bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
It pays to violate: how effective are the Basel accord penalties in encouraging risk management?
Authors: da Veiga Bernardo , Chan Felix , McAleer Michael 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe internal models amendment to the Basel Accord allows banks to use internal models to forecast Value‐at‐risk (VaR) thresholds, which are used to calculate the required capital that banks must hold in reserve as a protection against negative changes in the value of their trading portfolios. As capital reserves lead to an opportunity cost to banks, it is likely that banks could be tempted to use models that underpredict risk and hence lead to low capital charges. To avoid this problem the Basel Accord introduced a backtesting procedure, whereby banks using models that led to excessive violations are penalised through higher capital charges. This paper investigates the performance of five popular volatility models that can be used to forecast VaR thresholds under a variety of distributional assumptions. The results suggest that, within the current constraints and the penalty structure of the Basel Accord, the lowest capital charges arise when using models that lead to excessive violations, thereby suggesting the current penalty structure is not severe enough to encourage adequate risk management. In addition, this paper suggests an alternative penalty structure that is more effective at aligning the interests of banks and regulators.
Individuals who are homozygous for the 2282del4 and R501X filaggrin null mutations do not always develop dermatitis and complete long‐term remission is possible
Authors: Thyssen J.P. , Carlsen B.C. , Bisgaard H. , Giwercman C. , Johansen J.D. , Linneberg A. , Meldgaard M. , Szecsi P.B. , Stender S. , Menné T. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground  About 8–10% of the general population in Europe carry a null mutation in the filaggrin gene which is associated with early onset of atopic dermatitis as well as persistence into adulthood. No studies have investigated whether individuals with the homozygous filaggrin null genotype always develop dermatitis.Objectives  The aim of this study was to describe the natural history of individuals with no filaggrin expression.Materials  Three study populations were included: (i) a random sample of 3335 subjects aged 18–69 years from the general population in Copenhagen who underwent general health examination; (ii) a total of 499 patients seen in our dermatitis clinic since 2009 and who were filaggrin genotyped as a part of the routine diagnostic work up; and (iii) a prospective, longitudinal, birth cohort study of 411 children born to mothers with a history of asthma. Filaggrin genotyping was performed for the 2282del4 and R501X mutations.Results  Filaggrin homozygous/compound heterozygous individuals accounted for 0.3% of adults, 3% of dermatitis patients and 0.7% of children. Respectively, one of nine adults and one of three children never experienced dermatitis until now. All hospital patients had atopic dermatitis with onset during (early) childhood. Year‐long complete remission was observed in half of patients.Conclusions  The natural history of individuals with the filaggrin null genotype is fairly good in the sense that they may not develop dermatitis at all, and if they do, they may experience complete remission.
Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase Val158Met genotype, parenting practices and adolescent alcohol use: testing the differential susceptibility hypothesis
Authors: Laucht Manfred , Blomeyer Dorothea , Buchmann Arlette F. , Treutlein Jens , Schmidt Martin H. , Esser Günter , Jennen‐Steinmetz Christine , Rietschel Marcella , Zimmermann Ulrich S. , Banaschewski Tobias 
Published: April 2011

Background:  Recently, first evidence has been reported for a gene–parenting interaction (G × E) with regard to adolescent alcohol use. The present investigation set out to extend this research using the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism as a genetic susceptibility factor. Moreover, the current study examined whether a potential G×E would be consistent with one of two models of gene–environment interplay (genetic vulnerability vs. differential susceptibility).Methods:  Data were collected as part of an ongoing epidemiological cohort study following the outcome of early risk factors from birth into adulthood. Two hundred and eighty‐five participants (130 males, 155 females) were genotyped for the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and were administered an alcohol interview, providing measures of current frequency and amount of drinking at ages 15 and 19 years. Information on three dimensions of perceived parenting behavior was obtained from the 15‐year‐olds.Results:  Adolescents homozygous for the Met allele showed higher drinking activity at age 19 years when their parents had engaged in less supervision or were less involved, while their drinking activity was reduced under conditions of favorable parenting. No such relationship was found in individuals carrying the Val allele.Conclusions:  The present findings correspond with the pattern of results predicted by the differential susceptibility hypothesis, suggesting that environmental variation would have a greater impact in individuals carrying a genetic susceptibility such that, in this group, exposure to negative environmental conditions would result in more adverse outcomes and the experience of favorable conditions would lead to more positive outcomes.
Plasma lipocalin‐2 levels in pregnancy
Authors: CESUR SEMRA , YUCEL AYKAN , NOYAN VOLKAN , SAGSOZ NEVIN 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective. To evaluate plasma levels of lipocalin‐2, which is a novel adipokine associated with obesity and insulin resistance, in pregnant women. Design. Prospective case–control study. Setting. University hospital. Population. Pregnant women with pre‐pregnancy body mass index >25kg/m2 (overweight; n=29) and body mass index <25kg/m2 (n=27), whose gestational ages were between 24 and 28weeks, as study groups and nonpregnant control women with body mass index <25kg/m2 (n=29). Methods. Plasma lipocalin‐2 levels, fasting plasma glucose and fasting plasma insulin levels; homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index and fasting plasma glucose/fasting plasma insulin ratio were measured for each subject. Main Outcome Measures. Comparisons among the groups and correlations for lipocalin‐2 and the parameters of insulin resistance. Results. Plasma lipocalin‐2 levels among the pregnant women were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.001 for both group comparisons). Lipocalin‐2 levels were significantly higher in the group with pre‐pregnancy body mass index >25kg/m2 compared with the group with pre‐pregnancy body mass index <25kg/m2 (p=0.003). Lipocalin‐2 levels were positively correlated with homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index and fasting plasma insulin and negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose/fasting plasma insulin ratio in both pregnant groups. Conclusions. Lipocalin‐2 was found to be higher in pregnant women, especially when pre‐pregnancy body mass index was >25kg/m2, and it was correlated with markers of insulin resistance.
Can placental histology establish the timing of meconium passage during labor?
Authors: INCERTI MADDALENA , LOCATELLI ANNA , CONSONNI SARA , BONO FRANCESCA , LEONE BIAGIO E. , GHIDINI ALESSANDRO 
Published: April 2011

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the relation between duration of placental exposure to recently passed meconium in vivo and histological evidence of meconium uptake by macrophages. Design. Retrospective cohort. Setting. University hospital. Population. A total of 44 term deliveries of singleton infants with moderate or thick meconium had placental examination and documented timing of meconium appearance after membrane rupture. Methods. Placentas were examined to assess the extent of meconium uptake by macrophages based on location in the amniochorionic membranes, chorionic plate and umbilical cord, and the intensity of uptake, based on the number of macrophages per field. An arbitrary score of severity of uptake was also created by multiplying the intensity of meconium uptake (number of meconium‐laden macrophages) by the extent in the three placental areas. Twenty cases of singleton term pregnancy with clear amniotic fluid throughout labor and at delivery were included as negative controls. Main Outcome Measures. Relation between interval of meconium exposure in vivo and uptake by macrophages. Results. The median interval from meconium appearance to delivery was 95minutes (range 10–510minutes). The median score of severity of meconium uptake was significantly higher than in the negative controls. There was no correlation between the interval of meconium appearance to delivery and score of severity of meconium uptake (p=0.76). Inflammatory lesions were present in 12 (27%) of 44 cases and vascular lesions in 11 (25%) of 44. Conclusions. Duration of placental exposure to meconium in vivo was not related to meconium uptake by macrophages where exposure was <8.5hours.
Dentists reflect on their problem‐based education and professional satisfaction
Authors: Bengmark D. , Nilner M. , Rohlin M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  To determine the way in which Malmö University dental graduates perceive their problem‐based dental education and evaluate their professional satisfaction.Method:  The first five cohorts (graduating in years 1995–1999) of the problem‐based curriculum were invited to participate. Of 166 graduates, 77% responded to a questionnaire comprising 20 questions on aspects of their dental education, professional situations and interest in postgraduate education. They were asked to rank their perception of their dental education and satisfaction with their professional situation on a visual analogue scale (VAS) with endpoints ranging from ‘Not at all’ (1) to ‘Very well’ (10). For other statements, the markings were made on a Likert scale from 1 (not important/not satisfied) to 5 (very important/very satisfied). There were also open‐ended questions.Results:  Most respondents perceived their education to prepare them well for a career in dentistry (median score VAS 8), and 90% rated above six on a VAS for their professional satisfaction as dentists. Importance and satisfaction were highly correlated with principles of the curriculum: holistic view, oral health, lifelong learning, integration between theory and clinic, and clinical competence. Forty‐five per cent of the graduates noted the problem‐based learning approach as the most valuable asset of their education, and 19% cited training in oral surgery as a deficit. Of the respondents, 77% expressed interest in specialist training and 55% in research education.Conclusion:  Problem‐based education was perceived to prepare graduates well for their profession, and their professional satisfaction was high.
Contraceptive Vaccines for Wildlife: A Review
Authors: Kirkpatrick Jay F. , Lyda Robin O. , Frank Kimberly M. 
Published: April 2011

Citation Kirkpatrick JF, Lyda RO, Frank KM. Contraceptive vaccines for wildlife: a review. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 40–50Wildlife, free‐ranging and captive, poses and causes serious population problems not unlike those encountered with human overpopulation. Traditional lethal control programs, however, are not always legal, wise, safe, or publicly acceptable; thus, alternative approaches are necessary. Immunocontraception of free‐ranging wildlife has reached the management level, with success across a large variety of species. Thus far, the immunocontraceptive research and management applications emphasis have been centered on porcine zona pellucida and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone vaccines. Contraceptive success has been achieved in more than 85 different wildlife species, at the level of both the individual animal and the population. At the population management level with free‐ranging species, the primary focus has been on wild horses, urban deer, bison, and African elephants. The challenges in the development and application of vaccine‐based wildlife contraceptives are diverse and include differences in efficacy across species, safety of vaccines during pregnancy, the development of novel delivery systems for wild and wary free‐ranging animals, and the constraints of certain non‐contraceptive effects, such as effects on behavior. Beyond the constraints imposed by the public and a host of regulatory concerns, there exists a real limitation for funding of well‐designed programs that apply this type of fertility control.
Effectiveness of skin cancer screening for individuals age 14 to 34 years
Authors: Schmitt Jochen , Seidler Andreas , Heinisch Georg , Sebastian Günther 
Published: April 2011

Summary Background: Approximately 15 % of all cases of melanoma are diagnosed before age 35 years. In Germany, individuals ≥ 35 years are eligible for the national skin cancer screening program. The effectiveness of a population‐based skin cancer screening in general and in particular for young adults is unclear. Objectives: Assessment of the effectiveness of a skin cancer screening program and of risk factors for detection of a melanoma/atypical nevus in the setting of a screening for the age group 14 to 34 years. Methods: A total of 12 187 individuals age 14 to 34 years were screened in Saxony for skin cancer by a dermatologist in the program “Haut‐Check 14–34 Jahre” of the AOK PLUS, a large German health insurance, between January and July 2009. Demographic, clinical and histopathological data and UV‐exposure data were collected from each participant. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors for the detection of a (histopathologically confirmed) melanoma or atypical nevus. Results: 2.8 % of the eligible individuals participated in the skin cancer screening program with women being more likely to do so. In 1 072 individuals (8.8 %) screening included at least one excision of a skin lesion leading to the diagnosis of melanoma in two participants, melanoma in situ in four persons, and atypical nevus in 641 persons. Use of tanning beds, higher age, number of nevi, and previous cutaneous excision were independent risk factors for the detection of a melanoma or atypical nevus. Conclusions: In 5.5 % of all cases skin cancer screening resulted in the excision of a malignant or atypical melanocytic lesion. It remains unclear what proportion of these cases would have been detected in routine care. The rate of excisions per newly diagnosed melanoma was 179 : 1. Further investigations are necessary to explore the reasons for this low diagnostic specificity. This study highlights the possibilities and limitations of routine data to evaluate screening programs and indicates the need to collect additional information on healthcare utilization behaviour.
Serving the Service Sector: Gendering Regional (Un)Employment in Geelong, Australia1
Authors: JOHNSON LOUISE 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper will briefly examine employment trends in regional Australia before focusing on one manufacturing, coastal region ‐ Geelong, Victoria –over the 1990s. It will consider the experience of a differentiated sample of women as they enter (and re‐enter) the one sphere of economic activity seen by many as the economic future of cities and regions ‐the service sector. Interviews detailed women's employment histories and experiences but despite the complexity of their multiple locations, this paper will argue that it is their disadvantaged positions as women workers that is fundamental in shaping that experience, regardless of how it is complicated by age, ethnicity or disability.
Adhesive capsulitis: Contrast‐enhanced shoulder MRI findings
Authors: Gokalp Gokhan , Algin Oktay , Yildirim Nalan , Yazici Zeynep 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPurpose: Evaluation of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE‐MRI) findings in cases clinically diagnosed as adhesive capsulitis (AC).Methods: CE‐MRI images of 12 cases diagnosed as AC (13 shoulder joints) and nine control cases were retrospectively evaluated. AC diagnosis was established based on the history and clinical symptoms. MR signal intensity changes in the axillary pouch, rotator interval, biceps anchor and anterior–posterior capsules were analysed with regard to the presence of abnormal soft tissue and contrast enhancement. Capsular and synovial thickening were measured in the axillary recess and rotator interval on coronal oblique CE T1‐weighted images. Patient and control groups were compared by Fisher's exact and McNemar tests in terms of signal intensity changes and contrast enhancement in the described areas.Results: Comparison of the group with AC and the control group regarding intensity changes showed a statistically significant difference in the axillary pouch (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the rotator interval, biceps anchor and anterior–posterior capsules (P > 0.05). Comparison of AC and control groups in terms of contrast enhancement revealed statistically significant differences in the axillary pouch, rotator interval, biceps anchor and anterior–posterior capsules (P < 0.001). A significant difference was determined between the AC and control groups with regard to thickening in axillary pouch and rotator interval (P < 0.001).Conclusion: CE studies are useful for diagnosis of AC as it demonstrates thickening of specific soft‐tissue areas like joint capsule and synovium.
Review of the dimensions of the median nerve and carpal tunnel using sonography in asymptomatic adults
Authors: Mani Betty , Sarawagi Radha , Cherian Rekha A 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective: The study aims to establish the normal range of all sonologic measurements of carpal tunnel (CT) structures in an asymptomatic population.Methods: Sonological evaluation of 150 wrists in 75 asymptomatic adults was performed. The cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at four levels, the flattening ratio (FR) at three levels, the antero‐posterior (AP) diameter of the CT and the distance of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) from the trapezium‐hamate (TmH) line were measured.Results: The mean (standard deviation (SD)) CSA of the median nerve at the distal forearm, CT inlet, mid and outlet were 6.8 (1.3), 7.4 (1.1), 7.5 (1.0), 7.1 (1.0) mm2, respectively. The mean (SD) FR at the CT inlet, mid and outlet were 2.66 (0.54), 2.55 (0.54), 3.69 (0.82), respectively. The mean (SD) AP diameter of the CT was 10.4 mm (1.1). Volar bowing of the retinaculum was seen in 7.3% of normal wrists.Conclusions: The normal range at two SDs of the CSA of the median nerve at the inlet was 5.2–9.6 mm2. The upper limit of volar bowing of the flexor retinaculum was 0.8 mm. The FR overlaps with values obtained in other studies of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The mean AP diameter of the CT was 10.4 mm (SD 1.1). To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study performed in an asymptomatic population assessing the different sonological parameters related to the CT.
Low volume contrast CTPA in patients with renal dysfunction
Authors: Singh Tushar , Lam Kay‐Vin , Murray Conor 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntroduction: The study aims to evaluate a method for and technical feasibility of performing CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) with just 30 mL of contrast.Methods: Twenty‐four patients with renal dysfunction suspected of having pulmonary embolus underwent CTPA using 30 mL of contrast. A modified acquisition protocol was employed where sequential monitoring of the central superior vena cava (SVC) was performed following injection of contrast. Scanning was triggered at the first visualised arrival of contrast within the SVC. Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements were performed at the main pulmonary artery to the subsegmental branches to determine the adequacy of each study.Results: The level of pulmonary arterial enhancement achieved was high, averaging 247 HU across all measured arteries. Average enhancement within more peripheral lobar, segmental and subsegmental arteries was also greater than 200. Only one study was considered non‐diagnostic.Conclusion: Low‐volume CTPA is technically feasible and provides excellent enhancement of the pulmonary arterial tree.
Comparison of 3MP medical‐grade to 1MP office‐grade LCD monitors in mammographic diagnostic and perceptual performance
Authors: Ong Aaron HJ , Pitman Alexander G , Tan Shu Yi , Gledhill Samuel , Hennessy Oliver , Lui Belinda , Lemish Wayne , Tauro Paul , Styles Colin , Pun Emma , Waugh John , Padmanabhan Meenakshi , Lee Allan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Picture archiving and communication systems images designed to be viewed on high‐resolution medical‐grade monitors are routinely viewed on office‐grade monitors on the wards or at home. This study aimed to determine whether a statistically significant difference in diagnostic (cancer detection) and perceptual (microcalcification detection) performance exists between 3MP grade and 1MP office‐grade monitors.Methods: 3MP Dome medical‐grade liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors (Planar, Beaverton, OR, USA) were compared to 1MP Dell office‐grade LCD monitors (Dell Inc, Round Rock, TX, USA). Eight radiologists (reader experience 8–30 years) read the same set of 100 mammograms (23/100 with proven cancers and 52/100 with microcalcifications) presented in random order on three occasions separated by two time intervals of 12 weeks. Reads 1 and 3 utilised 3MP monitors and formed the baseline read. Read 2 utilised 1MP monitors and constituted the experimental read. Reading conditions were standardised. Readers were aware of which monitors they were using. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (to account for reader variability and monitor impact) was performed to assess for statistical significance.Results: At α = 5%, confidence intervals analysis comparing the measured parameters between 1MP to 3MP monitors demonstrated no statistically significant difference in diagnostic and perceptual performance for the reader group. In cancer detection (the diagnostic task), reader accuracy remained high irrespective of monitor type. Regression analysis comparing performance with 1MP against 3MP monitors found P values of 0.693 and 0.324 for diagnostic and perceptual performance, respectively.Conclusion: There were no statistically and clinically significant differences between 3MP and 1MP monitors in mammographic diagnostic and perceptual performance. Comparable performance may be due to compensatory behaviour by readers.
CT grading scales for splenic injury: Why can't we agree?
Authors: Clark Rhys , Hird Kathryn , Misur Philip , Ramsay Duncan , Mendelson Richard 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Computed tomography (CT) has been proven to be able to accurately diagnose splenic injury. Many have published CT splenic injury grading scales to quantify the extent of injury. However, these scales have failed at predicting clinical outcomes and therefore cannot be used to accurately predict the need for intervention. We hypothesised that low interrater reliability is the reason why these scales have failed at predicting clinical outcomes.Methods and Materials: This is a retrospective study of patients who were admitted to the Royal Perth Hospital with blunt splenic injury as coded in the trauma registry. The abdominal CT images of these patients were reviewed by three consultant radiologists and were graded using the six different splenic injury grading scales. We assessed interrater reliability between each of the scales using generalised kappa and proportion of agreement calculations.Results: The images of 64 patients were reviewed. The interrater reliability yielded a generalised kappa score of 0.32–0.60 and proportion of agreement ranging from 34.4% to 65.5%.Conclusion: The six studied CT splenic injury grading scales did not have a high enough interrater reliability to be adequate for clinical use. The poor interrater reliability is likely to contribute to the failure of the scales at predicting clinical outcomes. Further research to improve the interrater reliability is recommended.