bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incentive Fees and Mutual Funds
Authors: Elton Edwin J. , Gruber Martin J. , Blake Christopher R.
Published: December 2003

This paper examines the effect of incentive fees on the behavior of mutual fund managers. Funds with incentive fees exhibit positive stock selection ability, but a beta less than one results in funds not earning positive fees. From an investor's perspective, positive alphas plus lower expense ratios make incentive‐fee funds attractive. However, incentive‐fee funds take on more risk than non‐incentive‐fee funds, and they increase risk after a period of poor performance. Incentive fees are useful marketing tools, since more new cash flows go into incentive‐fee funds than into non‐incentive‐fee funds, ceteris paribus.
A Generalization of the Brennan‐Rubinstein Approach for the Pricing of Derivatives
Authors: Câmara António
Published: December 2003

This paper derives preference‐free option pricing equations in a discrete time economy where asset returns have continuous distributions. There is a representative agent who has risk preferences with an exponential representation. Aggregate wealth and the underlying asset price have transformed normal distributions which may or may not belong to the same family of distributions. Those pricing results are particularly valuable (a) to show new sufficient conditions for existing risk‐neutral option pricing equations (e.g., the Black‐Scholes model), and (b) to obtain new analytical solutions for the price of European‐style contingent claims when the underlying asset has a transformed normal distribution (e.g., a negatively skew lognormal distribution).
Evaluation Periods and Asset Prices in a Market Experiment
Authors: Gneezy Uri , Kapteyn Arie , Potters Jan
Published: December 2003

We test whether the frequency of feedback information about the performance of an investment portfolio and the flexibility with which the investor can change the portfolio influence her risk attitude in markets. In line with the prediction of myopic loss aversion (Benartzi and Thaler (1995)), we find that more information and more flexibility result in less risk taking. Market prices of risky assets are significantly higher if feedback frequency and decision flexibility are reduced. This result supports the findings from individual decision making, and shows that market interactions do not eliminate such behavior or its consequences for prices.
The Wealth Effects of Repurchases on Bondholders
Authors: Maxwell William F. , Stephens Clifford P.
Published: December 2003

Prior research has documented positive abnormal stock returns around the announcements of repurchase programs; several explanations of these returns have been suggested, including signaling, free cash flow, and wealth redistributions. This study analyzes abnormal stock, bond, and firm returns around repurchase announcements to examine these hypotheses. We find evidence consistent with both signaling and wealth redistribution. The loss to bondholders is a function of the size of the repurchase, and the risk of the firm's debt. We also find that bond ratings are twice as likely to be downgraded as upgraded after the announcement of the repurchase program.
Ictal Pleasant Sensations: Cerebral Localization and Lateralization
Authors: Stefan Hermann , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Pauli Elisabeth , Platsch Günther , Quiske Ansqart , Buchfelder Michael , Romstöck Johann
Published: December 2003

Summary:  Ictal pleasant feelings are a rare sign of focal epilepsies. The most popular description was performed by Dostojevskij, who reported an aura by Myshken in one of his books. No convincing evidence has been published concerning the cerebral localization of ictal happiness. In this study, the findings of 11 patients with ictal pleasant feelings are described. In eight patients, the origin of the focal epileptic activity was found in the temporal lobe (most often temporal inferior basal); in three patients, frontal or parietal lobe in addition to temporal lobe involvement was found. According to our findings ictal happiness is a localizing sign pointing to the ictal involvement of temporal mesiobasal areas. Lateralization to the right temporal lobe was found in seven and to the left temporal lobe in four patients.
Usefulness of [11C]Methionine PET in the Diagnosis of Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Maehara Taketoshi , Nariai Tadashi , Arai Nobutaka , Kawai Kensuke , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Ishii Kenji , Ishiwata Kiichi , Ohno Kikuo
Published: December 2003

Summary: Purpose:We assessed the diagnostic value of [11C]methionine (MET) positron emission tomography (PET) in the differential diagnosis of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) among benign tumors associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods:This series consisted of seven TLE patients with benign tumors in the temporal lobe. After MET‐PET study, all seven patients underwent tumor resection along with focus excision. The uptake of tracers was evaluated by the lesion‐to‐contralateral ratio (L/C ratio) and the standardized uptake value (SUV). We also assessed the relation between MET uptake and proliferation capacity observed in the surgical specimens.

Results:Whereas four patients with DNETs did not show high MET uptake visually, the ganglioglioma and gliomas of the remaining three patients were identified as high–MET‐uptake lesions. In the DNETs, the SUV ranged from 1.03 to 1.41, and the L/C ratio ranged from 0.99 to 1.14. MET uptake was significantly lower in the patients with DNETs than in the patients with ganglioglioma and brain gliomas (SUV, p = 0.045; L/C ratio, p = 0.0079). The Ki‐67 labeling index was 4% in one patient with DNET and 5% in one patient with pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (higher labeling index). The higher labeling index was not related to high MET uptake based on the SUV (p = 0.91) and L/C ratio (p = 0.38).

Conclusions:Negative MET uptake in benign temporal lobe tumors with TLE is consistent with a preoperative diagnosis of DNET.
Motor Responses to Afferent Stimulation in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
Authors: Manganotti Paolo , Tamburin Stefano , Bongiovanni Luigi Giuseppe , Zanette Giampietro , Fiaschi Antonio
Published: December 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To document whether the mechanisms responsible for myoclonic jerks in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) are similar to those causing other forms of myoclonus.

Methods: We studied somatosensory evoked potentials, the conditioning effect of cutaneous afferents on motor potentials evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and intracortical inhibition and facilitation in response to paired TMS in a group of nine patients with JME and 20 normal controls.

Results: Intracortical inhibition was abnormal, whereas cortical somatosensory evoked potentials and TMS conditioned by cutaneous afferents were unaltered in JME patients.

Conclusions: Abnormal processing of cutaneous afferents would not appear to contribute to myoclonus in JME.
Implementation Strategies for a Scottish National Epilepsy Guideline in Primary Care: Results of the Tayside Implementation of Guidelines in Epilepsy Randomized (TIGER) Trial
Authors: Davis Julian , Roberts Richard , Davidson D. L. W. , Norman Angela , Ogston Simon , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Davey Peter , Grant James , Ruta Danny
Published: December 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of two dissemination and implementation strategies to implement a national guideline for epilepsy management in primary care settings.

Methods: Three‐arm cluster‐randomized controlled trial. The participants were general practitioners from 68 practices in Tayside, Scotland, and 1,133 of their patients with self‐reported epilepsy treated with antiepileptic medications (AEDs). Practices were randomized blind to a control, intermediate, or intensive intervention. Control: Postal dissemination of a nationally developed clinical guideline. Intermediate intervention: Postal dissemination of the guideline supported by interactive, accredited workshops, and dedicated, structured protocol documents. Intensive intervention: Intermediate intervention plus a nurse specialist who supported and educated practices in the establishment of epilepsy review clinics. The primary outcome was the SF‐36 health‐related quality‐of‐life instrument. Secondary measures were a battery of prevalidated epilepsy‐specific quality‐of‐life instruments. These were administered at baseline and after the intervention phase. Process of care was assessed by case‐note review on number of review meetings and counseling sessions for epilepsy before and after the interventions.

Results: None of the intervention groups showed any change in the primary or secondary outcome measures or process‐of‐care measures.

Conclusions: None of the intervention strategies led to improvements in patient quality of life or quality of epilepsy care. Further research is needed to discover why the interventions failed, to identify barriers to adoption of guidelines, and to develop strategies that might improve implementation and uptake in the future.
Pregabalin Add‐on Treatment: A Randomized, Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled, Dose–Response Study in Adults with Partial Seizures
Authors: Arroyo Santiago , Anhut Henning , Kugler Alan R. , Lee Caroline M. , Knapp Lloyd E. , Garofalo Elizabeth A. , Messmer Silke ,   Pregabalin 1008‐011 International Study Group
Published: December 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To evaluate pregabalin (PGB), 150 mg/day, and PGB, 600 mg/day, as an add‐on treatment for patients with refractory partial seizures concurrently treated with one to three anticonvulsants (AEDs).

Methods: An international (13 countries), multicenter (45 centers), 12‐week, double‐blind, randomized study in which patients with partial seizures received placebo (n = 96); PGB, 150 mg/day (n = 99); or PGB, 600 mg/day (n = 92); given 3 times a day (t.i.d.). The primary efficacy criterion was reduction in seizure frequency during treatment as compared with baseline, as measured by RRatio, the symmetrical percentage change in seizure rates determined from daily seizure diaries. The RRatio between the 8‐week baseline (pretreatment phase) and the 12‐week treatment period were compared between each of the PGB groups and the placebo group by using an analysis of variance analysis of the intent‐to‐treat population.

Results: PGB, 150 mg/day and 600 mg/day, were both significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the RRatio [–11.5 (p = 0.0007) and –31.4 (p ≤ 0.0001), respectively, vs. 0.9]. These RRatio values correspond to seizure‐frequency reductions from baseline of –1.8, 20.6, and 47.8% for placebo, 150 mg/day, and 600 mg/day, respectively. PGB efficacy was significantly dose related (p ≤ 0.0001). Secondary efficacy variables corroborated the findings of the primary analysis. Significantly more patients were responders (≥50% reduction in seizure frequency) in the PGB, 600 mg/day (43.5%), group than in the placebo group (6.2%) (p ≤ 0.001). PGB was well tolerated. Dose‐related, treatment‐emergent adverse events (≥10%), mostly mild or moderate in intensity, were somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, diplopia, and weight gain. The withdrawal rate due to adverse events was 10% of patients at 150 mg/day and 18.5% of patients at 600 mg/day, compared with 6.2% of patients receiving placebo.

Conclusions: PGB, 150 mg/day and 600 mg/day, is highly effective and well‐tolerated add‐on therapy in patients with partial seizures.
Morbidity in Patients with Epilepsy: Type and Complications: A European Cohort Study
Authors: Van Den Broek Mariska ,   Ettore Beghi for the RESt‐1 Group*
Published: December 2003

Summary: Purpose:To investigate the risk of illnesses in a cohort of patients with epilepsy and in matched nonepilepsy controls, by type and complications.

Methods:A total of 951 children and adults with idiopathic, cryptogenic, or remote symptomatic epilepsy and 904 matched controls seen in secondary and tertiary centers in eight European countries (England, Estonia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia) were followed prospectively for 17,484 and 17,206 person‐months and asked to report any spontaneous complaint requiring medical attention (illness), its type and complications (hospitalization, absence from work or school, medical action). Risk assessment was done by actuarial methods, relative risks (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:During the study period 644 patients (68%) and 504 controls (56%) reported an illness (p < 0.0001); 30% were seizure related. The cumulative probability of illness at 12 and 24 months was 49 and 86% in the cases and 39 and 75% in the controls (p < 0.0001). The largest differences regarded disorders affecting the nervous system (NS) (RR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.3–4.2) and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.6). In patients with epilepsy, an NS illness was more likely to be followed by hospital admission, work absence, or medical intervention. All risks were significantly reduced after excluding seizure‐related events.

Conclusions:Patients with epilepsy are at higher risk of NS and ENT illnesses and complications than the general population. However, the risk of illness is significantly reduced when seizure‐related events are excluded.
High‐Involvement Management and Pay in Britain
Authors: Forth John , Millward Neil
Published: December 2003

High‐involvement management practices have well‐established benefits for employers, but what do they do for employees? Using a nationally‐representative survey of British private‐sector workplaces, high‐involvement management is shown to be associated with higher pay. The wage premium is little affected by the choice of employee involvement practices (e.g., teams versus quality circles), but it appears only where employee involvement practices are supported by job security guarantees. Powerful trade unions increase the premium.
The Impact of Stock Purchase Plan Participation on Workers’ Individual Cash Compensation
Authors: Renaud StÉphane , St‐onge Sylvie , Magnan Michel
Published: December 2003

This study investigates if stock purchase plan participation within an organization leads to (1) an increase in workers’ individual cash compensation through enhanced individual job performance and (2) an increase in individual cash compensation beyond the cash compensation increase obtained through enhanced individual job performance. The sample consists of 5385 worker‐year observations from a major financial institution. Results are consistent with the study's two hypotheses.
External Churning and Internal Flexibility: Evidence on the Functional Flexibility and Core‐Periphery Hypotheses
Authors: Cappelli Peter , Neumark David
Published: December 2003

Functionally flexible systems for organizing work may reduce job instability and insecurity by reducing employers’ reliance on job cuts or contingent work to respond to changes in their environments. Related arguments hypothesize that contingent work allows firms to adjust labor while “buffering” their core of permanent workers from job instability. We find evidence that internally flexible work systems are associated with reduced involuntary and voluntary turnover in manufacturing but that contingent work and involuntary turnover of the permanent workforce are positively related regardless of sector, in contrast to the prediction of the core‐periphery hypothesis.
Person‐Environment Fit and Its Implications for Personality Development: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Roberts Brent W. , Robins Richard W.
Published: December 2003

Continuity and change in Person‐Environment Fit (PE Fit) and its relation to personality development was studied in a 4‐year longitudinal study of college students (N=305). PE Fit demonstrated moderate rank‐order stability and small increases in mean‐levels over time. Antecedents to PE Fit included gender (being male), high academic ability, low agreeableness, and low neuroticism. Outcomes associated with PE Fit included greater personality consistency and changes in personality in the direction of higher self‐esteem and lower agreeableness and neuroticism. The implications of the findings for personality development are discussed.
Borderline Personality Features and Instability of Daily Negative Affect and Self‐Esteem
Authors: Hochschild Tolpin Laura , Cimbolic Gunthert Kathleen , Cohen Lawrence H. , O'Neill Suzanne C.
Published: December 2003

Abstract We used a daily process design and multilevel modeling to examine the role of borderline personality features in the day‐to‐day stability of college students' negative affect and self‐esteem and their reactivity to interpersonal stressors. At the end of each day for two weeks, students completed a checklist of daily stressors and measures of state affect and self‐esteem. We predicted that high scores on a measure of borderline features would be related to more daily interpersonal stressors, greater negative affective and self‐esteem reactivity to these stressors, and less day‐to‐day carryover of negative mood and self‐esteem. The first and third hypotheses were supported, but not the second. The findings demonstrate the utility of a daily process methodology and multilevel modeling to study the day‐to‐day functioning of individuals with borderline features.
Tritonus der Hoffnung. Ein fiktives Intervall in Thomas Manns Doktor Faustus
Authors: Börnchen Stefan
Published: December 2003

Meinen Eltern gewidmet

Die musiktheoretischen Ausführungen in Thomas Manns Roman Doktor Faustus gehen auf Adornos (geschichts‐) philosophische Schriften zur Musik zurück. Dennoch greift eine Deutung zu kurz, die den Roman – mit den philologischen Mitteln des Quellenaufspürens – auf Adornos Thesen zu reduzieren versucht. Vielmehr läßt sich zeigen, daß der Faustus‐Roman und Adornos Schriften als Texte gelesen werden können, die gegenseitig Licht aufeinander werfen. Das ist möglich mit Blick auf zwei Textstellen im Doktor Faustus, die sich als durch ein fiktives Intervall verbunden interpretieren lassen. Am Beispiel dieses ‘Tritonus der Hoffnung’, eines der fast zahllosen intra‐ und intertextuellen Bezüge des Buches, lassen sich einige zentrale Motive des Faustus‐Romans umreißen.
A reappraisal of the histologic findings of pigmented pretibial patches of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Houck Gregory M. , Morgan Michael B.
Published: December 2003

Background:  Pigmented pretibial patches (PPPs) are the most common cutaneous alterations in diabetes mellitus, found in up to 50% of diabetic patients. They classically present as flat‐topped, dull‐red papules on the pretibial areas, later becoming hyperpigmented and atrophic. Little is known regarding the pathogenesis of these lesions, and the histopathologic findings have been regarded as non‐specific.

Methods:  We investigated the clinical and pathologic attributes of a series of 12 diabetic patients with PPP in an effort to discern any specific histologic attributes compared to normal skin removed from diabetic patients with cutaneous carcinoma.

Results:  All cases of PPP showed hyaline microangiopathy, all patients showed extravasated erythrocytes and/or hemosiderin deposits, and 10 patients showed an appreciable number of perivascular plasma cells. The average number of plasma cells per vascular plexus was 2.2. Control specimens removed from five diabetic patients showed hyaline microangiopathy, and three showed extravasated erythrocytes and hemosiderin. One patient showed a single vascular plexus with two plasma cells, p = 0.01.

Conclusion:  The presence of increased dermal perivascular plasma cells in the appropriate clinical context might be an important and under‐recognized clue for PPP. The pathogenic significance of this finding is unknown.
Eruptive multiple blue nevi of the penis: a clinical dermoscopic pathologic case study
Authors: De Giorgi Vincenzo , Massi Daniela , Brunasso Giovanna , Salvini Camilla , Mastrolorenzo Antonio , Zuccati Giuliano , Carli Paolo
Published: December 2003

Multiple blue nevi have rarely been reported, and the majority of the lesions are located on the trunk and lower extremities. The blue nevus is a rare lesion on genital mucosa and may cause confusion in differential diagnosis with other pigmented lesions such as genital melanocytic macules, lentigo simplex, and malignant melanoma. Here, we describe an unusual patient who presented with a sudden onset in adulthood of multiple blue nevi on the glans penis. The epiluminescence examination revealed a substantially homogenous bluish pigmentation, which led us to favor a diagnosis of blue nevus, whereas not entirely excluding the possibility of a regressing melanoma or a metastatic melanoma. Because of the well‐known diagnostic value of the blue hue in the diagnosis of malignancy by dermoscopy, a careful examination of these lesions should be made in order to minimize any risk of misclassification with melanoma.
Photo‐distributed neutrophilic drug eruption and adult respiratory distress syndrome associated with antidepressant therapy
Authors: Mecca Patricia , Tobin Ellis , Andrew Carlson J.
Published: December 2003

Drug reactions are well‐known complications of antidepressant therapy, often related to photosensitization. Herein is reported a singular case of antidepressant (amoxapine and citalopram) and anxiolytic related (perphenazine) photo‐distributed neutrophilic dermatosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The clinicopathologic findings displayed overlapping features with drug‐induced Sweet's syndrome, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and so‐called sterile neutrophilic folliculitis with perifollicular vasculopathy. Of the three medications, only amoxapine has been associated with AGEP. Treatment with high‐dose systemic corticosteroids and cessation of drug therapy was followed by rapid resolution of the cutaneous eruption and respiratory distress. The possibility that neutrophil infiltration of the lung and/or accumulation of neutrophils in the skin and blood served as a source for reactive oxygen species, leading to lung injury and subsequent ARDS, is discussed.
The histologic spectrum of cutaneous sarcoidosis: a study of twenty‐eight cases
Authors: Ball Nigel J. , Kho Grace T. , Martinka Magdalena
Published: December 2003

Background:  Naked sarcoidal granulomas (NSGs) are the characteristic histologic finding in sarcoidosis. This descriptive study was designed to identify the frequency of other histologic changes in cutaneous sarcoidosis.

Methods:  The slides from 28 sequential biopsies previously diagnosed as sarcoidosis in patients with known systemic sarcoidosis were reviewed.

Results:  Classic NSGs were identified in 25 biopsies (89%). Four biopsies contained tuberculoid granulomas, two with neutrophils suggesting infection (cultures negative). Five biopsies contained interstitial granulomas that resembled granuloma annulare and necrobiosis lipoidica in one case each. Additional histologic findings included birefringent foreign material in 14 biopsies (50%), focal necrosis (43%), elastophagocytosis (39%), linear peri‐neural granulomas resembling leprosy (25%), increased dermal mucin (18%) and lichenoid inflammation (14%) [two with plasma cells resembling syphilis (7%)]. In all but three cases, the clinical morphology of the lesions suggested sarcoidosis. Special stains for mycobacteria and fungi were negative.

Conclusions:  The histologic changes in cutaneous sarcoidosis are more diverse than previously recognized. In sarcoidosis, foreign material may be a frequent nidus for cutaneous granuloma formation. Histologic examination without the clinical history could lead to a misdiagnosis of leprosy, syphilis, other infectious granulomas, rosacea, granuloma annulare, necrobiosis lipoidica, and foreign body reaction in selected cases from this series.
Giant basal cell carcinoma associated with human papillomaviruses infection
Authors: Northington Marian , Tamburin Laura , Hamza Sate , Diwan Hafeez , Skelton Henry , Smith Kathleen
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  Different criteria have been used to define giant basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, the majority of tumors of 10 cm or greater in diameter have a characteristic clinical and histopathologic presentation. As a group, these tumors often show metastatic spread as opposed to all other BCCs that rarely metastasize. We present an additional patient with a giant BCC greater than 100 cm2. This tumor had a characteristic location and infiltrative growth pattern. Unusual features of this tumor included a lack of expression of BCL‐2 with a greater proportion of cycling tumor cells expressing proliferation markers than conventional BCC, as well as expression of anogenital human papillomaviruses (HPV) subtypes with oncogenic potential. The association of HPV with BCCs has rarely been studied and may not be identical to HPV‐induced genital squamous cell carcinomas. However, the findings in this patient suggest that HPV may play a role in the development of some chronic giant BCCs.
Immunolabeling pattern of syndecan‐1 expression may distinguish pagetoid Bowen's disease, extramammary Paget's disease, and pagetoid malignant melanoma in situ
Authors: Bayer‐Garner Ilene B. , Reed Jon A.
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  The differential diagnosis of pagetoid cells within the epidermis rests primarily between pagetoid Bowen's disease (PBD), extramammary Paget's disease (EPD), and pagetoid malignant melanoma (MIS) in situ. Although morphologic clues are often helpful in differentiating these lesions, the use of immunohistochemistry is often necessary to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Syndecan‐1 is a cell‐surface proteoglycan that mediates adhesion between cells and the extracellular matrix, and between cells themselves. Twenty‐two cases of PBD, four cases of intraepidermal EPD, and 13 cases of MIS were examined for syndecan‐1 immunoreactivity. Cell‐membrane syndecan‐1 immunoreactivity was evident in PBD, cytoplasmic syndecan‐1 immunoreactivity was evident in EPD, whereas immunoreactivity for syndecan‐1 was not present in MIS. The patterns of syndecan‐1 immunoreactivity in these lesions may be a useful adjunct in the differentiation of PBD, EPD, and MIS.
Hedging and Portfolio Optimization in Financial Markets with a Large Trader
Authors: Bank Peter , Baum Dietmar
Published: December 2003

We introduce a general continuous‐time model for an illiquid financial market where the trades of a single large investor can move market prices. The model is specified in terms of parameter‐dependent semimartingales, and its mathematical analysis relies on the nonlinear integration theory of such semimartingale families. The Itô–Wentzell formula is used to prove absence of arbitrage for the large investor, and, using approximation results for stochastic integrals, we characterize the set of approximately attainable claims. We furthermore show how to compute superreplication prices and discuss the large investor's utility maximization problem.
The Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing under Proportional Transaction Costs in Finite Discrete Time
Authors: Schachermayer Walter
Published: December 2003

We prove a version of the Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing, which applies to Kabanov's modeling of foreign exchange markets under transaction costs. The financial market is described by a d×d matrix‐valued stochastic process (Πt)Tt=0 specifying the mutual bid and ask prices between d assets. We introduce the notion of “robust no arbitrage,” which is a version of the no‐arbitrage concept, robust with respect to small changes of the bid‐ask spreads of (Πt)Tt=0. The main theorem states that the bid‐ask process (Πt)Tt=0 satisfies the robust no‐arbitrage condition iff it admits a strictly consistent pricing system. This result extends the theorems of Harrison‐Pliska and Kabanov‐Stricker pertaining to the case of finite Ω, as well as the theorem of Dalang, Morton, and Willinger and Kabanov, Rásonyi, and Stricker, pertaining to the case of general Ω. An example of a 5 × 5‐dimensional process (Πt)2t=0 shows that, in this theorem, the robust no‐arbitrage condition cannot be replaced by the so‐called strict no‐arbitrage condition, thus answering negatively a question raised by Kabanov, Rásonyi, and Stricker.
Approximation of Optimal Reinsurance and Dividend Payout Policies
Authors: Bäuerle Nicole
Published: December 2003

We consider the stochastic process of the liquid assets of an insurance company assuming that the management can control this process in two ways: first, the risk exposure can be reduced by affecting reinsurance, but this decreases the premium income; and second, a dividend has to be paid out to the shareholders. The aim is to maximize the expected discounted dividend payout until the time of bankruptcy. The classical approach is to model the liquid assets or risk reserve process of the company as a piecewise deterministic Markov process. However, within this setting the control problem is very hard. Recently several papers have modeled this problem as a controlled diffusion, presuming that the policy obtained is in some sense good for the piecewise deterministic problem as well. We will clarify this statement in our paper. More precisely, we will first show that the value function of the controlled diffusion provides an asymptotic upper bound for the value functions of the piecewise deterministic problems under diffusion scaling. Finally it will be shown that the upper bound is achieved in the limit under the optimal feedback control of the diffusion problem. This property is calledasymptotic optimality.
Should Stochastic Volatility Matter to the Cost‐Constrained Investor?
Authors: Weiner Scott M.
Published: December 2003

Significant strides have been made in the development of continuous‐time portfolio optimization models since Merton (1969). Two independent advances have been the incorporation of transaction costs and time‐varying volatility into the investor's optimization problem. Transaction costs generally inhibit investors from trading too often. Time‐varying volatility, on the other hand, encourages trading activity, as it can result in an evolving optimal allocation of resources. We examine the two‐asset portfolio optimization problem when both elements are present. We show that a transaction cost framework can be extended to include a stochastic volatility process. We then specify a transaction cost model with stochastic volatility and show that when the risk premium is linear in variance, the optimal strategy for the investor is independent of the level of volatility in the risky asset. We call this the Variance Invariance Principle.
Molecular phylogeny of the Oriental butterfly genus Arhopala (Lycaenidae, Theclinae) inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear genes
Authors: Megens Hendrik‐Jan , Van Nes W. Johan , Van Moorsel Coline H. M. , Pierce Naomi E. , De Jong Rienk
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  We present a phylogeny for a selection of species of the butterfly genus Arhopala Boisduval, 1832 based on molecular characters. We sequenced 1778 bases of the mitochondrial genes Cytochrome Oxidase 1 and 2 including tRNALeu, and a 393‐bp fragment of the nuclear wingless gene for a total of 42 specimens of 33 species, representing all major species groups. Analyses of mtDNA and wingless genes show congruent phylogenetic signal. The phylogeny presented here confirms the monophyly of the centaurus, eumolphus, camdeo and epimuta groups and the amphimuta subgroup. It confirms close relationships between species within the agelastus group, that together with the amphimuta subgroup, centaurus and camdeo groups form a monophyletic group. However, incongruencies with previous taxonomic studies also occur; the amphimuta and silhetensis groups are not monophyletic, as is the genus Arhopala itself. One enigmatic species, A. kinabala, was evaluated further for topology and the support for basal placement of this species is due mainly to the wingless gene. However, in the Parsimony analysis, and subsequent Maximum Likelihood evaluations, certain nodes could not be resolved due to insufficient support. The mtDNA shows extreme AT bias with compositional heterogeneity at 3rd codon positions, which may result in saturation. By contrast, the wingless gene does not show compositional bias, suggesting that poor support is not due solely to saturation. The evaluation of morphological characters used in previous studies on Arhopala systematics on the molecular tree indicates that the macular pattern and the absence of tails at the hind wings show extensive homoplasy. A significant phylogenetic signal (as indicated by T‐PTP tests) is present in several of these morphological characters, which are nevertheless of limited use in phylogenetic studies due to their labile nature.
A highly modified stygobiont diving beetle of the genus Copelatus (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae): taxonomy and cladistic analysis based on mitochondrial DNA sequences
Authors: Balke Michael , Watts Chris H. S. , Cooper Steven J. B. , Humphreys William F. , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  We report the discovery of a new species of Copelatus that is morphologically highly modified for life in groundwater. Copelatus abditus sp.n. was collected from a 4 m deep bore in central Australia. It was placed in Copelatinae based on morphological evidence. This is the first known stygobiont diving beetle that does not belong to the subfamily Hydroporinae. Sequences from the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase 1, 16S rRNA, tRNAL and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 genes suggest that the species belongs to the subgenus Papuadytes, the morphological apomorphies of which are reduced in the new groundwater species. Copelatus (Papuadytes) abditus very much resembles other world stygobiont dytiscids, which all belong to the subfamily Hydroporinae. We suggest that this striking convergence is due to similar selective pressures imposed on all groundwater beetles. We suggest a scenario in which species from temporary habitats evade drought by entering the hyporheic zone, and may be driven to a subterranean existence by desertification of their ancestral habitats, as can be observed in Australia.
Taxonomic revision and phylogenetic analysis of the sharpshooter genusBalachaMelichar (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini)
Authors: Takiya Daniela M. , Mejdalani Gabriel
Published: December 2003

Abstract. Balachacurrently includes six valid described species andB. caparaosp. nov., here described from Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The new taxon differs from otherBalachaspecies in the ventrally inflated preapical aedeagal area and oblique bases of the ovipositor first valvulae. New records are as follows:B. decoratafrom Paraguay and Minas Gerais State (Brazil);B. distinctafrom Brazil;B. melanocephalafrom Montevideo Department (Uruguay) and Buenos Aires and Distrito Federal provinces (Argentina); andB. similisfrom Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais states (Brazil). Colombia is considered a dubious record for the genus. Phylogenetic relationships amongBalachaspecies are examined based on a matrix of eighteen terminal taxa and sixty‐seven morphological characters.Balachamay be defined by the following synapomorphies: crown–frons transition approximately acute, crown anteriorly produced and with anterior margin subangulate, flattened pronotum continuing contour of head and mesonotum in lateral view, and teeth of second valvulae of ovipositor with anterior dorsal projection. The genus comprises two major lineages: the redBalachaclade (B. lepida(B. distincta + B. rubripennis)), and the blackBalachaclade (B. caparao(B. decorata(B. melanocephala + B. similis))). Despite the scarcity of data on host plant usage of outgroup taxa (probably generalists on Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, and Asteraceae), we believe that the shift to feeding onEryngium(Apiaceae) occurred in the ancestor of all recentBalachaspecies. Their small size and depressed body appear to be adaptations to living inside the rosette‐disposed leaves, and they seem to be restriced to this microhabitat.Balachaand theirEryngiumhosts occur in grasslands in temperate South America, but at lower latitudes in Brazil they are isolated in alpine meadows on peaks of the southeast highlands. Dispersal between such areas through the lowland humid Atlantic forest in recent times would be difficult, thus the ancestor ofBalachawas probably distributed in southeast South America before the uplift of the mountain ranges, during the late Eocene or Oligocene. This event may have triggered speciation of some lineages of the genus by vicariance.
Biogeography of the subspecies of Parides (Byasa) alcinous (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) based on a phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial ND5 sequences
Authors: Kato Yoshiomi , Yagi Takashi
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  The phylogeny of the butterflies Parides (Byasa) alcinous caught at various localities in Japan and the Ryukyu Islands and in the eastern part of the Eurasian Continent was analysed using mitochondrial DNA sequences coding for NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (778 bp). The same phylogenetic relationship among P. (B.) alcinous subspecies was obtained with all analytical methods used, and was supported by high bootstrap values. The female butterfly wing pattern that characterizes each subspecies was unrelated to the phylogenetic relationship among the subspecies. The phylogenetic trees show that one group composed of ssp. alcinous and yakushimanus, which are distributed in the main area of the Japan Archipelago, the Korean Peninsula and southern Primorski of Russia, and the other group comprised of ssp. loochooanus, bradanus and miyakoensis, all of which are distributed in the Ryukyu Islands, diverged from a common ancestor. The ssp. loochooanus distributed in Amami and Okinawa Islands then diverged, and ssp. bradanus and miyakoensis distributed in Yaeyama and the Miyako Islands, respectively, finally diverged. This divergence order nearly agrees with the palaeogeography of the Ryukyu Islands that has been established in Pliocene and Pleistocene (0.2–2 MYA), suggesting that P. (B.) alcinous has been isolated in the Ryukyu Islands since the establishment of the islands.
Two significant new snakeflies from Baltic amber, with discussion on autapomorphies of the order and its included taxa (Raphidioptera)
Authors: Aspöck Ulrike , Aspöck Horst
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  Succinoraphidia exhibens gen.n., sp.n. (Raphidiidae: Succinoraphidiinae subfam.n.) and Succinofibla aperta gen.n., sp.n. (Inocelliidae) from Baltic Amber are described and figured. Both male holotypes are significant for giving access to their genital sclerites, allowing comparison with relevant structures of extant species. The erection of the new subfamily Succinoraphidiinae as the sister group of the Raphidiinae (comprising all other known members of the family), triggers reconsiderations concerning reliable autapomorphies of Raphidioptera, which are discussed. As a consequence, the Jurassic Hondelagia and Priscaenigma have to be dismissed from the order.
Seasonal variation of dermatologic disease in the USA: a study of office visits from 1990 to 1998
Authors: Hancox John G. , Sheridan Scott C. , Feldman Steven R. , Fleischer Alan B.
Published: December 2003

Background  Seasonal variation has been demonstrated in many diseases, including certain skin diseases.

Objective  To determine whether there is seasonal variation in dermatologic office visits in the USA.

Methods  Data on dermatologic office visits were obtained from representative visits to outpatient physicians in the USA from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 1990 to 1998. Office visit seasonality was examined for all skin conditions, and individually for the 15 most commonly diagnosed conditions.

Results  Office visits for skin conditions were seasonal (P = 0.002). The magnitude of variation can be roughly expressed by the following scheme: actinic keratosis (P = 0.0001) > acne (P = 0.0001) > folliculitis (P = 0.002) > dyschromia (P = 0.01) > seborrheic keratosis (P = 0.04) > psoriasis (P = 0.07) > seborrheic dermatitis (P = 0.09). Visits for skin cancer, not otherwise specified (skin cancer NOS), atopic dermatitis, cysts, common wart, wart, not otherwise specified (wart NOS), rosacea, contact dermatitis, and benign tumors showed no significant seasonal variations or trends.

Conclusions  Dermatologic office visits are seasonal, with visits for individual diseases varying in their magnitude of seasonality. This seasonal variation may be a result of biological and nonbiological variables.
Contribution of sexually transmitted diseases and socioeconomic factors to perinatal mortality in rural Ghana
Authors: Bouwhuis Saskia A. , Davis Mark D. P.
Published: December 2003

Background  The infant mortality rate is higher in sub‐Saharan Africa than in other developing regions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and socioeconomic and obstetric factors with perinatal mortality in rural Ghana.

Methods  Perinatal mortality data were collected from 154 patient records of the outpatient and inpatient gynecology department of a rural Ghanaian setting in 1997. All women attended the antenatal care unit of the hospital at least once before delivery, where they were screened for common STDs, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Patients’ socioeconomic characteristics and previous obstetric complications were recorded.

Results  The rate of perinatal mortality at the Holy Family Hospital in the Berekum district of Ghana was 13.7% in 1997 (154 of 1123 documented births). Characteristics of mothers whose infants died in the perinatal period and who had attended antenatal care at least once were as follows: prior obstetric complications, 108 patients (70.1%); average age, 25 years (range: 16–42 years); average number of previous sexual partners, three; prevalence of STDs, including gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or syphilis, 83 patients (53.8%); history of other chronic diseases, 13 patients (8.5%); and illiteracy, 66 patients (42.8%). The number of previous sexual partners and illiteracy were higher in the STD‐positive women.

Conclusions  Sexually transmitted diseases and previous obstetric complications seemed to contribute considerably to perinatal mortality in rural Ghana.
Pellagra: Dermatitis, dementia, and diarrhea
Authors: Hegyi Juraj , Schwartz Robert A. , Hegyi Vladimír
Published: December 2003

Pellagra defines systemic disease as resulting from a marked cellular deficiency of niacin. It is characterized by 4 “D’s”: diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and death. Diagnosis of pellagra is difficult in the absence of the skin lesions, and is often facilitated by the presence of characteristic ones. The dermatitis begins as an erythema. Acute pellagra resembles sunburn in its first stages, but tanning occurs more slowly than typically in sunburn. Exacerbation follows re‐exposure to sunlight. In this work we review the findings of this once mysterious disorder, one that still challenges clinicians world‐wide.
Prevalence of skin diseases in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunbiyi Adebola O. , Daramola Olaniyi O. M. , Alese Olatunji O.
Published: December 2003

Aim   To study the pattern of skin diseases in patients attending the skin clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, and to compare our findings with studies performed earlier in the same clinic.

Patients and methods  The study involved 1091 new patients who had attended the skin clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, between January 1994 and December 1998. The patients were examined by the authors, and laboratory investigations were ordered when necessary to make a diagnosis.

Results  An increased prevalence of eczema, idiopathic pruritus, urticaria, connective tissue diseases, and fixed drug eruptions was observed. Infections, such as scabies, candidiasis, and tinea versicolor, had also increased. Pyoderma, leprosy, onchocerciasis, and dermatophytoses showed a decline. Psoriasis was uncommon, although there was a slight increase in prevalence. Vitiligo and alopecia were stable. Cutaneous tuberculosis, such as lupus vulgaris, was rare.

Conclusions  Allergic conditions have increased; connective tissue disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and discoid lupus erythematosus, have also increased. Cutaneous disorders associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection, such as seborrheic dermatitis, have increased. Health workers need to be educated on the management and treatment of these conditions, and should be advised to refer patients to appropriate health facilities when necessary.
Acral lentiginous melanoma misdiagnosed as tinea pedis: a case report
Authors: Serarslan Gamze , Akçalý Cenk , Atik Esin
Published: December 2003

The incidence of acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) varies in different ethnic groups. Volar skin is a relatively infrequent site of malignant melanoma in Caucasian patients, although the foot is the most common site of involvement in Asian and African populations. Diagnosis of ALM is usually delayed and melanomas can be diagnosed at advanced clinical stages, so the prognosis is often poor. We present a Caucasian Turkish man with ALM on the interdigital site of his foot, however, as a result of maceration of the surrounding skin, it seemed to be tinea pedis.
Factors influencing service coordination in rural South Australia
Authors: Munn Peter
Published: December 2003

This paper discusses those factors identified in both the review of literature and from the results of nine focus groups held in rural communities that influence service coordination. The paper shows that the practice wisdom of service coordination is congruent with the findings from research on this topic. It discusses the facilitators, inhibitors and triggers to service coordination within these communities. Informal networking and the support given by management are recognised as important facilitators and the competitive tendering funding process and ‘professional elitism’ are seen to be major inhibitors to service coordination. Important triggers of service coordination were perceived to be the efforts of key individuals in providing leadership of the coordination process and the keenness of human service workers to reduce duplication.
Research and theory building functions of heuristic case practice
Authors: Poulter Jim
Published: December 2003

Existing concepts of reflexive and reflective practice are used in this paper to examine the interventive and modelling research functions embedded in case practice. The sequential steps involved in these embedded research functions are compared to those identified in qualitative research methodology and the two models developed by Norma Lang. This paper integrates the research steps involved in both reflexive and reflective practice into a single model of two loops, one truncated and one extended. The six sequential research steps involved in the truncated cycle of reflexive practice are defined as observing, describing, abstracting, generalising, assimilating and acting. The 10 sequential steps involved in the full reflective cycle are defined as observing, describing, abstracting, generalising, categorising, ordering, contextualising, modelling, accommodating and acting. The practical expression of these steps in the field within the processes of critical incident learning and critical mass learning is then discussed.