bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Small Firms Benefit from Auditor Attestation of Internal Control Effectiveness?
Authors: Krishnan Gopal V. , Yu Wei 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARY
While auditor attestation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) is required for firms with a public float of at least $75 million (accelerated filers), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed auditor attestation for non-accelerated filers several times. The Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 exempts non-accelerated filers from auditor attestation. We examine the relation between auditor attestation and revenue quality for a sample of non-accelerated filers and small accelerated filers. We find that discretionary (abnormal) revenues, our proxy for revenue quality, are lower by about 1.5 percent of total assets for accelerated filers relative to non-accelerated filers. This finding holds even among firms whose management has certified their ICFR to be effective. Overall, the findings support the notion that auditor attestation of the effectiveness of ICFR benefits small accelerated filers via higher revenue quality. We believe our findings are timely and potentially informative to regulators, investors, and others.
Influence of dietary supplementation with l-carnitine on metabolic rate, fatty acid oxidation, body condition, and weight loss in overweight cats
Authors: Center Sharon A. , Warner Karen L. , Randolph John F. , Sunvold Gregory D. , Vickers Jason R. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Objective—To investigate the influence of dietary supplementation with l-carnitine on metabolic rate, fatty acid oxidation, weight loss, and lean body mass (LBM) in overweight cats undergoing rapid weight reduction.
Animals—32 healthy adult neutered colony-housed cats.
Procedures—Cats fattened through unrestricted ingestion of an energy-dense diet for 6 months were randomly assigned to 4 groups and fed a weight reduction diet supplemented with 0 (control), 50, 100, or 150 μg of carnitine/g of diet (unrestricted for 1 month, then restricted). Measurements included resting energy expenditure, respiratory quotient, daily energy expenditure, LBM, and fatty acid oxidation. Following weight loss, cats were allowed unrestricted feeding of the energy-dense diet to investigate weight gain after test diet cessation.
Results—Median weekly weight loss in all groups was ≥ 1.3%, with no difference among groups in overall or cumulative percentage weight loss. During restricted feeding, the resting energy expenditure-to-LBM ratio was significantly higher in cats that received l-carnitine than in those that received the control diet. Respiratory quotient was significantly lower in each cat that received l-carnitine on day 42, compared with the value before the diet began, and in all cats that received l-carnitine, compared with the control group throughout restricted feeding. A significant increase in palmitate flux rate in cats fed the diet with 150 μg of carnitine/g relative to the flux rate in the control group on day 42 corresponded to significantly increased stoichiometric fat oxidation in the l-carnitine diet group (> 62% vs 14% for the control group). Weight gain (as high as 28%) was evident within 35 days after unrestricted feeding was reintroduced.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dietary l-carnitine supplementation appeared to have a metabolic effect in overweight cats undergoing rapid weight loss that facilitated fatty acid oxidation.
Distribution and processing of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4, aggrecan, versican, and hyaluronan in equine digital laminae
Authors: Pawlak Erica , Wang Le , Johnson Philip J. , Nuovo Gerard , Taye Almaz , Belknap James K. , Alfandari Dominique , Black Samuel J. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine the expression and distribution of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4), its substrates aggrecan and versican, and their binding partner hyaluronan in laminae of healthy horses.
Sample—Laminae from the forelimb hooves of 8 healthy horses.
Procedures—Real-time quantitative PCR assay was used for gene expression analysis. Hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, and keratanase digestion of lamina extracts combined with SDS-PAGE and western blotting were used for protein and proteoglycan analysis. Immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections were used for protein and hyaluronan localization.
Results—Genes encoding ADAMTS-4, aggrecan, versican, and hyaluronan synthase II were expressed in laminae. The ADAMTS-4 was predominantly evident as a 51-kDa protein bearing a catalytic site neoepitope indicative of active enzyme and in situ activity, which was confirmed by the presence of aggrecan and versican fragments bearing ADAMTS-4 cleavage neoepitopes in laminar protein extracts. Aggrecan, versican, and hyaluronan were localized to basal epithelial cells within the secondary epidermal laminae. The ADAMTS-4 localized to these cells but was also present in some cells in the dermal laminae.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Within digital laminae, versican exclusively and aggrecan primarily localized within basal epithelial cells and both were constitutively cleaved by ADAMTS-4, which therefore contributed to their turnover. On the basis of known properties of these proteoglycans, it is possible that they can protect the basal epithelial cells of horses from biomechanical and concussive stress.
Effects of cleavage by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 on gene expression and protein content of versican and aggrecan in the digital laminae of horses with starch gruel–induced laminitis
Authors: Wang Le , Pawlak Erica , Johnson Philip J. , Belknap James K. , Alfandari Dominique , Black Samuel J. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether increased gene expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4) in laminae of horses with starch gruel–induced laminitis was accompanied by increased enzyme activity and substrate degradation.
Sample—Laminae from the forelimb hooves of 8 healthy horses and 17 horses with starch gruel–induced laminitis (6 at onset of fever, 6 at onset of Obel grade 1 lameness, and 5 at onset of Obel grade 3 lameness).
Procedures—Gene expression was determined by use of cDNA and real-time quantitative PCR assay. Protein expression and processing were determined via SDS-PAGE and quantitative western blotting. Protein distribution and abundance were determined via quantitative immunofluorescent staining.
Results—ADAMTS-4 gene expression was increased and that of versican decreased in laminitic laminae, compared with expression in healthy laminae. Catalytically active ADAMTS-4 also was increased in the tissue, as were ADAMTS-4–cleavage fragments of versican. Immunofluorescent analyses indicated that versican was depleted from the basal epithelia of laminae of horses at onset of Obel grade 3 lameness, compared with results for healthy laminae, and this was accompanied by regional separation of basal epithelial cells from the basement membrane. Aggrecan gene and protein expression were not significantly affected.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Changes in gene and protein expression of ADAMTS-4 and versican in the basal epithelium of laminitic laminae indicated a fundamental change in the physiology of basal epithelial cells. This was accompanied by and may have caused detachment of these cells from the basement membrane.
Effects of dopamine and dobutamine on isoflurane-induced hypotension in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis)
Authors: Schnellbacher Rodney W. , da Cunha Anderson F. , Beaufrère Hugues , Queiroz Patricia , Nevarez Javier G. , Tully Thomas N. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Objective—To assess the effects of dopamine and dobutamine on the blood pressure of isoflurane-anesthetized Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).
Animals—8 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots.
Procedures—A randomized crossover study was conducted. Each bird was anesthetized (anesthesia maintained by administration of 2.5% isoflurane in oxygen) and received 3 doses of each drug during a treatment period of 20 min/dose. Treatments were constant rate infusions (CRIs) of dobutamine (5, 10, and 15 μg/kg/min) and dopamine (5, 7, and 10 μg/kg/min). Direct systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure measurements, heart rate, esophageal temperature, and end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 were recorded throughout the treatment periods.
Results—Mean ± SD of the systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial blood pressures at time 0 (initiation of a CRI) were 132.9 ± 22.1 mm Hg, 116.9 ± 20.5 mm Hg, and 101.9 ± 22.0 mm Hg, respectively. Dopamine resulted in significantly higher values than did dobutamine for the measured variables, except for end-tidal partial pressure of CO2. Post hoc multiple comparisons revealed that the changes in arterial blood pressure were significantly different 4 to 7 minutes after initiation of a CRI. Overall, dopamine at rates of 7 and 10 μg/kg/min and dobutamine at a rate of 15 μg/kg/min caused the greatest increases in arterial blood pressure.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dobutamine CRI at 5, 10, and 15 μg/kg/min and dopamine CRI at 5, 7, and 10 μg/kg/min may be useful in correcting severe hypotension in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots caused by anesthesia maintained with 2.5% isoflurane.
Comparative analysis of lipophilic compounds in eggs of organically raised ISA Brown and Araucana hens
Authors: Pintea Adela , Dulf Francisc , Bunea Andrea , Matea Cristian , Andrei Sanda 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHens’ eggs represent a rich source of important nutrients, including lipids and carotenoids. The lipid composition of hens’ eggs is influenced by genetic factors, age, and diet. The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acids, cholesterol, and carotenoids content of the egg yolk of ISA Brown and Araucana hens grown in free-range housing systems. Fatty acids and cholesterol were analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS and carotenoids were quantified by RP-HPLC-PDA.The Araucana egg yolk has a higher lipid content and higher egg-to-albumen ratio than the ISA Brown yolk, while the total cholesterol, carotenoids content and profile are not significantly different. The lipids of the Araucana egg yolk have a higher content of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and a better n-6/n-3 ratio than the ISA Brown egg yolk lipids. The major carotenoids were lutein and zeaxanthin, which account for more than 83 % in egg yolk. Eggs of both breeds, when raised organically, represent very good sources of highly bio-available lutein and zeaxanthin, pigments which are related to lower risk of age-related macular degeneration. We report for the first time on the fatty acids composition in lipid fractions and the profile and content of carotenoids of the Araucana egg yolk.
Urban Public Transport System's Reliability Estimation Using Microscopic Simulation
Authors: Yatskiv Irina , Pticina Irina , Savrasovs Mihails 
Published: June 2012

Urban Public Transport System's Reliability Estimation Using Microscopic Simulation
In the article the procedure of the reliability measures estimation for one route of the public transport network on the basis of a traffic flow modelling is suggested. A definition of UPTS reliability is based on the analysis of the Travel Time Reliability, Arrival Time Reliability and Probability of arriving to the stops with delay no more than m minutes. The approach is applied to the real task of the reliability estimation for Riga city public transport route. The microscopic model of transport network fragment is used for it.
Information Support System for Technology of Applying the Multi-Component Nano-Structured Protective Coatings
Authors: Kopytov Eugene , Urbach Alexander , Kutev Valery , Labendik Vladimir , Yunusov Sergey 
Published: June 2012

Information Support System for Technology of Applying the Multi-Component Nano-Structured Protective Coatings
The given article considers the process of arranging informational support in carrying out experiments on applying the nanostructured protective covering on different materials. For nano-coverings coating, there is used special plant, which is given different modes of performance. For accounting all parameters and for accumulating the data, which characterize the results of the experiments, there is suggested an information system which employs the database designed for these purposes. The authors suggest an approach to defining the main requirements and functions of an information system on the basis of functional simulation and consider the issues of its realization. This information system also allows processing the results of the experiments with the use of statistical methods. The analytical module of the information system is supposed for solving the tasks of determining the thickness of covering depending on the specified mode of plant operation (pressure, voltage, current); it is also employed for determining what operation mode is required for receiving the covering with certain designated properties and parameters. Consequently, the task of scientific prognostication of the covering properties is solved.
Rock debris in an Antarctic ice shelf
Authors: Nicholls K.W. , Corr H.F.J. , Makinson K. , Pudsey C.J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe have discovered a band of stones and coarse sand in the Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, some 60 m above the ice shelf’s base, 40 km from its seaward edge and 420 km from the point where the ice originally went afloat. A study of ice-sounding radar data from across the Ronne Ice Shelf has revealed other areas likely to contain debris in significant quantities. It appears that basal debris at the margins of ice streams feeding the ice shelf can be buried in the ice shelf by sea water freezing-on at the ice-shelf base. These findings are evidence for a mechanism active in a present-day ice-sheet/shelf system, which enables icebergs to transport large volumes of ice-rafted debris, and which also provides a potential mechanism for the formation of ice rises near ice fronts. We anticipate that a seismics study of debris melted from the ice shelf and deposited beneath will provide a valuable control on the history of ice-shelf–ocean interactions.
Hypercyclic Abelian Groups of Affine Maps on ℂn
Authors: Ayadi Adlene 
Published: June 2012

Abstract.We give a characterization of hypercyclic abelian group 𝒢 of affine maps on ℂn. If G is finitely generated, this characterization is explicit. We prove in particular that no abelian group generated by n affine maps on Cn has a dense orbit.
Small Prime Solutions to Cubic Diophantine Equations
Authors: Zhixin Liu  
Published: June 2012

Abstract.Let a1,;… a9 be nonzero integers and n any integer. Suppose that a1+…+a9 ≡ n (mod 2) and (ai ; aj ) = 1 for 1 ≤ i < j ≤9. In this paper we prove the following:(i) If aj are not all of the same sign, then the cubic equation has prime solutions satisfying pj ≪|n|1/3 + max{|aj|}14+∊.(ii) If all aj are positive and n ≫ max{|aj|} 43+∊, then is solvable in primes pj.These results are an extension of the linear and quadratic relative problems.
Liberalismo e formação de professores para educação de surdos
Authors: Machado Fernanda de Camargo , Lazzarin Márcia Lise Lunardi 
Published: June 2012

Este trabalho analisa o cenário político em que a emergência de um campo de saber pedagógico-científico e de um corpo de expertise para o trabalho didático com os sujeitos surdos foram produzidos como necessários ao ideal moderno de civilização. Ao explicar o movimento da formação docente como dispositivo de governamentalidade, pretende-se contribuir com o entendimento de como os conjuntos discursivos que cruzam as medidas políticas geram significados que demarcam a educabilidade dos discentes surdos e o status profissional dos sujeitos docentes relacionando a funcionalidade desse jogo com o regime governamental do liberalismo. Para tanto, neste trabalho, buscou-se alicerce nas contribuições de Michel Foucault, utilizando a noção de dispositivo como utensílio metodológico e a noção de governamentalidade como ferramenta analítica. A partir da realização deste estudo, foi possível descrever a criação da formação de professores para a educação de surdos no século XIX como um dispositivo de governamentalidade acionado pelo Estado Liberal. Nessa conjuntura, a formação docente responde estrategicamente à urgência histórica de criar um regime de saber para os professores que permita ordenar a população escolar e produzir corpos surdos dóceis.
Microbiological follow-up of Nosocomial Infections in a Single Urological Center
Authors: Vittori Matteo , D'Addessi Alessandro , Sasso Francesco , Sacco Emilio , Totaro Angelo , Calarco Alessandro , D'Agostino Daniele , Palermo Giuseppe , Bassi Pier Francesco 
Published: June 2012

Background To analyze data from the cultural examinations of different biological fluids, obtained from urologic patients from January 2007 to April 2010, in order to describe the incidence of infections in our setting. Methods In the period of reference a urine culture was carried out for every patient admitted, in case of suspected urinary tract infection, a blood culture in case of suspected sepsis, and a wound culture in case of wound infection. Results In the period of investigation 321 patients developed some kind of infection: 589 positive isolations obtained from cultural examinations have been diagnosed in urine (63%), blood (6%), surgical wound (6%), venous central catheter (7%) and other sites (18%) (tip of ureteral and bladder catheters). The most commonly isolated pathogenic agent for all the sites of infection has been Escherichia coli (22.5%). In urine, the most frequently isolated species have been Escherichia coli (27.8%), Enterococcus (12.5%), and Candida spp (9.3%). Escherichia coli (22.9%), Pseudomonas (5.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (3.5%) were the most frequently found pathogenic agents responsible for sepsis, compared to others. In the period of investigation we have recorded 35 episodes of sepsis. Conclusions Empiric antibiotic therapy is frequent in cases of clinical evidence of infection, before the identification of the causative microorganism is available; therefore, it is important to know which are the bacterial species mainly responsible for these specific infections. We need continuous surveillance of infections and the improvement in the use of antibiotic therapy in order to limit the antimicrobial resistance.
ON RANDOM ITERATED FUNCTION SYSTEMS WITH GREYSCALE MAPS
Authors: Demers Matthew , Kunze Herb , La Torre Davide 
Published: June 2012

In the theory of Iterated Function Systems (IFSs) it is known that one can find an IFS with greyscale maps (IFSM) to approximate any target signal or image with arbitrary precision, and a systematic approach for doing so was described. In this paper, we extend these ideas to the framework of random IFSM operators. We consider the situation where one has many noisy observations of a particular target signal and show that the greyscale map parameters for each individual observation inherit the noise distribution of the observation. We provide illustrative examples.
Breeding for better welfare: genetic goals for broiler chickens and their parents
Authors: Dawkins MS , Layton R 
Published: June 2012

AbstractGenetics is key to the improvement of welfare in broiler chickens at both juvenile and adult (breeder) stages but progress is hampered currently by the seemingly conflicting demands of welfare, commercial production, food security and calls for increasing intensification to curb climate change. Animal welfare is therefore most likely to be improved on a commercial scale by future breeding programmes that incorporate multiple goals of different stakeholders as far as possible and give higher priority to animal welfare. These include: i) broilers with high welfare traits; ii) broiler breeders that do not need feed restriction; iii) birds that can be grown in an economically profitable way; iv) birds with low disease levels without the need for routine medication; v) chicken meat that is healthy and good for humans to eat; and (vi) broilers and breeders that thrive in systems that are environmentally sustainable. Progress towards achieving these goals is hampered currently by the assumptions that high juvenile growth rate is incompatible with good welfare and that feed restriction in adults is inevitable with fast-growing juveniles. We challenge these assumptions at both genetic and whole-animal level and argue that the conflict between good welfare and productivity can be reduced by making use of all available genetic variation from existing breeds and other sources and selecting birds in the range of environments they will encounter in commercial production.
Chronic neurophysiological and anatomical changes associated with infrared beak treatment and their implications for laying hen welfare
Authors: McKeegan DEF , Philbey AW 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe long-term effects of infra-red beak treatment (IRBT) in laying hens were investigated by examining beak-nerve function and anatomy over a range of ages. In IRBT and control (intact) birds that were ten, 30 or 50 weeks old, the responses of single sensory nerve fibres were recorded from the intramandibular nerve, which provides sensation to the lower beak. The beaks were also measured and subject to microscopic and radiographic examination. The responses of 386 nerve fibres were recorded including mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors and nociceptors. Receptive field positions indicated that the entire lower beak was sensitive to thermal and mechanical stimuli, regardless of age or treatment. There was no evidence of a treatment effect on nociceptive thresholds at any age. Beak measurements demonstrated that application of IRBT at day-old affected, on average, 36% of beak area, and resulted in a 44% reduction in beak length by four weeks of age. Radiographs produced no evidence of adverse or pathological change in relation to IRBT. Microscopic evaluation of beak-tip anatomy revealed evidence of healing including re-epithelialisation, fibrovascular hyperplasia and bone remodelling. By four weeks of age there was limited nerve regeneration in IRBT beaks, including re-population of mechanoreceptors in some birds. In older birds, re-innervation and scarring was visible, but no neuromas or abnormal proliferations of nerve fibres were observed at any age. Collectively, the results suggest that IRBT does not result in chronic pain or other adverse consequences for sensory function.
Copper‐Catalyzed Activation of Dioxygen: Oxidative Cyclization of 2‐Arylindoles
Authors: Sang Peng , Xie Yongju , Zou Jianwei , Zhang Yuhong 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA series of unusual six‐ring‐fused heterocycles containing indole and quinoline skeletons was successfully synthesized by a copper‐catalyzed reaction from 2‐arylated indoles. Two new bonds were regioselectively formed from CH and CH coupling. 18O‐Labelled experiments revealed that the dioxygen is not only the oxidant but also the reactant.
An Efficient Palladium‐NHC (NHC=N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) and Aryl Amination Pre‐Catalyst: [Pd(IPr*)(cinnamyl)Cl]
Authors: Chartoire Anthony , Frogneux Xavier , Nolan Steven P. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe well‐defined [Pd(IPr*)(cinnamyl)Cl] complex is reported as one of the best N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐based pre‐catalysts for the Buchwald–Hartwig amination reaction. This catalytic system displays high efficiency for the coupling of numerous (hetero)aryl chlorides, with a wide range of amines, at room temperature or at extremely low catalyst loading (as low as 0.025 mol%).