bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to Guidelines for Youths With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Waitzfelder Beth , Pihoker Catherine , Klingensmith Georgeanna , Case Doug , Anderson Andrea , Bell Ronny A. , Lawrence Jean M. , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Imperatore Giuseppina , Standiford Debra , Rodriguez Beatriz L. , Dabelea Dana , Seid Michael ,   for the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study Group
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To describe demographic and clinical characteristics associated with self-reported receipt of tests and measurements recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for children and youths with diabetes.

METHODS:

The study included 1514 SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study participants who completed a survey about diabetes care received. Quality-of-care measures were based on ADA guidelines for eye examinations and glycohemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]), lipid level, microalbuminuria, and blood pressure measurements, and a composite variable of these 5 indicators was created. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association of selected demographic and clinical characteristics with the reported receipt of all recommended tests and measurements according to age and diabetes type subgroups.

RESULTS:

Overall, 95% of the participants reported having their blood pressure checked at all or most visits, 88% had lipid levels measured, 83% had kidney function tested, 68% underwent HbA1c testing, and 66% underwent an eye examination, in accordance with ADA recommendations. Participants aged 18 years or older, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, tended to have fewer tests of all kinds performed. Age and family income emerged as important correlates of overall quality of care in multivariate models; older age and lower income were associated with not meeting guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although there was relatively good adherence to ADA-recommended guidelines for most indicators, efforts are needed to improve rates of HbA1c testing and eye examinations, particularly among older youths.
Specific Celiac Disease Antibodies in Children on a Gluten-Free Diet
Authors: Esch Caroline E. Hogen , Wolters Victorien M. , Gerritsen Susan A. M. , Putter Hein , von Blomberg B. Mary , van Hoogstraten Ingrid M. W. , Houwen Roderick H. J. , van der Lely Nico , Mearin M. Luisa
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Celiac disease (CD) is characterized by histologic alterations in small bowel biopsies. Circulating specific CD antibodies at the time of diagnosis and their disappearance after a gluten-free diet support the diagnosis of CD. We aimed to determine the behavior of the CD antibodies immunoglobulin A anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-TG2) and immunoglobulin A endomysium (EMA) in children with CD after starting a gluten-free diet.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective multicenter study in the Netherlands between 2001 and 2009. Inclusion criteria were all newly diagnosed patients with CD younger than 19 years who had at least 1 anti-TG2 and/or EMA measurement before and after starting a gluten-free diet. Eight different anti-TG2 kits were used with substrates of guinea pig TG2 in 1 (Sigma) and 7 human-recombinant TG2: Varelisa and EliA Celikey Phadia-GmbH; Orgentec Diagnostica-GmbH; Diarect AG; Roboscreen GmbH; Aeskulisa Diagnostics; Binding Site Ltd. EMA was analyzed with indirect immunofluorescence tests. Statistical analyses were performed by using mixed-model repeated measurements and survival analysis.

RESULTS:

There were 129 children with CD included (mean age: 5.6 years; SD ± 4.2). The mean concentration of anti-TG2 decreased significantly within 3 months after starting a gluten-free diet (P < .0001). The cumulative percentage of children who became negative for EMA after ½, 1, 1½, and 2 years was 31%, 60%, 74%, and 87%, respectively. For anti-TG2, a comparable trend was shown: 35%, 55%, 64%, and 78%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Doctors taking care of children with CD should be aware that the mean concentration of anti-TG2 will show a 74% decrease (95% confidence interval: 69%–79%) after 3 months of gluten-free diet, and ∼80% of the children will be sero-negative for EMA and anti-TG2 after 2 years of the diet.
Determinação da exposição à chuva dirigida em Florianópolis, SC: índices de chuva dirigida e métodos semi-empíricos
Authors: Giongo Michele , Padaratz Ivo José , Lamberts Roberto
Published: August 2011

A chuva dirigida, chuva carregada pelo vento que possui uma componente horizontal dada pela velocidade do vento, é a maior fonte de umidade que afeta a durabilidade e o desempenho higrotérmico das fachadas das edificações. Este trabalho apresenta uma avaliação do nível de exposição das edificações à chuva dirigida em Florianópolis-SC com o auxílio de índices de chuva dirigida e de índices de chuva dirigida em parede vertical. Para a obtenção desses parâmetros aplicaram-se fórmulas empíricas já existentes na literatura internacional e utilizaram-se dados de velocidade e direção do vento e de precipitação de estações meteorológicas localizadas na Ilha de Santa Catarina e na cidade vizinha de São José. Foram feitas análises para três períodos distintos: (a) 1961-1970, (b) 1991/1993-1996 e (c) setembro de 2005 a agosto de 2006. De acordo com os resultados, a exposição da área de estudo variou de local protegido a exposição alta, sendo as direções sudeste, sul e sudoeste as mais críticas quanto à exposição das fachadas à chuva dirigida. O trabalho traz informações úteis para os projetistas, no intuito de criar projetos mais adequados à proteção das fachadas das edificações na área de estudo, além de trazer contribuições para as áreas de estudo de durabilidade e conforto térmico das edificações.
Plant secondary chemistry mediates the performance of a nutritional symbiont associated with a tree‐killing herbivore
Authors: Davis Thomas S. , Hofstetter Richard W.
Published: August 2011

Many herbivores consume microbial food sources in addition to plant tissues for nutrition. Despite the ubiquity of herbivore–microbe feeding associations, few studies examine how host plant phenotypes affect microbial symbionts of herbivores. We tested the hypothesis that chemical polymorphism in a plant population mediates the performance of nutritional microbial symbionts. We surveyed the composition of ponderosa pine resin in northern Arizona, USA, for variation in six monoterpenes, and we approximated four chemical phenotypes. We reared populations of an herbivorous tree‐killing beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis) in ponderosa pine host material, controlling for three monoterpene compositions representing an α‐pinene to Δ‐3‐carene gradient. Beetles were reared in host material where the dominant monoterpene was α‐pinene, Δ‐3‐carene, or a phenotype that was intermediate between the two. We isolated nutritional fungal symbionts (Entomocorticiumsp. B) from beetle populations reared in each phenotype and performed reciprocal growth experiments in media amended to represent four “average” monoterpene compositions. This allowed us to test the effects of natal host phenotype, chemical polymorphism, and the interaction between natal host phenotype and chemical polymorphism on a nutritional symbiont. Three important findings emerged: (1) fungal isolates grew 25–32% faster when acquired from beetles reared in the intermediate phenotype; (2) the mean growth rate of nutritional fungi varied up to 44% depending on which monoterpene composition media was amended with; and (3) fungal isolates uniformly performed best in the intermediate phenotype regardless of the chemical composition of their natal host. The performance of nutritional fungi related to both the chemical “history” of their associated herbivore and the chemical phenotypes they are exposed to. However, all fungal isolates appeared adapted to a common chemical phenotype. These experiments argue in favor of the hypothesis that chemical polymorphism in plant populations mediates growth of nutritional symbionts of herbivores. Intraspecific chemical polymorphism in plants contributes indirectly to the regulation of herbivore populations, and our experiments demonstrate that the ecological effects of plant secondary chemistry extend beyond the trophic scale of the herbivore–plant interaction.
Native ecotypic variation and the role of host identity in the spread of an invasive herbivore,Cactoblastis cactorum
Authors: Brooks Christopher P. , Ervin Gary N. , Varone Laura , Logarzo Guillermo A.
Published: August 2011

Environmental niche models (ENMs) have gained enormous popularity as tools to investigate potential changes in species distributions resulting from climate change and species introductions. Despite recognition that species interactions can influence the dynamics of invasion spread, most implementations of ENMs focus on abiotic factors as the sole predictors of potential range limits. Implicit in this approach is the assumption that biotic interactions are relatively unimportant, either because of scaling issues, or because fundamental and realized niches are equivalent in a species' native range. When species are introduced into exotic landscapes, changes in biotic interactions relative to the native range can lead to occupation of different regions of niche space and apparent shifts in physiological tolerances. We use an escaped biological control organism,Cactoblastis cactorum(Berg.), to assess the role of the environmental envelope as compared with patterns of host–herbivore associations based on collections made in the native range. Because all nonnative populations are derived from a singleC. cactorumecotype, we hypothesize that biotic interactions associated with this ecotype are driving the species' invasion dynamics. Environmental niche models constructed from known native populations perform poorly in predicting nonnative distributions of this species, except where there is an overlap in niche space. In contrast, genetic isolation in the native range is concordant with the observed pattern of host use, and strong host association has been noted in nonnative landscapes. Our results support the hypothesis that the apparent shift in niche space from the native to the exotic ranges results from a shift in biotic interactions, and demonstrate the importance of considering biotic interactions in assessing the risk of future spread for species whose native range is highly constrained by biotic interactions.
Extraction Socket Preservation Graft Before Implant Placement With Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate and Platelet‐Rich Plasma: A Clinical and Histomorphometric Study in Humans
Authors: Kutkut Ahmad , Andreana Sebastiano , Kim Hyeong‐ll , Monaco Edward
Published: August 2011

Background: The aim of this investigation is to evaluate clinical and histologic outcome of using medical‐grade calcium sulfate hemihydrate (MGCSH) mixed with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) for extraction socket preservation graft before implant placement.

Methods: This study is a single‐site, randomized and controlled investigation. Sixteen patients with a non‐restorable tooth requiring extraction followed by implant placement were enrolled in this study. After extraction of a tooth, eight selected patients randomly received MGCSH mixed with PRP in the extraction sockets (test group), and eight selected patients randomly received collagen resorbable plug dressing material (control group). At the time of extraction and 3 months later (at implant placement surgery), vertical and horizontal socket dimensions were measured. Bone core samples were retrieved from the center of the healed socket before implant placement for histomorphometric analysis.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups based on histomorphometric analysis (P <0.05). New vital bone percentage regenerated after 3 months of healing was 66.5% ± 10.4% in sockets grafted with MGCSH mixed with PRP compared to 38.3% ± 9.3% collagen resorbable plug. There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of vertical and horizontal bone resorption (P >0.05) between groups. In all cases but two in the control group, implants were placed with primary stability.

Conclusion: MGCSH mixed with PRP showed greater vital bone volume at 3 months with rapid enhancement of bone healing compared to PRP‐free collagen resorbable graft.
Historical Aspects of Spleen and Splenic Surgeries
Authors: Petroianu Andy
Published: August 2011

Since Antiquity, the spleen has been fascinating due to the mysteries of its existence and, to date, this
is the organ about which we know the least. The most ancient documentation of the spleen comes from the
Chinese. Throughout history, many functions have been attributed to the spleen. For a more didactic presentation,
this chapter will be divided into three larger topics, in which the historical aspects of the spleen - Morphology,
Physiology and Surgery - will be treated. Great advances in splenic morphology are due to Marcelo Malpighi.
His outstanding studies on the spleen, around 1686, resulted in the knowledge of the splenic capsule and its
intraparenchymatous insertions, in a trabecular form. The first study on the vascular pedicle of the spleen is
attributed to Julius Caesar Arantius, in 1571. The greatest importance attributed to the spleen is the protection of
the organism against infections. Hua T'o, had performed a full splenectomy in the second century a.D. in China.
The first splenectomy described in detail was carried out by Adrian Zaccarelli, in 1549. The first partial
splenectomy may have been performed in 1581. In 1590, Dr. Viard used a string to stitch a segment of the spleen
that had come become exposed due to a small abdominal wound and performed the first partial splenectomy. The
first description of the splenic implant in the peritoneum, after a human trauma, was reported by H. Albrecht
(1896), in Germany. In 1985, Salky et al., considered that the decapsulation of the non-parasitic splenic cyst by
laparoscopy was the definitive treatment for this disturbance. The authors of the first total splenectomy executed
by laparoscopy most likely belong to Delaitre and Maignien (1991). Only with persistent study can the spleen
cease to be, in the words of Galen (second century), “an organ full of misteries”, "mysterii pleni organon".
Some Aspects of Splenic Pathology
Authors: J. A. Barbosa Alfredo
Published: August 2011

The spleen is the largest lymphoid organ in the body. It is located in the left hypochondrium and is
surrounded by a thick, fibrous capsule that adheres to the parenchyma. In human beings the spleen has an
elongated shape and weighs 100-200 grams, with its major diameters measuring 11 x 7 cm. It receives blood
mainly through the splenic artery, derived from the celiac trunk, and venous drainage is processed through the
splenic vein that leads into the portal vein. When studying the pathologic anatomy of the spleen one should keep
in mind the lymphoid and the vascular nature of the organ as well as its shape, size and weight. As we shall see,
in most cases the gross anatomy of the spleen is directly or indirectly associated with local and systemic vascular
and hemodynamic changes and also with changes of haematolymphopoiesis. Changes in these different systems
frequently manifest as modifications of the weight and volume of the spleen.

Several functions are performed by the spleen, each one correlated with a specific anatomic site in the organ.
Most of these functions are usually complementary to those of other organs and thus are not always important in
normal adult individuals, but can acquire importance in disease states. The better known functions of the spleen
are haematopoiesis, acting as a reservoir of blood elements (mainly platelets), phagocytosis (removal of altered
blood cells and other particulate matter), and several roles in the immunologic mechanisms.

Histologically, the spleen can be divided into two distinct regions, i.e., the white pulp and red pulp. These two
regions are separated by an ill-defined interphase known as the marginal zone. The white pulp is made up of T
and B lymphocytes, the former located along the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath and the latter in the lymphoid
follicles, while the red pulp consists of a network of venous sinuses and the Billroth’s cords. The Billroth’s cords
contain numerous macrophages which are responsible for the important phagocytic function of the organ. The
sinuses are lined with a particular type of endothelial cells forming a discontinuous barrier which allows passage
of blood cells between cords and sinuses.
Benign Vascular, Cystic and Solid Diseases of the Spleen
Authors: de Bree Eelco , Charalampakis Vasilis , Melissas John
Published: August 2011

As benign, non-traumatic, splenic diseases are extremely rare, the practicing surgeon very occasionally
deals with patients suffering from such conditions. A number of these diseases, such as congenital splenic cyst, may
present themselves with mild symptomatology, thereby creating diagnostic uncertainty. Others however, such as
hydatid cyst, when unprofessionally managed, may still be dangerous and even prove lethal. Therefore, the diagnosis
and management of benign non-traumatic splenic diseases remain a challenge for the clinician. Benign splenic
diseases, which are discussed in this chapter, include non-parasitic cysts (primary or true and secondary or false
cysts), inflammatory cystic masses (hydatid cyst, bacterial and fungal abscesses), benign vascular neoplasms
(haemangioma, littoral cell angioma, lymphangioma and hamartoma), benign vascular pathology (splenic infarction,
splenic artery and vein aneurysm, intrasplenic pseudoaneurysm, splenic arteriovenous fistula and splenic vein
thrombosis), and other benign disorders such as inflammatory pseudotumour of the spleen, splenic peliosis, Gandy-
Gamna’s bodies and ectopic or wandering spleen. Their signs and symptoms are vague, non-specific and often
confusing, delaying and often making diagnosis difficult. Clinical findings and blood analysis are often of little help.
Sonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the most valuable imaging techniques.
Besides being a therapeutic procedure, surgery may be indicated when the diagnosis is in doubt. While splenectomy
was the treatment of choice for a long period of time, during the last decades, more conservative management has
been advocated for benign non-traumatic splenic disorders after the recognition of the significant function of the
spleen. Additionally, improvement in available equipment and an increasing experience of interventional radiologists
under emergent conditions has led to increased application of endovascular techniques in the treatment of diseases of
the splenic vessels and subsequent preservation of splenic function.
Laparoscopic Splenectomy
Authors: Berindoague Neto Rene
Published: August 2011

Since the first description of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in 1991, this technique has been adopted
as the standard procedure for most indications for splenectomy throughout the world. The utility of LS in the
treatment of hematologic diseases such as hereditary spherocytosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and
autoimmune hemolytic anemia is well established. LS has become the gold standard approach for normal or
slightly enlarged spleens and is currently considered the procedure of choice. The benefits of laparoscopic
removal of the spleen are evident to patients and surgeons alike. This approach is superior to open splenectomy in
terms of postoperative pain, shorter postoperative hospital stay, perioperative complications, and an improved
cosmetic result. Additionally, the period of convalescence is brief, with an early return to work or normal
activities. The results of large series around the world are similar, with an operating time of between 60 and 90
minutes, hospital stay of between 1 and 2 days and morbidity of less than 10% [1,2,3,4,5].
A microbearing gas flow with different walls´ temperatures
Authors: Milicev Snezana , Stevanovic Nevena
Published: August 2011

An analytical solution for the non-isothermal two-dimensional compressible
gas flow in a slider microbearing with different temperatures of walls is
presented in this paper. The slip flow is defined by the continuity,
Navier-Stokes and energy continuum equations, along with the velocity slip
and the temperature jump first order boundary conditions. Knudsen number is
in the range of 10-3-10-1, which corresponds to the slip flow. The ratio
between the exit microbearing height and the microbearing length is taken to
be a small parameter. Moreover, it is assumed that the microbearing cross
section varies slowly, which implies that all physical quantities vary slowly
in x-direction. The model solution is treated by developing a perturbation
scheme. The first approximation corresponds to the continuum flow conditions,
while the second one involves the influence of rarefaction effect. The
analytical solutions of the pressure, velocity and temperature for moderately
high Reynolds numbers are presented here. For these flow conditions the
inertia, convection, dissipation and rate at which work is done in
compressing the element of fluid are also presented in the second
approximation.
Short-term use of continuous glucose monitoring system adds to glycemic control in young type 1 diabetes mellitus patients in the long run: A clinical trial
Authors: Bukara-Radujkovic Gordana , Zdravkovic Dragan , Lakic Sinisa
Published: August 2011

Background/Aim. Balancing strict glycemic control with setting realistic
goals for each individual child and family can optimize growth, ensure
normal pubertal development and emotional maturation, and control long term
complications in children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). The aim of this study
was to evaluate the efficacy of short-term continuous glucose monitoring
system (CGMS) application in improvement of glycemic control in pediatric
type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. Methods. A total of 80 pediatric
T1DM patients were randomly assigned into the experimental and the control
group. The experimental group wore CGMS sensor for 72 hours at the beginning
of the study. Self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) levels and hemoglobin A1c
(HbA1c) levels were obtained for both groups at baseline, and at 3 and 6
months. Results. There was a significant improvement in HbA1c (p < 0.001),
in both the experimental and the control group, without a significant
difference between the groups. Nevertheless, after 6 months the improvement
of mean glycemia was noticed only in the experimental group. This finding
was accompanied with a decrease in the number of hyperglycemic events and no
increase in the number of hypoglycemic events in the experimental group.
Conclusions. The results suggest that the CGMS can be considered as a
valuable tool in treating pediatric T1DM patients, however further research
is needed to more accurately estimate to what extent, if any, it outperforms
intensive self-monitoring of blood glucose.
The effects of education with printed material on glycemic control in patients with diabetes type 2 treated with different therapeutic regimens
Authors: Selea Anujka , Sumarac-Dumanovic Mirjana , Pesic Milica , Suluburic Dusica , Stamenkovic-Pejkovic Danica , Cvijovic Goran , Micic Dragan
Published: August 2011

Background/Aim. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered to be an epidemic,
chronic and progressive disease. The treatment of DM reqiures substantial
effort from both the diabetes treatment team and a patient. Patient
education is one of the treatment elements. The most efficacious form and
content of education has not yet been established. However, every DM
education must include introduction to a substantial number of facts about
diabetes. The aim of our study was to estimate the levels of DM knowledge
and glycemic control in Serbian patients with DM type 2 as well as to
estimate the effects of education using printed material on the levels of
glycemic control and knowledge about DM. Also, the effects of education on
glycemic control and the level of knowledge in differently treated patients
were estimated. Methods. The patients with DM type 2 (n = 364), aged 40 to
65 years, from three regional health centers, were randomized for the study.
After informed consent, patients filled out the questionnaire, and were
checked for HbA1c and fasting blood glucose. Finally, booklet ?Healthy
lifestyle with diabetes mellitus type 2? was given to them. The same
procedure was repeated after 3, 6 and 18 months. Results. There was a
significant improvement in HbA1c levels after 3 months (8.00 ? 1.66% vs 9.06
? 2.23%, p < 0.01) and after 6 months (7.67 ? 1.75% vs 9.06 ? 2.23%, p <
0.01). There was no further improvement in HbA1c levels after 18 months
(7.88 ? 1.46% vs 7.67 ? 1.75%, p > 0.05). There was a significant
improvement in the average test score (percent of correct answers per test
sheet) after three monts (64.6% vs 55.6%, p < 0.01). There were no further
statistically significant changes in the general level of DM knowledge after
6 months (65.0 ? 32.5% vs 64.5 ? 33.7%, p > 0.05 ) and after 18 months (
64.8 ? 32.7 vs 64.5 ? 33.7%, p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in
educational intervention response in DM type 2 patients on different
therapeutic regimens. Conclusion. Education with printed material led to
improvement in glycemic control and level of DM knowledge in our patients.
Education with printed material may be a useful adjunct to DM treatment and
should be structured according to the treatment modality.
A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis: A 12-year follow-up
Authors: Jovanovic Natasa , Markovic-Lipkovski Jasmina , Pavlovic Stevan , Stojimirovic Biljana
Published: August 2011

Introduction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic immunological
disease causing a significant morbidity and mortality in younger women and
involving several organs and systems, most often the kidneys, being
consequently the incidence of lupus nephritis (LN) about 60%. Case report. We
reported a 57 year-old patient with the diagnosed SLE in 1995.
Pathohistological analysis of kidney biopsy revealed LN type V. The patient
was treated with corticosteroid pulses and azathioprine during one year. A
remission was achieved and maintained with prednisone, 15 mg daily. Nephrotic
relapse was diagnosed in 2006 and the second kidney biopsy revealed recent
kidney infarction due to extensive vasculitis. Soon, a cerebrovascul insult
developed and CT-scan revealed endocranial infarctus. The patient was treated
with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide pulses (totally VI monthly pulses),
and also with low-molecular heparine, anticoagulants and salicylates because
of the right leg phlebothrombosis. After the pulses, the patient was adviced
to take prednisone 20 mg daily and azothioprine 100 mg daily, and 6 months
later mycophenolate mofetil because of persistent active serological
immunological findings (ANA 1 : 320) and nephrotic syndrome. Mycophenolate
mofetil was efficient in inducing and maintaining remission of nephrotic
syndrome. Conclusion. The aim of LN treatment is to achieve and maintain
remission, improve patients? outcome, reduce the toxicity of
immunosuppressive drugs and the incidence of relapses. Mycophenolate mofetil
was shown to be efficient in inducing and maintaining remission of nephrotic
syndrome in the frame of LN.
Optical coherence tomography in late solar retinopathy
Authors: Jankovic Aleksandar , Vukosavljevic Miroslav , Avramovic Sinisa , Draganic Biljana
Published: August 2011

Introduction. Solar retinopathy refers to retinal injury induced by direct or
indirect solar viewing. Case report. We presented a patient who had observed
partial solar eclipse 51 year before. He had bilaterally decreased vision and
scar of the macular region at the time of presentation. The basic diagnostic
tool applied in the presented patient, optical coherence tomography, showed
hyporeflexivity of the outer retina in the segment of retinal pigment
epithelialphotoreceptors complex with atrophy and thinning of the foveolar
region. Conclusion. Optical coherence tomography is a powerful, non-invasive
diagnostic tool which can ease the diagnosis and estimate the level and
nature of the macular region damage.
Is the Audit Fee Disclosure a Leading Indicator of Clients' Business Risk?
Authors: Stanley Jonathan D.
Published: August 2011

This study hypothesizes a link between observed audit prices and future reported changes in clients' economic condition. As predicted, results from a traditional audit fee model, estimated using a large sample of U.S. public company engagements spanning from 2000 to 2007, reveal a significant inverse relation between audit fees and the one-year-ahead change in a measure of clients' operating performance. Additional analysis indicates that the relation extends to more forward-looking changes (up to five years ahead) and is stronger for negative versus positive changes in performance. Results also indicate that audit fees reflect future changes in clients' earnings that are unaccounted for by analysts' forecasts. In contrast, the findings reveal little evidence of a relation between audit fees and future changes in clients' solvency, including bankruptcy status. Collectively, the study's results provide initial evidence suggesting that the audit fee disclosure is a leading indicator of the operating performance dimension of clients' business risk.

Data Availability: Data are available from public sources cited in the text.
Management Reporting on Internal Control and Accruals Quality: Insights from a “Comply-or-Explain” Internal Control Regime
Authors: Van de Poel Katrien , Vanstraelen Ann
Published: August 2011

Internal control regulation remains the subject of an ongoing global debate among academics, regulators, and practitioners in terms of costs and effectiveness. This is reflected by different internal control regulations in different countries, resulting in varying management's incentives across regulatory regimes. Prior research, however, has primarily focused on the U.S. rules-based setting to study the relationship between internal control regulation and financial reporting. The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between internal control reporting and accruals quality in an alternative internal control regime based on the “comply-or-explain principle” in The Netherlands. We show that in this setting accruals quality is not associated with the description of the internal control system, while there is evidence of a positive association with an unaudited statement of effective internal controls. Further, we find that the noncompliance rate of providing a statement of effective internal controls is relatively high, and that companies give generic explanations for noncompliance or no explanation at all. Overall, insights from different internal control regulatory regimes may further advance our knowledge on internal control regulation effectiveness.

Data Availability: All data are publicly available.
How Do Audit Seniors Respond to Heightened Fraud Risk?
Authors: Hammersley Jacqueline S. , Johnstone Karla M. , Kadous Kathryn
Published: August 2011

This paper describes how audit seniors modify a standard audit program in response to heightened fraud risk when cues allow formation of specific hypotheses about the nature of the fraud. We conduct an experiment in which we manipulate provision of information about an internal control material weakness. We find that when fraud risk is heightened by provision of material weakness information, audit seniors' programs are of lower quality. This occurs because these auditors tend to propose audit program modifications that are not effective in detecting the fraud, resulting in programs that are less efficient. We also investigate determinants of higher-quality audit programs, finding that program quality increases as auditors identify more risk factors focused on the specific fraud. These results suggest that identifying risk factors focused on the fraud area is critical to the development of high-quality audit plans, and thus to fraud detection.
Weak relatively uniform convergences on abelian lattice ordered groups
Authors: Černák Štefan , Jakubík Ján
Published: August 2011

The notion of relatively uniform convergence has been applied in the theory of vector lattices and in the theory of archimedean lattice ordered groups. Let G be an abelian lattice ordered group. In the present paper we introduce the notion of weak relatively uniform convergence (wru-convergence, for short) on G generated by a system M of regulators. If G is archimedean and M = G
+, then this type of convergence coincides with the relative uniform convergence on G. The relation of wru-convergence to the o-convergence is examined. If G has the diagonal property, then the system of all convex ℓ-subgroups of G closed with respect to wru-limits is a complete Brouwerian lattice. The Cauchy completeness with respect to wru-convergence is dealt with. Further, there is established that the system of all wru-convergences on an abelian divisible lattice ordered group G is a complete Brouwerian lattice.
Absolutely continuous variational measures of Mawhin’s type
Authors: Tulone Francesco , Zherebyov Yurij
Published: August 2011

In this paper we study absolutely continuous and σ-finite variational measures corresponding to Mawhin, F- and BV -integrals. We obtain characterization of these σ-finite variational measures similar to those obtained in the case of standard variational measures. We also give a new proof of the Radon-Nikodým theorem for these measures.
Existence of nontrivial solutions for boundary value problems of second-order discrete systems
Authors: Zhang Xingyong , Tang Xianhua
Published: August 2011

By making use of critical-point theory, some new solvability conditions for boundary value problems of second-order discrete systems with a parameter are obtained.
Strongly almost (ω, λ, q)-summable sequences
Authors: Işik Mahmut
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the spaces of sequences that are strongly almost (ω, λ, q)-summable with respect to a modulus function. We give some relations related to these sequence spaces. It is also shown that if a sequence is strongly (ω, λ, q)-summable with respect to a modulus function, then it is S(λ
q)-statistically convergent.
On some new generalized difference sequence spaces defined by a sequence of moduli
Authors: Atici Gülcan , Bektaş Çiĝdem
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we define the new generalized difference sequence spaces [V, λ, F, p, q]0(Δvm), [V, λ, F, p, q]1(Δvm) and [V, λ, F, p, q]∞(Δvm). We also study some inclusion relations between these spaces.
Geometry of isometric reflection vectors
Authors: García-Pacheco Francisco
Published: August 2011

In this paper we study the geometry of isometric reflection vectors. In particular, we generalize known results by proving that the minimal face that contains an isometric reflection vector must be an exposed face. We also solve an open question by showing that there are isometric reflection vectors in any two dimensional subspace that are not isometric reflection vectors in the whole space. Finally, we prove that the previous situation does not hold in smooth spaces, and study the orthogonality properties of isometric reflection vectors in those spaces.
Evidences of zooplankton vertical migration in stocked and never-stocked alpine lakes in Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy)
Authors: Tiberti Rocco , Barbieri Mattia
Published: August 2011

Zooplankton vertical migration was described in four high altitude lakes in Gran Paradiso National Park (Northern Italy) during 2008 summertime. The authors succeeded in describing the vertical distribution of 6 species: diel vertical migrations were observed in the case of adult crustacean species (Cyclops gr. abyssorum, Arctodiaptomus alpinus and Daphnia gr. longispina), whereas the remaining rotifer species (Keratella quadrata, Polyarthra gr. dolichoptera and Synchaeta gr. stylata-pectinata) and naupliar stages of copepods did not undergo migrations. Migratory behavior of Daphnia gr. longispina and Cyclops gr. abyssorum was influenced by the size of individuals, especially larger individuals use to migrate deeper during the day compared to the smaller conspecific. This study provides new evidences of zooplankton vertical migration in never-stocked lakes and highlights the need to consider the zooplankton migration as result of multiple causal factors.
Strategies for the Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans
Authors: Sheppard Tom D.
Published: August 2011

This article gives an overview of synthetic approaches to the 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran ring system with an emphasis on recently developed methods. The synthetic approaches are classified according to the key bond(s) formed during the construction of the dihydrobenzofuran skeleton, and approaches of relevance to the synthesis of natural products are highlighted.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Novel 1,3-Bis{(6-Aryl-1,2,4-Triazolo [3,4-b][1,3,4]Thiadiazol-3-yl)-Methoxy}benzenes under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Mei Qinggang , Yang Jie , Peng Yongle , Zhao Zhigang
Published: August 2011

Eleven novel 1,3-bis{(6-aryl-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazol-3-yl)-methoxy}benzenes have been synthesised in high yields by the condensation of 5,5'-[1,3-phenylene-bis(oxymethylene)]bis(4-amino-3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole) with substituted benzoic acids in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride under microwave irradiation. Compared with the conventional heating method, this method is facile, rapid and efficient. The structures of all new compounds were characterised by 1H NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis.
Alternative Synthesis of 2-(4-Benzoyl-Piperazin-1-Ylmethyl)-5, 6-Dimethoxy-3-Methyl-[1, 4]Benzoquinone
Authors: Wang Jin , Yang Jian , Zhou Rong-Guang , Yang Bo , Wu Yuan-Shuang
Published: August 2011

The title compound was prepared by a reaction sequence starting from 2, 3, 4, 5-tetramethoxytoluene via Blanc chloromethylation reaction, oxidation and alkylation. The described method provides a good yield of the heterocyclic-Coenzyme Q analogue and is suitable for the synthesis of other analogues.
A Mn(II) Coordination Polymer Bearing Rigid Tetracarboxylate and Chelating N-Donor Co-Ligands
Authors: Jun Wang , Lu Lu , Wei-Ping Wu , Bin Xie
Published: August 2011

The metal–organic framework, [Mn2(H4DDA)(phen)2(H2O)5]·4.55H2O (H4DDA = 4,4'-diazenediyldiphthalic acid and phen=1,10-phenanthroline), has been synthesised and characterised by IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex has a 2D layer structure, which extends into a 3D supramolecular framework via hydrogen bonds.
22q11.2 Deletion (DiGeorge) Syndrome: A Mother’s Open Letter
Authors: Baldini Antonio , Digilio Maria Cristina , Marino Bruno
Published: August 2011

Dear E.G., this is an open letter on 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DiGeorge syndrome). You are the mother of a beautiful 3 year old child. And you are one of the most active members of Aidel22, the Italian Association of 22q deletion syndrome patients and families. We would like to hear your story and learn from you. But before that, we asked some scholars in the field to help us understand what 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is [...]
ESL and Content Area Teacher Responses to Discussions on English Language Learner Instruction
Authors: PAWAN FARIDAH , CRAIG DANIEL A.
Published: August 2011

The current study compares the responses and statements of English as a second language (ESL) and content area teachers in discussions about the instruction of English language learners (ELLs). A study on how these two sets of teachers understand the field is important because commonalities and differences in their opinions may have an impact on the effectiveness of their collaboration. Such collaboration has become essential given the increasing number of ELLs in U.S. public schools. The findings of the study highlight areas of commonalities that could serve as a foundation for ESL and content area teachers to initiate their collaboration. The findings also yield areas of differences in the teachers' responses, indicating clearly where support and bridge building are needed for collaboration to be sustained. Based on these results, recommendations are offered that aim to support ESL and content area teacher collaboration in ways that can help avoid problematic issues identified by teachers in the study. These include the relegation of ESL teachers to the personal assistant role, the sense of helplessness and isolation that content area teachers experience when working with ELLs in their classroom, and lack of advocacy efforts for ELLs.
Influences of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic plume on air quality in the northern Alpine region
Authors: Schäfer K. , Thomas W. , Peters A. , Ries L. , Obleitner F. , Schnelle-Kreis J. , Birmili W. , Diemer J. , Fricke W. , Junkermann W. , Pitz M. , Emeis S. , Forkel R. , Suppan P. , Flentje H. , Gilge S. , Wichmann H. E. , Meinhardt F. , Zimmermann R. , Weinhold K. , Soentgen J. , Münkel C. , Freuer C. , Cyrys J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. A series of major eruptions of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland started on 14 April 2010 and continued until the end of May 2010. The volcanic emissions moved over nearly the whole of Europe and were observed first on 16 April 2010 in Southern Germany with different remote sensing systems from the ground and space. Enhanced PM10 and SO2 concentrations were detected on 17 April at mountain stations (Zugspitze/Schneefernerhaus and Schauinsland) as well as in Innsbruck by in situ measurement devices. On 19 April intensive vertical mixing and advection along with clear-sky conditions facilitated the entrainment of volcanic material down to the ground. The subsequent formation of a stably stratified lower atmosphere with limited mixing near the ground during the evening of 19 April led to an additional enhancement of near-surface particle concentrations. Consequently, on 19 April and 20 April exceedances of the daily threshold value for particulate matter (PM10) were reported at nearly all monitoring stations of the North Alpine foothills as well as at mountain and valley stations in the northern Alps. The chemical analyses of ambient PM10 at monitoring stations of the North Alpine foothills yielded elevated Titanium concentrations on 19/20 April which prove the presence of volcanic plume material. Following this result the PM10 threshold exceedances are also associated with the volcanic plume. The entrainment of the volcanic plume material mainly affected the concentrations of coarse particles (>1 μm) – interpreted as volcanic ash – and ultrafine particles (<100 nm), while the concentrations of accumulation mode aerosol (0.1–1 μm) were not changed significantly. With regard to the occurrence of ultrafine particles, it is concluded that their formation was triggered by high sulphuric acid concentrations which are necessarily generated by the photochemical processes in a plume rich in sulphur dioxide under high solar irradiance. It became evident that during the course of several days, the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic emissions influenced the near-surface atmosphere and thus the ambient air quality. Although the volcanic plume contributed to the overall exposure of the population of the northern Alpine region on two days, only minor effects on the exacerbation of respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms can be expected.
Investigating changes in basal conditions of Variegated Glacier prior to and during its 1982–1983 surge
Authors: Jay-Allemand M. , Gillet-Chaulet F. , Gagliardini O. , Nodet M.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Variegated Glacier (Alaska) is known to surge periodically after a sufficient amount of cumulative mass balance is reached, but this observation is difficult to link with changes in the basal conditions. Here, using a 10-yr dataset, consisting of surface topography and surface velocity observations along a flow line for 25 dates, we have reconstructed the evolution of the basal conditions prior to and during the 1982–1983 surge. The model solves the full-Stokes problem along the central flow line using the finite element method. For the 25 dates of the dataset, the basal friction parameter distribution is inferred using the inverse method proposed by Arthern and Gudmundsson (2010). This method is here slightly modified by incorporating a regularisation term in the cost function to avoid short wavelength changes in the friction parameter. Our results indicate that dramatic changes in the basal conditions occurred between 1973 to 1983. Prior to the surge, periodic changes can be observed between winter and summer, with a regular increase of the sliding from 1973 to 1982. During the surge, the basal friction decreased dramatically and an area of very low friction moved from the upper part of the glacier to its terminus. Using a more complex friction law, these changes in basal sliding are then interpreted in terms of basal water pressure. Our results support that dramatic changes took place in the subglacial drainage system of Variegated Glacier, moving from a relatively efficient drainage system prior to the surge to an inefficient one during the surge. By reconstructing the water pressure evolution at the base of the glacier it is possible to propose a scenario for the hydrological history leading to the occurrence of a surge.
The Role of HEIs in an Entrepreneurial Renaissance in South Africa
Authors: Maas Gideon J.P. , Herrington Mike
Published: August 2011

For decades, entrepreneurs have been identified as critical change agents in socio-economic development. It is probably safe to say that some countries have had more success than others in the promotion of entrepreneurship; and in that context it can be argued that South Africa's successes are not yet clear. The promotion of entrepreneurship through the involvement of higher education institutions (HEIs) is by no means an easy task, but they have an important role to play. Although South African HEIs are focusing on various elements of entrepreneurship promotion, there is no clear evidence of an integrated effort from HEIs to develop entrepreneurial skills and activity. The authors argue that without such an integrated effort entrepreneurship development in South Africa is likely to be constrained.
Social Entrepreneurship in South Africa: Context, Relevance and Extent
Authors: Visser Kobus
Published: August 2011

In its broadest context, ‘social entrepreneurship’ refers to individuals and organizations that engage in entrepreneurial activities with social objectives. Whereas this concept and its constituent elements are well-researched and acknowledged in industrialized countries (such as the USA and UK) (Thompson, Alvy and Lees, 2000, p 328) and to some extent in developing economies (for example, in Bangladesh and Venezuela) (Mair and Martí, 2006, p 36), its prevalence and impact in South Africa (and in Africa for that matter) are not contextualized. This article presents an overview of social entrepreneurship in South Africa by analyzing why it has become important and popular, and assesses the role, relevance and extent of social entrepreneurship in a developing economy, concluding with the challenges and the way forward for social entrepreneurship in developing economies.