bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Blood Transfusions Useful for Non-Specific Symptoms of Anemia in the Elderly?
Authors: Raza Sakeena , Wei Jeanne , Ashad Abid Syed , Azhar Gohar 
Published: August 2014

Background:Over 10% of adults older than 65 years have World Health Organization defined anemia (Hemoglobin lower than13 g/dl in men and 12 g/dl in women). It is more prevalent with increasing age, exceeding 20% in the very elderly (85 years and older). Typical symptoms of anemia are nonspecific and often attributed to aging or to an exacerbation of another illness in the elderly.Methods:We present a case series of patients between ages 65-99 years who were followed at the Senior Health clinic and presented with nonspecific symptoms. All these patients were found to have life-threatening anemia requiring blood transfusions.Design:Case series.Results:All our elderly patients experienced good outcomes in terms of resolution of their symptoms and improvement in functional status. There was a significant difference in the total number of symptoms pre-transfusion compared with symptoms post-transfusion (p < 0.01). There were no adverse outcomes.Conclusion:Our case series suggests that symptoms of anemia in the elderly are often attributed to aging or other disease co-morbidities. Nonspecific symptoms like dyspnea, fatigue and confusion should not be ignored. Management decisions regarding anemia should involve functional assessment of the elderly subject. Immediate arrangements for transfusion must be made if the elderly patient is symptomatic regardless of the hemoglobin level. If monitored appropriately, blood transfusions can prolong survival, improve quality of life and functional status of the older individual.
Associations and Outcomes of Septic Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Goswami Umesh , Brenes Jorge A , Punjabi Gopal V , LeClaire Michele M , Williams David N 
Published: August 2014

Background:Septic pulmonary embolism is a serious but uncommon syndrome posing diagnostic challenges because of its broad range of clinical presentation and etiologies.Objective:To understand the clinical and radiographic associations of septic pulmonary embolism in patients presenting to an acute care safety net hospital.Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis of imaging and electronic health records of all patients diagnosed with septic pulmonary embolism in our hospital between January 2000 and January 2013.Results:41 episodes of septic pulmonary embolism were identified in 40 patients aged 17 to 71 years (median 46); 29 (72%) were men. Presenting symptoms included: febrile illness (85%); pulmonary complaints (66%) including pleuritic chest pain (22%), cough (19%) and dyspnea (15%); and those related to the peripheral foci of infection (24%) and shock (19%). Sources of infection included: skin and soft tissue (44%); infective endocarditis (27%); and infected peripheral deep venous thrombosis (17%). 35/41 (85%) were bacteremic with staphylococcus aureus. All patients had peripheral nodular lesions on chest CT scan. Treatment included intravenous antibiotics in all patients. Twenty six (63%) patients required pleural drainage and/or drainage of peripheral abscesses. Seven (17%) patients received systemic anticoagulants. Eight (20%) patients died due to various complications.Conclusion:The epidemiology of septic pulmonary embolism has broadened over the past decade with an increase in identified extrapulmonary, non-cardiac sources. In the context of an extrapulmonary infection, clinical features of persistent fever, bacteremia and pulmonary complaints should raise suspicion for this syndrome, and typical findings on the chest CT scans confirm the diagnosis. Antibiotics, local drainage procedures and increasingly, anticoagulation are keys to successful outcomes.
Glycolysis in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Yokosako Kanako , Mimura Tatsuya , Funatsu Hideharu , Noma Hidetaka , Goto Mari , Kamei Yuko , Kondo Aki , Matsubara Masao 
Published: August 2014

Purpose:Retinal adenosine triphosphate is mainly produced via glycolysis, so inhibition of glycolysis may promote the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). When glycolysis is inhibited, pyruvate is metabolized by lactic acid fermentation instead of entering the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. We measured urinary pyruvate and lactate levels in patients with AMD.Methods:Eight patients with typical AMD (tAMD group) and 9 patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV group) were enrolled. Urinary levels of pyruvate, lactate, α-hydroxybutyrate, and β-hydroxybutyrate were measured in all patients.Results:The mean urinary levels of pyruvate and lactate were 8.0 ± 2.8 and 7.5 ± 8.3 μg/mg creatinine (reference values: 0.5-6.6 and 0.0-1.6), respectively, with the mean increase over the reference value being 83.6 ± 51.1% and 426.5 ± 527.8%, respectively. In 12 patients (70.6%), the lactate/pyruvate ratio was above the reference range. Urinary levels of α-hydroxybutyrate and β-hydroxybutyrate were decreased by -31.9 ± 15.2% and -33.1 ± 17.5% compared with the mean reference values. There were no significant differences of any of these glycolysis metabolites between the tAMD and PCV groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that none of the variables tested, including patient background factors (age, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cerebrovascular disease, alcohol, smoking, visual acuity, and AMD phenotype), were significantly associated with the lactate/pyruvate ratio.Conclusion:A high lactate/pyruvate ratio is a well-known marker of mitochondrial impairment, and it indicates poor oxidative function in AMD. Our results suggest that increased lactate levels may be implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD.
Enhancing Auditor Professional Skepticism: The Professional Skepticism Continuum
Authors: Glover Steven M. , Prawitt Douglas F. 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARY
This summary is based on a paper by Glover and Prawitt (2013) that was commissioned and published by the Standards Working Group of the Global Public Policy Committee, a working group that comprises the six largest international audit networks. The application of professional skepticism by auditors is important to audit quality. However, various definitions of, and perspectives on, professional skepticism exist in the auditing literature. We propose a “professional skepticism continuum” that acknowledges that the appropriate application of professional skepticism will depend on the risk characteristics of the account and assertion. We also lay out the different structural levels where professional skepticism is applied and where threats to its appropriate application can arise. We argue that regulation can actually threaten the appropriate application of auditor skepticism if regulation and/or inspection focus is not properly aligned with relevant audit risks. Finally, we provide some ideas and recommendations on how the application of professional skepticism might be enhanced on the part of auditors, as well as how other key stakeholders can contribute to its effective application.
Comments by the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on PCAOB Release No. 2013-009, Proposed Rule on Improving the Transparency of Audit: Proposed Amendments to PCAOB Auditing Standards to Provide Disclosure in the Auditor's Report of Certain Participants in the Audit
Authors: Anderson Urton L. , Gaynor Lisa Milici , Hackenbrack Karl E. , Lisic Ling Lei , Wu Yi-Jing 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARY
On December 4, 2013 the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) solicited public comments on its reproposed amendments to its standards that would improve the transparency of public company audits. The amendments would require (1) disclosure in the auditor's report of the name of the engagement partner, and (2) disclosure in the auditor's report of the names, locations, and extent of participation of other independent public accounting firms that took part in the audit and the locations and extent of participation of other persons not employed by the auditor that took part in the audit. The comment period initially ended on February 3, 2014, but was subsequently extended to March 17, 2014. This commentary summarizes the contributors' views on these amendments.
Data Availability: The exposure drafts of the proposed and reproposed rules and related information are available at: http://pcaobus.org/Rules/Rulemaking/Pages/Docket029.aspx
The Reliance of External Auditors on Internal Audit's Use of Continuous Audit
Authors: Malaescu Irina , Sutton Steve G. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
As a response to the increased demand for timely and ongoing assurance over the effectiveness of risk management and control systems, companies are moving toward a more automated control environment through the implementation of continuous audit modules. The purpose of this study is to evaluate external auditors' reliance on internal audit's work when advanced audit techniques are introduced by the internal auditor and the impact this reliance has on budgeted audit hours. Prior literature suggests that internal control deficiencies also have an impact on external auditor reliance and the audit budget. The reliance decision of an external auditor has important economic consequences and implications for efficiency and effectiveness of the overall audit. In recent years, the PCAOB has encouraged greater such reliance to improve audit efficiency. An experiment is conducted with 87 experienced external auditors to investigate the theorized effects. Using a 2 × 2 between-subjects factorial design, the frequency of the internal audit (traditional versus continuous audit) and prior year material weakness (absent versus present) are manipulated. Consistent with predictions, we find that auditors are willing to rely more on internal audit work in a continuous audit environment than in a traditional environment, and this effect is magnified when the prior year audit report on the effectiveness of internal controls indicates that controls are working properly. The presence of a material weakness, however, negatively impacts judgments on the budget for the valuation of a complex account. In addition, both material weakness and continuous audit have an impact on the overall audit budget, which is reduced only when the company has no prior year material weakness and a functioning continuous audit module is put in place. The results show that auditors increase budgeted hours for the engagement at a higher rate when the client uses traditional internal audit procedures.
On the Association between Donor-Imposed Financial Inflexibility and Future Donations to Charitable Organizations
Authors: Surysekar Krishnamurthy , Turner Elizabeth H. , Wheatley Clark M. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
We address the impact of financial flexibility on organizational performance in a not-for-profit (NFP) setting. Specifically, we examine the link between donor-imposed financial inflexibility and subsequent donations. Donors sometimes impose restrictions on NFP use of the donated resources. These restrictions arise because of donors' preferences regarding how the assets are used, or as a mechanism for donors to monitor the actions of NFP management. Restricted donations cause financial inflexibility and limit managerial discretion. We examine the costs and benefits of restricting managerial discretion and find a negative relation between future donations and high levels of donor restriction. Specifically, we empirically demonstrate that when restricted assets comprise a high percentage of total assets, additional increases in restricted assets are associated with an overall reduction in future donations.
Hydraulic Device for Simulation of Pressure Shocks
Authors: Lindák Stanislav , Majdan Radoslav , Janoško Ivan , Pap Miroslav , Szabó Mário 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This work is focused on the design of a hydraulic device on which simulations of pressure shocks can be performed. The hydraulic device was constructed to allow simulations of pressure shocks transferred directly in operating conditions because simulation programs for hydraulic accumulators have only theoretical values while simulation on the designed hydraulic device enables obtaining specific readings directly in operating conditions that can be set. At the first control measurement on the hydraulic device, there occurred pressure shocks generated by the hydraulic device itself, these pressure shocks being undesirable in hydraulic circuits. In order to eliminate pressure shocks in the circuit, a diaphragm accumulator was added to the hydraulic device and was used to verify the function of simulating pressure shocks and eliminating undesirable pressure shocks. During the second control measurement on the hydraulic device, a reduction of unwanted pressure shocks was shown with the help of added diaphragm accumulator, thus the function of the hydraulic device to simulate pressure shocks was confirmed, which may also refect practical application in hydraulic circuits of mobile machines.
Corrosion Resistance of Zinc Coatings With Aluminium Additive
Authors: Votava Jiří 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This paper is focused on evaluation of anticorrosion protection of inorganic metal coatings such as hot-dipped zinc and zinc-galvanized coatings. The thickness and weight of coatings were tested. Further, the evaluation of ductile characteristics in compliance with the norm ČSN EN ISO 20482 was processed. Based on the scratch tests, there was evaluated undercorrosion in the area of artificially made cut. Corrosion resistance was evaluated in compliance with the norm ČSN EN ISO 9227 (salt-spray test). Based on the results of the anticorrosion test, there can be stated corrosion resistance of each individual protective coating. Tests were processed under laboratory conditions and may vary from tests processed under conditions of normal atmosphere.
Gravimetric analysis of selecteD types of Biofuels
Authors: Mikulová Zuzana , Vitázek Ivan , Klúčik Janko 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Biomass provides a great diversity of input materials and universal use, not only for heat generation but also electricity generation in modern incinerators. For the most eficient use of solid biofuels, it is necessary to know their physico-chemical properties. The work focuses on the gravimetric analysis of selected types of biofuels. This paper presents the results of measurements for moisture content, ash and combustibles in selected solid biofuels. Experiments represent a follow-up to measurements performed to date.
The predictors of falls in adult and senior women from cities of Lower Silesia, Poland
Authors: Domaradzki Jarosław , Ignasiak Zofia , Stodółka Weronika 
Published: August 2014

Purposebalance disorders are considered a significant problem in the elderly as they are associated with an increased incidence of falls. In effect, they can lead to numerous injuries, disability, or even death. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between the risk of falling and various factors (morphology, socioeconomic status, physical fitness, and physical activity level) in adult and elderly women.MethodsThe study population sample included 149 women aged 47-89 years living in the province of Lower Silesia, Poland. The women were divided into two age groups of younger (<i>n</i> =83, x<sub>age</sub> = 59.09 years) and older (<i>n</i> = 66, &#967<sub>age</sub> = 70.77 years) participants. Measures included BMI, marital status, and physical activity, physical fitness, and education levels. Statistical analysis included a chi-squared &#967<sup>2</sup> test, cluster analysis, logistic regression, and correspondence analysis.ResultsBMI and physical fitness were strongly correlated with falls: the higher the bMI (overweight or obese) and the lower physical fitness, the greater the risk of falling. The remaining variables showed a weak relationship with falling.ConclusionsThe fall risk of women who are overweight or obese or with a low physical fitness level is approximately 2.5 times higher than those with normal and healthy levels of BMI and physical fitness. The presence of both risk factors increased the likelihood of falling.
Simulation of Moving Loads in Elastic Multibody Systems With Parametric Model Reduction Techniques
Authors: Fischer Michael , Eberhard Peter 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In elastic multibody systems, one considers large nonlinear rigid body motion and small elastic deformations. In a rising number of applications, e.g. automotive engineering, turning and milling processes, the position of acting forces on the elastic body varies. The necessary model order reduction to enable efficient simulations requires the determination of ansatz functions, which depend on the moving force position. For a large number of possible interaction points, the size of the reduced system would increase drastically in the classical Component Mode Synthesis framework. If many nodes are potentially loaded, or the contact area is not known a-priori and only a small number of nodes is loaded simultaneously, the system is described in this contribution with the parameter-dependent force position. This enables the application of parametric model order reduction methods. Here, two techniques based on matrix interpolation are described which transform individually reduced systems and allow the interpolation of the reduced system matrices to determine reduced systems for any force position. The online-offline decomposition and description of the force distribution onto the reduced elastic body are presented in this contribution. The proposed framework enables the simulation of elastic multibody systems with moving loads efficiently because it solely depends on the size of the reduced system. Results in frequency and time domain for the simulation of a thin-walled cylinder with a moving load illustrate the applicability of the proposed method.
Helicopter Rotor Sailing by Non-Smooth Dynamics Co-Simulation
Authors: Fancello Matteo , Morandini Marco , Masarati Pierangelo 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This paper presents the application of a co-simulation approach for the simulation of frictional contact in general-purpose multibody dynamics to a rotorcraft dynamics problem. The proposed approach is based on the co-simulation of a main problem, which is described and solved as a set of differential algebraic equations, with a subproblem that is characterized by nonsmooth dynamics events and solved using a timestepping technique. The implementation and validation of the formulation is presented. The method is applied to the analysis of the droop and anti-flap contacts of helicopter rotor blades. Simulations focusing on the problem of blade sailing are conducted to understand the behavior and assess the validity of the method. For this purpose, the results obtained using a contact model based on Hertzian reaction forces at the interface are compared with those of the proposed approach.
Tracking Control of A Balancing Robot – A Model-Based Approach
Authors: Zaiczek Tobias , Franke Matthias 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This paper presents a control concept for a single-axle mobile robot moving on the horizontal plane. A mathematical model of the nonholonomic mechanical system is derived using Hamel's equations of motion. Subsequently, a concept for a tracking controller is described in detail. This controller keeps the mobile robot on a given reference trajectory while maintaining it in an upright position. The control objective is reached by a cascade control structure. By an appropriate input transformation, we are able to utilize an input-output linearization of a subsystem. For the remaining dynamics a linear set-point control law is presented. Finally, the performance of the implemented control law is illustrated by simulation results.
Modal Measurements and Model Corrections of A Large Stroke Compliant Mechanism
Authors: Wijma W. , Boer S.E. , Aarts R.G.K.M. , Brouwer D.M. , Hakvoort W.B.J. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In modelling flexure based mechanisms, generally flexures are modelled perfectly aligned and nominal values are assumed for the dimensions. To test the validity of these assumptions for a two Degrees Of Freedom (DOF) large stroke compliant mechanism, eigenfrequency and mode shape measurements are compared to results obtained with a flexible multibody model. The mechanism consists of eleven cross flexures and seven interconnecting bodies. From the measurements 30% lower eigenfrequencies are observed than those obtained with the model. With a simplified model, it is demonstrated that these differences can be attributed to wrongly assumed leaf spring thickness and misalignment of the leaf springs in the cross flexures. These manufacturing tolerances thus significantly affect the behaviour of the two DOF mechanism, even though it was designed using the exact constraint design principle. This design principle avoids overconstraints to limit internal stresses due to manufacturing tolerances, yet this paper shows clearly that manufacturing imperfections can still result in significantly different dynamic behaviour.
Implementation of A Geometric Constraint Regularization For Multibody System Models
Authors: Müller Andreas 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Redundant constraints in MBS models severely deteriorate the computational performance and accuracy of any numerical MBS dynamics simulation method. Classically this problem has been addressed by means of numerical decompositions of the constraint Jacobian within numerical integration steps. Such decompositions are computationally expensive. In this paper an elimination method is discussed that only requires a single numerical decomposition within the model preprocessing step rather than during the time integration. It is based on the determination of motion spaces making use of Lie group concepts. The method is able to reduce the set of loop constraints for a large class of technical systems. In any case it always retains a sufficient number of constraints. It is derived for single kinematic loops.