provide water to the network. The time of emptying the storage tanks varies according to water demand their initial filling, it is at least 3 hours. During this time the are no sign of failure. When the storage tanks are empty reduction of pressure an shortage of water are observed on prevailing area of Krosno.
Matrix Analysis of Risk of Interruptions in Water Supply in Terms of Consumer Safety / MATRYCOWA ANALIZA RYZYKA PRZERW W DOSTAWIE WODY W ASPEKCIE BEZPIECZEŃSTWA KONSUMENTÓW WODY
Authors: Tchórzewska-Cieślak Barbara , Piegdoń Izabela 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
With regard to drinking water consumers, safety is understood as a probability to avoid threat arising from the consumption of water inconsistent with quality standards or the lack of water. Accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Health water is safe for human health, if it is free from pathogenic microorganisms and parasites in the amount constituting a potential threat to human health, any substances in quantities hazardous to health and has no aggressive corrosive properties. Water supply reliability means providing stable conditions allowing to meet current and future demand for water in sufficient quantity and with required quality, in convenient time for water consumers and also at a price acceptable by them. In this study consumer (individual) risk rK was defined as the sum of the first kind of risk rKI, associated with possibility of interruptions in water supply and the second kind of risk rKII associated with possibility of consumption of water inconsistent with quality standards. Three-parameter matrix of risk was proposed. For presented method was made an application example based on exploitation data of collective water supply system, which may help to increase safety of water consumers.
The Multivariate Multilevel Analysis of Different Regional Factors Impact on Road Safety in European Country Regions / WIELOPOZIOMOWA ANALIZA WIELOCZYNNIKOWA WPŁYWU RÓŻNYCH CHARAKTERYSTYK REGIONALNYCH NA POZIOM BEZPIECZEŃSTWO RUCHU W REGIONACH KRAJÓW EUROPEJSKICH
Authors: Wachnicka Joanna , Smolarek Leszek 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this research, the effect of the European regional differences on the risk of been killed in road accident in these regions is investigated. Factors which differentiate regions can be described as automotive, economic, infrastructural, demographic, geographic. Analyzed risk, counted as regional fatality rate was modeled by the Poisson model. Because of regional diversity of Poisson distribution parameters, the Poisson distribution was adopted. The multivariate multilevel model was developed, in order to asses combined effects of different factors on road safety level in regions. Such models could be helpful to forecast such risk on the regional level and focus safety actions precisely for region, because the national actions and their results differentiate in regions so far.
Assessment of the Influence of the Human Factor on Safety of the Transportation Process / Ocena Wpływu Czynnika Ludzkiego Na Bezpieczeństwo Procesu Transportowego
Authors: Bojar Piotr , Woropay Maciej , Szubartowski Mirosław , Bacior Michał 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Safety of the transport process is a criterion of top priority for a transportation system operation and maintenance. It is of special importance in case of public municipal transportation. Systems of this type operate in specific road conditions: increased intensity of traffic during a day and night, a big number of pedestrians as well as drivers of other vehicles. In such conditions the human factor and its impact on the transport system operation is of key importance. A human can be involved in the transportation system as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or in another way (cyclist, motorcyclist). Improper behavior of people account for 36% - 46% of road accident causes defined as undesirable events occurred within the space of the road. In this paper there has been mad an attempt to evaluate the transportation system from the point of view of people present in the transportation system and its environment.
Different Analysis Procedures for Computing the Reliability of Repairable Systems / Różne Procedury Analizy Dla Obliczania Niezawodności Systemów Podlegających Naprawie
Authors: Mettas Adamantios 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This paper will review the different analysis scenarios that can be used when examining the reliability of repairable systems. Five different methods will be reviewed, specifically:
1) Using the mean value of the times between failure (TBFs) at the system level.
2) Using the distributions of the components of the system and creating a reliability block diagram (RBD).
3) Using the distribution of the times between failure (TBFs) at the system level.
4) Using the system level failure data and fitting the non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) model.
5) Using the system level failure data and fitting the general renewal process (GRP) model.
In the paper, the five different methods will be discussed (brief background), and conclusions about the applicability and accuracy of each method will be given. In addition, this paper can be used to further understand the assumptions behind each analysis method, the data required and the type of results that can be obtained, thus assisting analysts in choosing the most appropriate method.
Network Systems Analysis in Case of Critical Situations
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Jacek 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The paper describes the analysis and discussion of the network systems in case of the critical situation that happens during ordinary work. The formal model is proposed - based on the two types of real sophisticated network systems - with the approach to its modelling based on the system behaviour observation. The definition of the critical situation sets are created by reliability, functional and human reasons. No restriction on the system structure and on a kind of distribution describing the system functional and reliability parameters is the main advantage of the approach. The proposed solution seems to be essential for the owner and administrator of the transportation systems.