bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Martingale Restrictions and the Implied Market Price of Risk
Authors: Turvey Calum G. , Komar Sridar 
Published: February 2007

The market price of risk is conceptually one of the most critical artifacts of modern finance, since it provides the linkage between equilibrium and arbitrage models of derivatives pricing. In this paper, the market price of risk is derived for options on live cattle futures contracts. It provides a technique to extract the implied market price of risk (iMPR), which is conceptually similar to that used in extracting implied volatilities. It is shown that the iMPR is not linear across strike prices as theory suggests it should. Le prix de marché du risque est conceptuellement l'un des artéfacts les plus importants de la finance moderne puisqu'il établit le lien entre les modèles d'équilibre et les modèles d'évaluation par arbitrage de l'établissement des prix des dérivés. Dans le présent article, le prix de marché du risque est dérivé pour les options sur contrats à terme de bovins vivants. Il offre une technique pour extraire le prix de marché implicite du risque qui est conceptuellement similaire à celle utilisée pour extraire les volatilités implicites. Il est montré que le prix de marché implicite du risque n'est pas linéaire pour tous les prix de levée comme la théorie semble l'indiquer.
Infectious RNA Isolated from the Spinal Cords of Mice Chronically Infected with Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Authors: Libbey Jane E. , Tsunoda Ikuo , Whitton J. Lindsay , Fujinami Robert S. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThe DA strain of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) persistently infects cells of the spinal cord during the chronic phase of infection. Although in situ hybridization and reverse transcription-PCR have demonstrated the presence of viral RNA in the spinal cord, it has not been determined whether this RNA is infectious and, if so, how many PFU equivalents of virus the RNA can yield. In this study, we demonstrated that TMEV RNA isolated from the spinal cords of chronically infected mice is infectious and that there is at least 30-fold more infectious RNA than infectious virus in the spinal cords of these mice.
A Fundamental Relation of Molecular Informatics on the Information-Carrying Properties of Density Functions
Authors: Mezey Paul G. 
Published: February 2007

The molecular electron density carries the complete information about the molecule. This information is stored in the shape and more general topological features of molecular electron densities. A fundamental relation of molecular informatics, building on the Hohenberg-Kohn theorem, is the holographic electron density theorem: any nonzero volume part of a molecular electron density in a non-degenerate electronic ground state contains the complete information about all properties of the entire molecule. This fundamental feature of all molecules applies to all exhibited and also to all latent molecular properties, where latent properties are those not normally exhibited, only in response to some external stimulus. Recently it has become feasible to compute ab initio quality electron densities and approximate forces acting on individual nuclei in large molecules, even those beyond the thousand atom range, such as proteins. The newly expanded size range where reliable modelling methods can be also applied extends the role of detailed molecular shape analysis to macromolecules. In this context, it has become possible to study how the fundamental information-carrying properties of electron density take a newly recognized role influencing the predominance of specific nuclear conformations within the family of astronomically many potentially stable conformations of some macromolecules. Some special problems and results are discussed.
Moving up the value chain
Authors: Foster Allan 
Published: February 2007

Survey of the use of business information in UK libraries and information services, based on in-depth interviews with leading business information managers. Key findings are: Expansion of business in India and the Far East is having implications for information infrastructure domestically and in this region. Business information services staffing is very stable, excepting the offshoring dimension. Staff development is increasingly being conducted internally. 20 per cent of those sampled offshore some aspects of their information and research services; another 25 per cent are investigating this option. Knowledge sharing is increasingly recognized as necessary in companies, and most information services are playing their part. There is a distinct trend for information services to move up the value chain through more evaluation and analysis functions. The majority (70%) of business information services are involved in supporting compliance work. Factiva tops the expenditure league. European private company information is still underprovided. Business information services are committed to training users. Social technology tools are not being used much but have great potential. Improving customer services is still the highest strategic priority.
The Low-Stiffness Teleoperator Slave — a Trade-off between Stability and Performance
Authors: Christiansson Göran A. V. , van der Helm Frans C. T. 
Published: February 2007

Stability is essential for teleoperation and a prerequisite for performance. This paper analyzes the the stability/performance trade-off of a teleoperator where the slave device has a built-in passive intrinsic stiffness. Stability is quantified as time delay robustness and performance is expressed using teleoperator damping and teleoperator stiffness, the boundaries of the Colgate Z-width Two classic control schemes, position error and Lawrence 4-channel, are used along with a novel 5-channel scheme where the slave stiffness deflection is measured, and compensated for, to improve the performance. The teleoperator system was analyzed theoretically using a linear model and the findings were experimentally validated on a one degree of freedom teleoperation setup. It was found that: • A lower slave stiffness improves stability for all three teleoperator architectures. • The stability boundary of the three controllers is similar. • The performance of the controllers increases from: (poor) position error, 4-Channel to (excellent) 5-channel. • A classical linear analysis method can accurately predict the stability characteristics of the teleoperator system. Therefore it can be concluded that a compliant slave device offers a stability advantage for a range of teleoperation situations and that the loss of performance can be partly compensated.
The relationship between healthcare professionals and the parents of chronically ill children: negotiating the boundaries between dependence and expertise
Authors: Hummelinck Alda , Pollock Kristian 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective Mutual respect and understanding between parents and healthcare professionals are fundamental to the realisation of a partnership in the provision of care to chronically ill children. The aim of this study was an exploration of parents' perspectives on their relationship with healthcare professionals and their involvement in decisions about their child's care.Setting The paediatric department of a district general hospital in the West Midlands, England.Method Qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews with 27 parents from 20 families with a chronically ill child.Key findings In the time following the child's diagnosis, parents' attitudes towards healthcare professionals often moved from reliance and trust to scepticism and suspicion. This change in attitude derived from their experience of inadequate communication and perception of professionals' failure to understand the reality of the intense and relentless demands and challenges that confront families providing care for a chronically ill child. Parents tended to be initially accepting and deferential to professional expertise. Over time, however, as their experience and confidence increased, they often desired a greater involvement in decisions about treatment and care. This transition, between initial, or episodic, dependency and active partnership, was often not recognised or accommodated by professionals. It was difficult for both parties to negotiate the transition from parents' dependency on health professionals to becoming more independent managers of care.Conclusions Professionals should be aware of parents' preferred and changing level of involvement in care and decision making, and endeavour to accommodate these throughout the process of providing care for chronically ill children.
Children's prescription medicines: parents' perceptions on dosing intervals, dosing devices and prescription advice
Authors: Kairuz Therése , Svirskis Darren , Sheridan Janie 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Objective To gather information on devices used to administer liquid medicines, dosing intervals for antibiotic administration, and parents' perceptions of the advice received from pharmacists about prescription medicines, for children up to the age of six years.
Setting Six schools from different socio-economic areas were selected within the Auckland area of New Zealand. To facilitate distribution and collection of questionnaires, the headmaster or a teacher was known to the researchers.
Method An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to year 1 and 2 students (aged five and six years) to take home for completion by a parent or primary caregiver. Respondents were asked to refer to their youngest child and/or to the last time they had given medicines or received a prescription for a child.
Key findings A total of 299 completed questionnaires were received (48.2%); 60 questionnaires had not been distributed by school teachers in error, and the overall return rate was thus adjusted to 53.4%. The device used most frequently to administer medicines to younger children up to the age of three years was an oral medicine syringe, while nearly one-third of children aged three to six years received medicine in a ‘teaspoon’. Almost half the respondents (48.8%) indicated they would be most likely to forget the midday dose of antibiotics, and dosing deviated from recommended intervals. Most respondents had received advice from a pharmacist on how to take the medicine, and had understood instructions and had the opportunity to ask questions.
Conclusion This study highlights areas that pharmacists can include when advising parents and guardians about children's medicines, such as ideal dosing intervals of antibiotics and the use of accurate dosing devices.
Children's over-the-counter medicines pharmacoepidemiological (COPE) study
Authors: Wong Ian CK , Chua Siew Siang , Edmondson Hilary 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Objective To quantify the extent and types of minor ailments in children that were presented at community pharmacies and the types of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines purchased in response to these ailments.
Method Data on all requests and sales of OTC medicines for children (aged 16 years and under) and consultations for minor ailments in children were recorded in eight community pharmacies for one week every month over a 12-month period. Participants were members of the public who consulted the pharmacists or other pharmacy staff in the community pharmacies.
Key findings A total of 976 consultations was recorded with 61.5% requesting an OTC medicine by name and 38.5% by symptom presentation. An average of 10.2 consultations was made per pharmacy per week. Requests for treatment were usually made within five days of symptom occurrence (86%). Most of the consultations were made by mothers (75%), although 17% were by fathers. The most commonly purchased OTC medicine was paracetamol. There were five requests for aspirin and one was for a 2-year old child. A total of 62 cases (6%) was referred back to the child's primary care physician (general practitioner).
Conclusions Symptoms related to cough and cold were the most common problems in children presenting to community pharmacies for treatment. Paracetamol was the most widely used OTC medicine in children. Pharmacy staff do question the request for OTC medicines such as aspirin, to ensure its safe use. Community pharmacies play an important role as the first port of call for advice on minor ailments in children and have an opportunity to provide health promotion to carers of children.
Does community pharmacy offer women family-friendly working conditions and equal opportunities? The accounts of female community pharmacists over the age of 30
Authors: Gidman Wendy K , Hassell Karen , Day Jennie , Payne Katherine 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective The sex mix of the pharmacy workforce has altered significantly over the last 60 years such that in 2005 54% of the practising pharmacy workforce was female. After the age of 30 years, part-time working is common and it is often assumed that pharmacy working attracts and suits women because it is flexible and family friendly. This paper aims to explore to what extent that is true.Setting This study was based in the North West of England.Method Face-to-face interviews (n=30) were conducted with women over the age of 30 years who worked as community pharmacists. The interview schedule was designed to explore: interviewees' motivation for choosing pharmacy; employment history; motivation for choosing a particular pattern of working; views of recent changes in pharmacy; and future career plans.Key findings In line with previous studies this sample of female community pharmacists adopted heterogenous work patterns, and personal and extrinsic structural factors were found to influence work patterns. Importantly, there was evidence of a lack of family-friendly practices, with antisocial hours, difficulties accommodating annual leave, and the restrictive legislative framework that necessitates that a pharmacist is always present in a store, all affecting work patterns.Conclusion Our study, in contrast to other studies, suggests that for about half of the women interviewed, community pharmacy working was difficult to combine with family commitments. This finding has implications for employers and workforce planners because an increasing proportion of the community pharmacy workforce is female.
What if continuing education became mandatory? Opinions of Belgian community pharmacists
Authors: Driesen Annelies , Airaksinen Marja , Simoens Steven , Laekeman Gert 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective In July 2003, a survey (n = 1032) was conducted on issues related to continuing education for community pharmacists. This study aims to explore specific results of this survey in-depth. The objectives were to examine how current continuing education courses can be optimised, how much interest pharmacists have in distance learning, and how pharmacists think about mandatory continuing education.Setting Community pharmacy in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium.Method Six focus group discussions were held: two with attenders (n = 14), two with non-attenders (n = 13), and two with the management of the Institute for Permanent Study for Pharmacists (n = 12). A theme plan was used to moderate discussions. Framework analysis was applied to analyse data.Key findings To optimise live courses, continuing education providers should select good speakers, provide extensive course notes, and focus on issues that are relevant to day-to-day pharmacy practice. The interest in distance learning as a continuing education format was limited. Non-attenders are likely to need a formal obligation to engage in continuing education, with the preferred format being live courses. By increasing patients' awareness and appreciation of pharmacists' capabilities, pharmacists could be more motivated to counsel patients, to engage in continuing education, and to accept a system of mandatory continuing education.Conclusion Implementation of mandatory continuing education in Belgium might encourage more pharmacists to take part in live continuing education courses than in distance learning. The arguments for and against mandatory continuing education as well as the suggestions for improvement of live continuing education courses should be taken into account when implementing a system of mandatory continuing education.
Using theory to improve communication: designing a communication skills training package for medicine counter assistants
Authors: Cleland Jennifer , Francis Jill , Watson Margaret , Inch Jackie , Bond Christine 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Objective To design (i) a theory-based communication skills training package for medicine counter assistants (MCAs) and (ii) a method of evaluating its effect on consultation behaviours.
Method Thirty MCAs from 20 community pharmacies in Grampian, Scotland were recruited and randomised to the intervention (n = 20) and control (n = 10) groups. The intervention comprised 2 times 4 h of interactive learning sessions. The content of the sessions was based on a model of teaching and learning communication skills, while the teaching and learning techniques used in the sessions were based on active learning and cognitive-behavioural principles. Training focused on information-gathering and information-giving skills. The Theory of Planned Behaviour was used to develop a questionnaire to explore the effect of communication skills training.
Key findings The results of the full study are reported elsewhere but, in summary, some improvements in communication were seen in the intervention group in terms of the number of questions asked, although no improvement was shown with the use of open questions.
Conclusion The results of this study suggest that using theory to underpin training might well allow the mapping of specific mediators of behaviour change onto intervention components, which in turn provides information on which aspects of training might be successful. Thus, using theory as a basis for interventions may increase the effectiveness of future interventions.
Solvothermal Preparation and Characterization of Barium Titanate Nanocubes
Authors: Liu Qiang , Yan Zhiying , Sun Guixiang , Zheng Wenjun 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
A simple low-temperature solvothermal scheme has been developed to produce pure, well-controlled characteristics in terms of size, morphology, and monodispersity of barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanocubes. Characterizations of products were performed by XRD, TEM, HRTEM, EDS, and their sizes were 40–50 nm. The formation process of the BaTiO3 nanocubes was also discussed.
Preparation of Three-dimensionally ordered Macroporous SiO2 Membranes with Controllable Pore Size
Authors: Zhao Kui , Fan Yiqun , Xu Nanping 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous SiO2 membranes are prepared by the codeposition method using SiO2 colloidal particles as building blocks and polymethyl methacrylate as the templates. The pore size of ordered macroporous SiO2 membranes can be controlled by changing the volume ratio of templates to SiO2.
Plastic and Solid-state Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Incorporating Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ikeda Nobuyuki , Miyasaka Tsutomu 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
A clay-like conductive material comprising single-wall carbon nanotube and imidazorium iodide derivative was combined with dye-sensitized mesoporous TiO2 layer formed on a plastic substrate. A thin, plastic, solid-state photocell was devised, which works with a highest conversion efficiency of 2.3% under simulated sunlight intensity of 23 mW cm−2.
Nipple Discharge: A Sign of Breast Cancer?
Authors: Richards T , Hunt A , Courtney S , Umeh H 
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION Nipple discharge is regarded a sign of breast cancer. Type of discharge and cytology are unreliable for diagnosis. Most malignant cases have a detectable breast mass. The aim of this study was to assess the association between nipple discharge and breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who underwent operation for nipple discharge at a district general hospital (population 460,000) over a 3-year period were included. All had normal clinical, radiological and cytological examination. Operation and histopathology reports were reviewed. RESULTS Eighty-six patients underwent operation for nipple discharge. Median age was 54 years (range, 32–84 years). Analysis of nipple discharge revealed red blood cells (RBCs) in 35 patients (40%). At operation, 81 patients underwent radical sub-areola duct excision (Hadfield's procedure) and five microdochectomy. Histopathology reported duct ectasia in 59 patients and benign ductal papilloma in 25. Two patients had occult malignancy – DCIS (1) and LCIS (1). No invasive cancer was found. CONCLUSIONS Nipple discharge alone is not usually a sign of breast cancer. Occult malignancy is rare. A period of ‘watchful waiting’ may prevent patients undergoing unnecessary surgery.
Diagnostic Fine-Needle Aspiration in Postoperative Wound Infections is More Accurate at Predicting Causative Organisms than Wound Swabs
Authors: Parikh AR , Hamilton S , Sivarajan V , Withey S , Butler PEM 
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION Postoperative wound infections are common. Antibiotics are often prescribed empirically, usually in the absence of any microbiological sensitivity data. This study demonstrates the role of fine-needle aspiration microbiology (FNAM) in determining the causative organisms in these wounds compared to wound swabs taken from the same patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 20 patients with clinical signs of soft tissue infection were tested using wound swabs and fine-needle aspiration. RESULTS Six of the wound swabs yielded a single organism but 16 out 20 of the FNAM group yielded a single organism (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The FNAM approach allows antibiotic sensitivities to be obtained enabling specific antimicrobial therapy to be implemented early. FNAM also has a higher yield of cultures than wound swabs. Cellulitic areas can be sampled even when use of wound swabs is not possible.
Cancer Genetics Clinics and the Surgeon: A Valuable Role for Family History Screening
Authors: Williams GL , Gray J , Beynon J 
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION This study examines how a colorectal surgeon can use a regional cancer genetics service to deal safely and efficiently, with community referrals for colorectal cancer screening on the basis of family history. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective review of consecutive asymptomatic people with a strong family of colorectal cancer referred by the surgeon to the genetics service over a 30-month period. RESULTS A total of 45 people were referred by the surgeon to the cancer genetics service. Following official verification of family histories, 15 were thought to be in a low-risk category for developing colorectal cancer, 18 were moderate risk, 4 had a high-to-moderate risk and 2 satisfied the criteria for HNPCC. After official authentication, it was discovered that 20% of people had mistakenly informed the surgeon of important inaccuracies in their family history. CONCLUSIONS The cancer genetics service seeks to identify accurately those at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer due to their family history. It has the time, resources and expertise to verify officially a family history that cannot be properly done in a busy surgical clinic. This study shows that it can provide a valuable role for correctly identifying and counselling people who truly require screening due to their familial predisposition for colorectal cancer.