bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saving on a Rainy Day? Income Smoothing and Procyclicality of Loan‐Loss Provisions in Central European Banks
Authors: Skała Dorota 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper analyses income smoothing and cyclicality of loan‐loss provisions (LLP) in Central European banks. I provide strong empirical evidence that banks in the region use loan‐loss provisions to smooth their income streams, and that these provisions are procyclical with respect to national business cycles. In addition, I find that income smoothing may only partly be explained through the concept of ‘saving for a rainy day’. Banks do use periods of high earnings to smooth income, but they also elect to build further reserves during periods of heavy losses—that is, on the ‘rainy days’ themselves. This behaviour deepens existing losses and may obscure the bank's underlying profitability. Introducing regulatory measures in line with the Bank of Spain's dynamic provisioning system would make income smoothing in Central European banks more transparent and could limit the scope for discretionary provisioning during periods of low profitability.
Willingness to Pay and QALYs: What Can We Learn about Valuing Foodborne Risk?
Authors: Andersson Henrik , Hammitt James K. , Sundström Kristian 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper examines the value of reducing foodborne risk. Previous research on the valuation of health risk has been dominated by the study of mortality risk. However, in most cases foodborne illnesses are non‐fatal, so we focus on individuals' preferences for reducing morbidity risk, while also including a realistic, if remote, chance of death. We use a contingent valuation method on a Swedish sample and we estimate a value of a statistical illness consistent with previous findings in the literature. We also examine how willingness to pay (WTP) varies with the expected change in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and estimate the WTP per QALY. We find that WTP increases with, though less than proportionally to, a change in QALYs. However, our results also suggest that respondents may have found it difficult to evaluate compound risks of both morbidity and mortality simultaneously.
Global Market for Dairy Proteins
Authors: Lagrange Veronique , Whitsett Dacia , Burris Cameron 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis review examines the global market for dairy ingredients by assessing the global demand for dairy products in relation to major dairy ingredient categories. Each broad category of dairy ingredients is reviewed including its definition, production and trade status, key applications, and future trends. Ingredient categories examined include whole and skim milk powders (WMPs, SMPs), whey protein concentrates (WPCs) and whey protein isolates (WPIs), milk protein concentrates (MPCs) and milk protein isolates (MPIs), caseins, and caseinates. Increases in world population and improvements in socioeconomic conditions will continue to drive the demand for dairy products and ingredients in the future. Dairy proteins are increasingly recognized to have nutritional and functional advantages compared to many protein sources, and the variety of ingredients with different protein concentrations, functionality, and flavor can meet the needs of the increasingly global dairy consumption. A thorough understanding of the variety of ingredients, how the ingredients are derived from milk, and how the demand from particular markets affects the supply situation are critical elements in understanding the current ingredient marketplace.
Supplemental Protein in Support of Muscle Mass and Health: Advantage Whey
Authors: Devries Michaela C. , Phillips Stuart M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSkeletal muscle is an integral body tissue playing key roles in strength, performance, physical function, and metabolic regulation. It is essential for athletes to ensure that they have optimal amounts of muscle mass to ensure peak performance in their given sport. However, the role of maintaining muscle mass during weight loss and as we age is an emerging concept, having implications in chronic disease prevention, functional capacity, and quality of life. Higher‐protein diets have been shown to: (1) promote gains in muscle mass, especially when paired with resistance training; (2) spare muscle mass loss during caloric restriction; and (3) attenuate the natural loss of muscle mass that accompanies aging. Protein quality is important to the gain and maintenance of muscle mass. Protein quality is a function of protein digestibility, amino acid content, and the resulting amino acid availability to support metabolic function. Whey protein is one of the highest‐quality proteins given its amino acid content (high essential, branched‐chain, and leucine amino acid content) and rapid digestibility. Consumption of whey protein has a robust ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. In fact, whey protein has been found to stimulate muscle protein synthesis to a greater degree than other proteins such as casein and soy. This review examines the existing data supporting the role for protein consumption, with an emphasis on whey protein, in the regulation of muscle mass and body composition in response to resistance training, caloric restriction, and aging.
A survey of vitreous cell components performed using liquid‐based cytology
Authors: Narumi Mari , Nishitsuka Koichi , Yamakawa Mitsunori , Yamashita Hidetoshi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPurposeTo confirm the efficacy of liquid‐based cytology (LBC) method in the observation of vitreous cells in various vitreoretinal diseases in human.MethodsVitreous fluid samples from 30 eyes were obtained by 23‐gauge 3‐port pars plana vitrectomy. After making three ports, we collected vitreous specimen from the core vitreous cavity without infusion. We divided the samples into a quiescent group and an active group based on clinical signs of inflammation. To confirm availability of LBC preparation slides for immunostaining, we also performed immunocytochemistry (ICC) for CD68, RPE65 and DEC‐205 (CD205) using LBC slides of 10 cell‐rich cases including retinal detachment and endophthalmitis.ResultsUsing LBC method, small amounts of vitreous cells were observed efficiently. Vitreous cells were observed in inflammatory quiescent cases including macular pucker and macular hole. The number of vitreous cells increased significantly in the cases with clinically active inflammation (2297 versus 207 cells/ml, respectively, p < 0.01, Mann–Whitney U‐test). The ICC results showed the presence of CD68+ cells in all 10 cases. Large numbers of DEC‐205+ cells were observed in one case with infectious endophthalmitis. In the cases with retinal detachment, the predominant cell type was RPE65+. Neutrophils and lymphocytes were also observed.ConclusionsThe LBC method makes it possible to examine vitreous specimens easily and efficiently, facilitating the expedient diagnosis of vitreoretinal diseases, and the preparation slides are available for immunocytochemistry. This study also showed that vitreoretinal disease involves the migration of various types of cells including macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, RPE65+ pigmented cells and DEC‐205+ cells.
Task analysis of information technology‐mediated medication management in outpatient care
Authors: van Stiphout F. , Zwart‐van Rijkom J. E. F. , Maggio L. A. , Aarts J. E. C. M. , Bates D. W. , van Gelder T. , Jansen P. A. F. , Schraagen J. M. C. , Egberts A. C. G. , ter Braak E. W. M. T. 
Published: March 2015

AimsEducating physicians in the procedural as well as cognitive skills of information technology (IT)‐mediated medication management could be one of the missing links for the improvement of patient safety. We aimed to compose a framework of tasks that need to be addressed to optimize medication management in outpatient care.MethodsFormal task analysis: decomposition of a complex task into a set of subtasks. First, we obtained a general description of the medication management process from exploratory interviews. Secondly, we interviewed experts in‐depth to further define tasks and subtasks. Setting: Outpatient care in different fields of medicine in six teaching and academic medical centres in the Netherlands and the United States. Participants: 20 experts. Tasks were divided up into procedural, cognitive and macrocognitive tasks and categorized into the three components of dynamic decision making.ResultsThe medication management process consists of three components: (i) reviewing the medication situation; (ii) composing a treatment plan; and (iii) accomplishing and communicating a treatment and surveillance plan. Subtasks include multiple cognitive tasks such as composing a list of current medications and evaluating the reliability of sources, and procedural tasks such as documenting current medication. The identified macrocognitive tasks were: planning, integration of IT in workflow, managing uncertainties and responsibilities, and problem detection.ConclusionsAll identified procedural, cognitive and macrocognitive skills should be included when designing education for IT‐mediated medication management. The resulting framework supports the design of educational interventions to improve IT‐mediated medication management in outpatient care.
High level of fecal calprotectin at age 2 months as a marker of intestinal inflammation predicts atopic dermatitis and asthma by age 6
Authors: Orivuori L. , Mustonen K. , de Goffau M. C. , Hakala S. , Paasela M. , Roduit C. , Dalphin J.‐C. , Genuneit J. , Lauener R. , Riedler J. , Weber J. , von Mutius E. , Pekkanen J. , Harmsen H. J. M. , Vaarala O. ,   the PASTURE Study Group
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundGut microbiota and intestinal inflammation regulate the development of immune‐mediated diseases, such as allergies. Fecal calprotectin is a biomarker of intestinal inflammation.ObjectiveWe evaluated the association of early‐age fecal calprotectin levels to the later development of allergic diseases in children from farming and non‐farming environments and further studied the effect of gut microbiota on the fecal calprotectin levels.MethodsFecal calprotectin was measured from 758 infants participating in the PASTURE study at the age of 2 months using the ELISA method. Serum‐specific IgE levels were measured at 6 years of age. Data of environmental factors, doctor‐diagnosed atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma were collected by questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used for analysis. The composition of fecal microbiota was analysed in a subgroup of 120 infants with 16S rRNA pyrosequencing. The effect of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on in vitro monocyte IL‐10 secretion was studied by flow cytometry.ResultsThe infants with high fecal calprotectin levels at 2 months, that is above the 90th percentile, had an increased risk of developing AD and asthma/asthmatic bronchitis by the age of 6 years (aOR 2.02 (1.06–3.85) and 2.41 (1.25–4.64), respectively). High fecal calprotectin levels correlated negatively with fecal Escherichia. LPS from E. coli stimulated production of IL‐10 in monocytes.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceHigh degree intestinal inflammation at 2 months of age, detected as high fecal calprotectin, predicted asthma and AD by the age of 6 years and was linked to low abundance of fecal Escherichia. Impaired IL‐10 activation due to the lack of colonization with E. coli could explain the intestinal inflammation associated high fecal calprotectin and later risk of asthma and AD. Our results have implications for the design of probiotic treatments and suggest that early intestinal colonization has long‐term health effects.
Mechanistic understanding of human–wildlife conflict through a novel application of dynamic occupancy models
Authors: Goswami Varun R. , Medhi Kamal , Nichols James D. , Oli Madan K. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractCrop and livestock depredation by wildlife is a primary driver of human–wildlife conflict, a problem that threatens the coexistence of people and wildlife globally. Understanding mechanisms that underlie depredation patterns holds the key to mitigating conflicts across time and space. However, most studies do not consider imperfect detection and reporting of conflicts, which may lead to incorrect inference regarding its spatiotemporal drivers. We applied dynamic occupancy models to elephant crop depredation data from India between 2005 and 2011 to estimate crop depredation occurrence and model its underlying dynamics as a function of spatiotemporal covariates while accounting for imperfect detection of conflicts. The probability of detecting conflicts was consistently <1.0 and was negatively influenced by distance to roads and elevation gradient, averaging 0.08–0.56 across primary periods (distinct agricultural seasons within each year). The probability of crop depredation occurrence ranged from 0.29 (SE 0.09) to 0.96 (SE 0.04). The probability that sites raided by elephants in primary periodtwould not be raided in primary periodt+ 1 varied with elevation gradient in different seasons and was influenced negatively by mean rainfall and village density and positively by distance to forests. Negative effects of rainfall variation and distance to forests best explained variation in the probability that sites not raided by elephants in primary periodtwould be raided in primary periodt+ 1. With our novel application of occupancy models, we teased apart the spatiotemporal drivers of conflicts from factors that influence how they are observed, thereby allowing more reliable inference on mechanisms underlying observed conflict patterns. We found that factors associated with increased crop accessibility and availability (e.g., distance to forests and rainfall patterns) were key drivers of elephant crop depredation dynamics. Such an understanding is essential for rigorous prediction of future conflicts, a critical requirement for effective conflict management in the context of increasing human–wildlife interactions.
Dermatopathologists' concerns and challenges with clinical information in the skin biopsy requisition form: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Comfere Nneka I. , Peters Margot S. , Jenkins Sarah , Lackore Kandace , Yost Kathleen , Tilburt Jon 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundCommunication failures between clinicians and dermatopathologists are prevalent. Our primary objective was to characterize the concerns and challenges of dermatopathologists posed by incomplete or inaccurate clinical information in the skin biopsy requisition form.MethodsAn explanatory sequential, mixed‐methods study design comprised of a survey sent to 1103 members of the American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP), followed by two focus group sessions.ResultsA total of 54% (598/1103) of dermatopathologists completed the questionnaire. Most dermatopathologists (80%; 436/548) viewed their roles to be providers of histopathological diagnosis and a report that is clinically meaningful. Paper or electronic requisition forms were the most common communication method (85%; 458/541) and were associated with the highest rates of dissatisfaction in 36% (193/537) of respondents. Inadequacy of specimens emerged as an important factor influencing judgment of the quality of provided clinical information. 44.7% (261/584) of dermatopathologists spent 30 minutes or more on average every day searching for relevant clinical information to assist with their histopathologic interpretation.ConclusionASDP dermatopathologists expressed significant dissatisfaction with the quality of clinical information in the requisition form and the time spent gathering information necessary for accurate, timely and clinically meaningful diagnosis. These findings have implications for the quality, safety and efficiency of dermatologic care.
Early development and neurogenesis of Temnopleurus reevesii
Authors: Yaguchi Shunsuke , Yamazaki Atsuko , Wada Wakana , Tsuchiya Yasutaka , Sato Toshihiko , Shinagawa Hideo , Yamada Yutaro , Yaguchi Junko 
Published: March 2015

Sea urchins are model non‐chordate deuterostomes, and studying the nervous system of their embryos can aid in the understanding of the universal mechanisms of neurogenesis. However, despite the long history of sea urchin embryology research, the molecular mechanisms of their neurogenesis have not been well investigated, in part because neurons appear relatively late during embryogenesis. In this study, we used the species Temnopleurus reevesii as a new sea urchin model and investigated the detail of its development and neurogenesis during early embryogenesis. We found that the embryos of T. reevesii were tolerant of high temperatures and could be cultured successfully at 15–30°C during early embryogenesis. At 30°C, the embryos developed rapidly enough that the neurons appeared at just after 24 h. This is faster than the development of other model urchins, such as Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus or Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. In addition, the body of the embryo was highly transparent, allowing the details of the neural network to be easily captured by ordinary epifluorescent and confocal microscopy without any additional treatments. Because of its rapid development and high transparency during embryogenesis, T. reevesii may be a suitable sea urchin model for studying neurogenesis. Moreover, the males and females are easily distinguishable, and the style of early cleavages is intriguingly unusual, suggesting that this sea urchin might be a good candidate for addressing not only neurology but also cell and developmental biology.
Body composition, pre‐diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk in early schizophrenia
Authors: Strassnig Martin , Clarke Jennifer , Mann Steve , Remington Gary , Ganguli Rohan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimThis preliminary study examines the relationship between body composition, insulin resistance and NCEP‐III‐defined cardiovascular disease risk factors in persons early in the course of schizophrenia exposed to commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotic medications.MethodsSubjects underwent modified oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) and DEXA (dual X‐ray absorptiometry) scans corrected for relevant sociodemographic data, including activity levels. We used linear multiple regression models to evaluate relationships between body composition and metabolic variables.ResultsThirty‐six individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, receiving atypical antipsychotic monotherapy, and within 5 years of illness onset, participated. Average age was 25.1 ± 3.6 years (range, 19–34) and duration of illness was 2.5 years (30 ± 18 months). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.3 ± 4.9, with a mean total body fat mass of 28.6 ± 8.4%, suggesting an increase in fat relative to BMI. Ten participants (28%) had pre‐diabetes (fasting glucose 100–126 mg dL−1 or 2‐h OGTT 140–200 mg dL−1), but no participant had diabetes. Insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was predicted by total body mass (BMI) more so than by body fat mass, with an incremental contribution derived from antipsychotics. Insulin secretion in response to glucose challenge was predicted by BMI, body fat mass and antipsychotic medication.ConclusionsFat mass relative to BMI was increased in early schizophrenia patients receiving atypical antipsychotics. Body composition accounted for most of the variance in risk for abnormalities in glucose metabolism. Incremental contributions were derived from atypical antipsychotics, in line with their known adipogenicity. If direct fat mass measures are unavailable, frequent BMI measures may be practical proxy markers for metabolic risk.
Right atrial and right ventricular ultrasound‐guided biopsy technique in standing horses
Authors: Decloedt A. , de Clercq D. , Ven S. , van der Vekens N. , Chiers K. , van Loon G. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyEndomyocardial biopsies could be a valuable tool in equine cardiology for diagnosing myocardial disease, which is probably underdiagnosed in horses because of lack of specific diagnostic measures and limitations of currently available diagnostic methods.ObjectivesTo describe a technique for serial right atrial and right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy in standing horses using a percutaneous approach through the jugular vein.Study designProspective study.MethodsBiopsy was performed in 10 healthy standing horses sedated with detomidine, under continuous electrocardiography monitoring. A 10 cm (n = 6), 45 cm (n = 1) or 98 cm (n = 3) introducer sheath was inserted into the right jugular vein. Under echocardiographic guidance, a biopsy forceps was introduced through the sheath into the right ventricle and right atrium and endomyocardial biopsies were acquired.ResultsIn all horses, 3 right ventricular biopsies were obtained from the right ventricular apex and 3 right atrial biopsies were obtained from the dorsal right atrial wall near thetuberculum intervenosum. The presence of myocardial tissue was confirmed by histology. All horses showed atrial and ventricular premature depolarisations associated with acquisition of the biopsies. In 9 horses, the arrhythmia disappeared after retraction of the forceps and introducer sheath. In one horse, ventricular premature depolarisations disappeared only after 8 h. No other complications were observed.ConclusionsEndomyocardial biopsy of the right atrium and right ventricle could be performed in standing horses using a percutaneous approach through the jugular vein and was not associated with complications other than temporary arrhythmias. This technique may be useful for research purposes or as a diagnostic tool, although further research is needed to establish the safety of the technique in clinical patients with myocardial disease.
Heritability of racing durability traits in the Australian and Hong Kong Thoroughbred racing populations
Authors: Velie B. D. , Hamilton N. A. , Wade C. M. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyMany attempts have been made to improve the well‐being of racing Thoroughbreds through improvements in management and veterinary care. However, these attempts are often limited by the industry's ability to regulate a large number of environmental variables and as a result have arguably had limited success in providing long‐lasting change for the breed.ObjectivesTo identify heritable durability traits for Thoroughbred horses racing in Australia and Hong Kong.Study designHeritability analysis of a longitudinal dataset.MethodsPerformance data on the Thoroughbred populations racing in Australia and Hong Kong between 2000 and 2011 (n = 168,993) were used to estimate the heritabilities and probability values of fixed effects and covariates for a range of racing durability traits. Heritabilities for all durability traits were estimated using a single trait animal model. Each model included, as a minimum, the effects of sex and trainer.ResultsRacing longevity (0.12 ± 0.01), racing persistence (0.10 ± 0.01), racing frequency (0.03 ± 0.01), spells (a time period between consecutive races, official trials and/or jump‐outs greater than 90 days in length) per year (0.05 ± 0.01), spells per 10 starts (0.03 ± 0.01) and variation of days between races (0.08 ± 0.03) were all significantly heritable for horses racing in Australia. Racing longevity (0.08 ± 0.02), racing persistence (0.04 ± 0.02), spells per year (0.06 ± 0.02) and spells per 10 starts (0.11 ± 0.04) were significantly heritable for horses racing in Hong Kong.ConclusionsThe heritabilities estimated for durability traits in this study provide support for the successful and practical application of genetic selection methodologies to improving the well‐being of racing Thoroughbreds.