bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor‐alpha A Promoter Gene Polymorphism at Position −308 G→A and Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Sýkora Josef , Šubrt Ivan , Dìdek Petr , Siala Konrad , Schwarz Jan , Machalová Veronika , Varvařovská Jana , Pazdiora Petr , Pozler Oldrich , Stožický František 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Our pilot study aimed to determine the effect of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) 308 G→A promoter single‐nucleotide polymorphism in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), its influence on inflammatory activity and the clinical manifestations.Methods:We obtained genomic DNA from 164 subjects, 82 with long‐standing IBD aged 8 to 18 years: 46 with Crohn disease (CD) and 36 with ulcerative colitis (UC). Eighty‐two healthy children served as the control population. Genotyping was determined by using a restriction enzyme‐based assay. TNF‐α 308 G→A polymorphism was assessed in terms of inflammatory (C‐reactive protein [CRP]) and disease activity. The latter was assessed by the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) and the Truelove index for CD and UC, respectively.Results:Significant differences in TNF‐α 308 A polymorphism were found between the IBD group and controls (P < 0.05) and the UC group and controls (P < 0.001). No differences were noted between TNF‐α 308 A polymorphism and clinical characteristics in UC. The frequency of the −308 A allele of TNF was not different in CD compared with that in the control group. The frequency of TNF‐α 308 A genotype was significantly higher in CD patients with predominantly stenosing/penetrating disease compared with patients without complications (P < 0.001) and healthy controls (P < 0.01). In CD patients, those carrying TNF −308 A had a significant increase in CRP (P < 0.05) and the PCDAI (P < 0.05). In CD, CRP levels strongly correlated with the PCDAI (r = 0.6150, P < 0.001). In UC, significant differences among the mean levels of CRP (P < 0.05) and disease activity (P < 0.001) related to TNF‐α 308 A polymorphism were found. Allele distribution (odds ratio, 12.9; CI, 1.18‐140.81, P < 0.001) and CRP serum levels (odds ratio, 1.020; CI, 1.00‐1.04, P < 0.001) were independently associated with CD complications.Conclusions:Although not necessarily dictating IBD initiation, the TNF‐α 308 A polymorphism may play a role in modifying the CD phenotype. The polymorphism may influence disease activity as well as more intense inflammatory activity in both forms of IBD and may modify the progression of chronic digestive tract inflammation.
Is Country Diversification better than Industry Diversification?
Authors: Hargis Kent , Mei Jianping 
Published: May 2006

Abstract In this paper, we develop a framework in which one can examine the source of industry and country diversification by examining their underlying return components. We find that the global cash flow factor explains on average 39% of the variation of country cash flows and global discount rates explain 55% of the variation of country discount rates. These are much less than the explanatory power of the two factors over industry cash flow and discount rate variations, which are 72% and 78% respectively. This suggests that global factors are much less important for return components at country level than at the industry level. As a result, both better diversification of expected returns and cash flows across countries determine the larger benefits of country diversification versus industry diversification. Moreover, emerging markets tend to have much smaller co‐movements of both dividends and expected returns with those of the world, suggesting a lower degree of integration with the world goods and financial markets. Our results cast doubt on the prevailing wisdom that country diversification should be replaced by industry diversification.
The Importance of Industry and Country Effects in the EMU Equity Markets
Authors: Ferreira Miguel Almeida , Ferreira Miguel Ângelo 
Published: May 2006

Abstract Most empirical studies find that country effects are larger than industry effects in stock returns, although industry effects have gained in importance recently. Our results support the dominance of country effects relative to industry and common effects in the EMU equity markets in the 1975–2001 period. However, there is an increasing importance of industry effect relative to country effect in the 1990s. In fact, industry effects is similar in magnitude to country effect in the post‐euro period. The evolution of the ratio of country to industry effect is explained by the decrease in the cross‐sectional variance of interest rate movements across EMU countries. Thus, there is evidence that nominal convergence has reduced the differences between national equity markets.
Herding in the German Mutual Fund Industry
Authors: Walter Andreas , Moritz Weber Friedrich 
Published: May 2006

Abstract This paper analyses the trading activity of German mutual funds in the 1998–2002 period to investigate whether German mutual fund managers are engaged in herding behaviour. Another objective of the study is to determine the impact of this herd‐like trading on stock prices. Our results provide evidence of herding and positive feedback trading by German mutual fund managers. We show that a significant portion of herding detected in the German market is associated with spurious herding as a consequence of changes in benchmark index composition. Investigating the impact of mutual fund herding on stock prices, we find that herding seems to neither destabilise nor stabilise stock prices.
Why and How UK Firms Hedge
Authors: Judge Amrit 
Published: May 2006

Abstract This paper attempts to differentiate among the theories of hedging by using disclosures in the annual reports of 400 UK companies and data collected via a survey. I find, unlike many previous US studies, strong evidence linking the decision to hedge and the expected costs of financial distress. The tests show that this is mainly because my definition of hedging includes all hedgers and not just derivative users. However, when the tests employ the same hedging definition as previous US studies, financial distress cost factors still appear to be more important for this sample than samples of US firms. Therefore, a secondary explanation for the strong financial distress results might be due to differences in the bankruptcy codes in the two countries, which result in higher expected costs of financial distress for UK firms. The paper also examines the determinants of the choice of hedging method distinguishing between non‐derivative and derivatives hedging. My evidence shows that larger firms, firms with more cash, firms with a greater probability of financial distress, firms with exports or imports and firms with more short‐term debt are more likely to hedge with derivatives. Thus, differences in opportunities, in incentives for reducing risk and in the types of financial price exposure play an important role in how firms hedge their risks.
Competition and Concentration in the New European Banking Landscape
Authors: Staikouras Christos K. , Koutsomanoli‐Fillipaki Anastasia 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis paper measures the degree of concentration and competition in the enlarged European Union (EU) banking environment over the period 1998–2002. In the empirical part we opt for a methodology as proposed by Panzar and Rosse based on a non‐structural estimation of market competition. Our results suggest that European banks were operating under conditions of monopolistic competition and that bank interest revenues in the 10 new EU member states was earned under conditions of higher competition than those that existed in the old EU banking countries. The opposite result was observed for total operating revenues. Smaller banks earn interest income in a less competitive environment than larger banks, while the opposite is observed for total revenues.
The fibrinogen Aα R16C mutation results in fibrinolytic resistance
Authors: Flood Veronica H. , Al‐Mondhiry Hamid A. , Farrell David H. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe fibrinogen Aα R16C mutation is a common cause of dysfibrinogenaemia and has been previously associated with both bleeding and thrombosis. However, the mechanism underlying the thrombotic phenotype has not yet been elucidated. This report characterises the defect in fibrinolysis seen as a result of the Aα R16C mutation. A young patient with dysfibrinogenaemia (fibrinogen Hershey III) was found to be heterozygous for the Aα R16C mutation. Functional assays were performed on the purified fibrinogen to characterise clot formation and lysis with plasmin and trypsin. Consistent with previous results, clot formation was diminished. Unexpectedly, fibrinolysis was also delayed. Plasminogen activation was normal, ruling out decreased plasmin generation as the mechanism behind the fibrinolytic resistance. Western blot analysis showed no difference in the amount of bound α2‐antiplasmin or albumin. When clot lysis was assayed with trypsin substituted for plasminogen, a significant delay was also observed, indicating that defective binding to plasminogen could not explain the fibrinolytic resistance. These results suggest that the defective fibrinolysis is due to increased proteolytic resistance, most likely reflecting changes in clot structure.
Attitudes of nurses in a general hospital towards people with learning disabilities: influences of contact, and graduate‐non‐graduate status, a comparative study
Authors: Slevin Eamonn , Sines David 
Published: May 2006

A review of the literature suggests people with learning disabilities are viewed negatively by others in society Such negative views have also been found among many health care professionals, including nurses This study measured the attitudes of a randomly selected sample of nurses in a general hospital (n=31) towards people with learning disabilities The study involved a triangulation approach utilizing a Likert scale attitude measurement questionnaire Two comparisons between subjects in the study were undertaken—a comparison of the attitudes of graduate nurses and those who were non‐graduates, a comparison between nurses who had most contact, and those who had least contact with people who have learning disabilities From the sample of 31 nurses, 10 subjects were selected for more in‐depth interviews which were tape recorded, transcribed and, using the process of ‘content analysis’, quantifiedFindings suggest the attitudes held by the total sample towards people with learning disabilities were more negative than would be expected from those in a caring profession The graduate nurses were found to be more positive in their perceived attitudes towards people with learning disabilities than non‐graduate nurses Nurses in the sample who had high contact were found to have more positive attitudes than nurses who had lower amounts of contact with people who had learning disabilities
Rural pharmacy not delivering on its health promotion potential
Authors: Sunderland Bruce , Burrows Suzanne , Joyce Andrew , McManus Alexandra , Maycock Bruce 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective:  To investigate the level and perceived quality of health promotion advice received from rural pharmacists. Design:  Self‐administered written survey on access to and quality of pharmacy services in rural Western Australia completed by rural residents. Setting:  Rural pharmacy. Participants:  Four hundred and eighty‐three respondents who regularly used a pharmacy. Outcome measures:  Items in the survey included frequency of receiving prevention advice and satisfaction ratings on health and pharmacy services. Results:  Eighty‐eight per cent of respondents had never discussed exercise or diet with their pharmacist and 65% had never discussed preventing health problems. Receiving good prevention advice predicted satisfaction with health services in general but not satisfaction with pharmacy services. Conclusion:  Pharmacies are being underutilised with respect to their capacity to deliver heath prevention advice and ways to capitalise on this potential need to be investigated.
Patterns of drug use and associated harms among rural injecting drug users: Comparisons with metropolitan injecting drug users
Authors: Day Carolyn , Conroy Elizabeth , Lowe Julia , Page Jude , Dolan Kate 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective:  Given the harms associated with injecting drug use to both individuals and community and the paucity of such data from rural areas, the study aimed to compare: patterns of drug use, harms, and service access and utilisation among rural and metropolitan injecting drug users (IDU). Design:  Cross‐sectional survey, using interviewer‐administered structured questionnaire. Participants:  One hundred and sixty‐four rural and 96 metropolitan IDU from seven different New South Wales Area Health Services, recruited through needle and syringe programs (NSPs), snowballing techniques and advertisement. Results:  Age, gender, education and employment were similar for rural and metropolitan participants. Both samples reported use of a range of drugs, but rural participants were less likely than metropolitan participants to report daily heroin use (2% vs 10%), but more likely to report having injected morphine (50% vs 21%) in the last six months. Similar proportions reported using a needle/syringe after another person. Rural participants were less likely to report use of NSPs (36% vs 80%) and reported a number of barriers to NSP access and also to drug treatment services. Rural participants reported a significantly longer period of time between blood‐borne virus testing. Conclusion:  Samples of rural IDU are similar to metropolitan, although report some differences in patterns of drug use. Service provision, including access to new injecting equipment, blood‐borne virus testing and drug treatment was found to cause considerable problems for rural IDU. These issues warrant further consideration.
Far West Area Health Service Mental Health Integration Project: Model for rural Australia?
Authors: Perkins David A. , Roberts Russell , Sanders Tuana , Rosen Alan 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective:  To see if a new model of service delivery ensures that individuals with a mental illness in rural and remote settings could be assessed, treated and cared for in a more appropriate way. Design:  Community mental health teams (CMHTs), general practitioners (GP) and other agencies were provided with clinical and broader support services by consultant psychiatrists from public and private sectors. The occasions of service were logged, audited and relevant provider groups were interviewed. Ethics approval was provided by Human Research Ethics Community of University of New South Wales. Setting:  Far West Area Health Service (FWAHS), remote New South Wales. Participants:  An enhanced service was provided for residents, specialist mental health and other healthcare providers. Results:

Regular access to psychiatrists for primary and secondary care was achieved in remote communities in FWAHS.
3908 new patients were seen by CMHTs between July 2002 and December 2003 and 380 by visiting psychiatrists between January 2002 and July 2003.
Secondary consultation, mentoring and education opportunities were made available by tele‐conference and face‐to‐face for CMHTs and others in FWAHS.
GPs and CMHTs in remote settings were satisfied with improved access to psychiatrist care.

Conclusions:  This model appears to be sustainable with reasonable levels of funding in FWAHS and may be applicable to other remote contexts.
Maternity emergency care: Short course in maternity emergencies for remote area health staff with no midwifery qualifications
Authors: Kildea Sue , Kruske Sue , Bowell Libby 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective:  To improve the maternity emergency skills and knowledge of health service providers, without midwifery qualifications, in remote Australia. Design:  A descriptive paper utilising data from a needs assessment and course evaluations used to develop and refine a short course in maternity emergencies. Subjects:  Remote area health providers. Interventions:  A multidisciplinary short course, targeting non‐midwives in remote areas, aimed at improving knowledge and skills in detection, management and referral of maternity emergencies. Results:  Ten courses have been delivered to 175 participants. Evaluations demonstrate a highly valued program, well received and supported by remote health staff. Conclusions:  The course is an important strategy to improve the maternity services offered to women in remote Australia.
Diversity in occupational therapy: Experiences of consumers who identify themselves as minority group members
Authors: Kirsh Bonnie , Trentham Barry , Cole Sametta 
Published: May 2006

Background/Aim:  The occupational therapy profession is in need of self‐examination in view of the extent to which culturally constructed meanings of occupation guide its work within an increasingly diverse practice environment. Methods:  Semistructured interviews were completed with 14 individuals who defined themselves as minority group members in order to gain an understanding of their experience of the occupational therapy process. Results:  Five themes emerged: the importance of social location, the need for safety and acceptance, avoiding omissions, understanding differences in occupation, and the face of discrimination. Conclusions:  Cultural and sexual identities influence occupational choices and interface with the social location of the therapist to influence the therapeutic process. Despite holistic and client‐centred values, the comprehensive nature of occupational therapy is not experienced by clients of minority groups. Practice models are needed that provide directives for the establishment of alliances with minority clients and that highlight the significance of exploring occupational choices, experiences of oppression and the impact of the therapists’ culture on the therapeutic process.
Home programmes in paediatric occupational therapy for children with cerebral palsy: Where to start?
Authors: Novak Iona , Cusick Anne 
Published: May 2006

Aim:  Home programmes are used extensively for children with cerebral palsy. Even though there is consensus about the importance of home programme intervention, there is little evidence of efficacy and scant information regarding programme characteristics that might affect family participation. Instead, research to date has focussed on parental compliance with prescribed programmes and parent–child interactions.Methods:  Based on reviewed literature, this article proposes a model to guide development of home programmes for children with cerebral palsy. It is a starting point for therapists to consider the way in which they focus and structure their home programmes for children who have cerebral palsy.Results and Conclusions:  The paper identifies an urgent need to develop clinical guidelines for home programmes through rigorous formal processes and to evaluate the impact of occupational therapy home programmes.
You Talk Like a Monkey: Reflections on a Teacher's Personal Study of Growing Up with a Cleft Palate
Authors: GIBBONS CATHY 
Published: May 2006

As teacher confidence in helping children with speech impairments is reported as being low, mainstream teachers may welcome the introduction of specialist speech therapist support in schools through the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services (NSF). This reflexive account is offered to develop awareness and understanding of the psycho‐social effects of cleft palate and to encourage mainstream teachers and careers of young people who have speech difficulties and disorders to develop individual and classroom‐based strategies that facilitate the young person's personal, social and emotional development alongside the parallel, more technical work of specialist speech therapists.This article reviews the literature related to the nature and treatment of cleft palates, parental coping, adolescent social development and adult coping. This is interwoven with personal stories from the life course of the author, a former teacher who herself has cleft palate speech. Current clinical focus is critiqued for being overly focused on the functional effects of speech disorder in childhood and this leaves a significant gap in the adolescent's social development and ill prepares them for the possibility of speech impairments persisting into adulthood.Some supportive factors are identified to facilitate and encourage cooperation between teachers and other professionals involved in the care and treatment of young people with cleft palates.
The Europeanization of Czech Politics: The Political Parties and the EU Referendum
Authors: BAUN MICHAEL , DÜRR JAKUB , MAREK DAN , ŠARADÍN PAVEL 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis article explores the Europeanization of Czech politics in the pre‐accession period, with a principal focus on the political parties and party system. It argues that Czech political parties and party politics became increasingly Europeanized with the increased integration of the Czech Republic into the EU. In turn, the parties have played a key role in the Europeanization of Czech politics. This role is evident in the outcome of the June 2003 referendum on EU membership, which reflected strong cross‐party support for EU accession (excepting the Communists). However, factors other than party support also influenced voters' choices, including regional factors and socio‐economic factors such as employment status and level of income and education.
The Watchdogs of Subsidiarity: National Parliaments and the Logic of Arguing in the EU*
Authors: COOPER IAN 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe 2004 Constitutional Treaty features an ‘early warning system’ (EWS) in which national parliaments will scrutinize European legislative proposals to assess whether they comply with the principle of subsidiarity. In constructivist terms, this procedure effectively sets up the Commission and the national parliaments as interlocutors in an argument over when and how the EU should legislate. At a minimum, this system – which should be expanded to include proportionality – will alleviate the ‘democratic deficit’ by enhancing the parliamentary scrutiny of EU legislation. If it works well, it will improve the subsidiarity compliance of EU legislation and produce a clearer substantive definition of the principle.
Europeanization as an Interactive Process: German Public Banks Meet EU State Aid Policy*
Authors: GROSSMAN EMILIANO 
Published: May 2006

AbstractMuch of the Europeanization literature assumes that while European integration may upset certain features of national policy‐making structures, it will not be able to modify systemic characteristics. This article shows that central features of national policy‐making structures may be overthrown by European integration. However, this usually requires a proactive attitude by subnational actors with an interest in further integration. The argument is illustrated by the case of German public banks and the conflict with regard to EU state aid rules. In this case, competing private banks finally chose to circumvent existing national policy‐making structures in order to obtain the abolition of state guarantees, which it was considered put private banks at a competitive disadvantage.
Globalization and the Reform of European Social Models*
Authors: SAPIR ANDRÉ 
Published: May 2006

AbstractGlobalization implies changes that create both threats and opportunities. The challenge for Europe is to become flexible in order to avail of the opportunities this brings and surmount the threats. This requires reforming labour market and social policies. When thinking about such reforms the notion of a single ‘European social model’ is largely irrelevant. There are four different European social models, each with its own performance in terms of efficiency and equity. The Nordic and the Anglo‐Saxon models are both efficient, but only the former manages to combine equity and efficiency. The Continental and Mediterranean models are inefficient and unsustainable; they must therefore be reformed.