bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A FAMILY OF TERM‐STRUCTURE MODELS FOR LONG‐TERM RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE PRICING
Authors: Cairns Andrew J. G. 
Published: June 2004

In this paper we propose a new family of term‐structure models based on the Flesaker and Hughston (1996) positive‐interest framework. The models are Markov and time homogeneous, with correlated Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck processes as state variables. We provide a theoretical analysis of the one‐factor model and a thorough emprical analysis of the two‐factor model. This allows us to identify the key factors in the model affecting interest‐rate dynamics. We conclude that the new family of models should provide a useful tool for use in long‐term risk management. Suitably parameterized, they can satisfy a wide range of desirable criteria, including:

sustained periods of both high and low interest rates similar to the cycle lengths we have observed over the course of the 20th century in the United Kingdom and the United States
realistic probabilities of both high and low interest rates consistent with historical data and without the need for regular recalibration
a wide range of shapes of yield curves, again consistent with what we have observed in the past and including the recent Japanese yield curve.
Synchronicity in southern hemisphere squid stocks and the influence of the Southern Oscillation and Trans Polar Index
Authors: Waluda C. M. , Trathan P. N. , Rodhouse P. G. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSquid are short lived, with highly labile populations that respond rapidly to changes in environmental conditions. This makes them a good model for studying the response of recruitment processes to environmental signals. This study examines the influence of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and Trans Polar Index (TPI) on the environment and abundance of six species of commercially important squid from the southern hemisphere, all linked to major current systems connected by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current: Dosidicus gigas (Southeast Pacific), Loligo vulgaris reynaudii (Southeast Atlantic), Nototodarus sloanii, N. gouldi (Southwest Pacific), Illex argentinus and L. gahi (Southwest Atlantic). All fisheries displayed a high level of inter‐annual variability and a degree of synchronicity was seen to occur in the abundance of the three Pacific species. The SOI signal was reflected in the environment of each fishery, particularly in Pacific regions. Both indices are correlated with squid abundance, particularly during the early life history stages (SOI) and adult stages (TPI), suggesting some degree of latitudinal separation, with juveniles potentially influenced by environmental variability at lower latitudes and adults at higher latitudes.
Distribution patterns of larval myctophid fish assemblages in the subtropical–tropical waters of the western North Pacific
Authors: Sassa Chiyuki , Kawaguchi Kouichi , Hirota Yuichi , Ishida Minoru 
Published: June 2004

AbstractWe examined larval myctophid fish assemblages and their distribution patterns, based on discrete depth sampling. Samples were collected at 19 stations along a transect that crossed the subtropical–tropical waters of the western North Pacific. In total, we collected 27 189 larvae of 40 myctophid species or types, belonging to 15 genera. Three assemblages were recognized, based on their species composition: Kuroshio Axis (KuA), Kuroshio Countercurrent (KCC), and Subtropical Countercurrent–North Equatorial Current (SCC–NEC) assemblages. The distributions of these assemblages were well defined by the positions of the KuA and the Subtropical Convergence. Each species had a specific distribution depth, and none showed diel vertical migration. Larvae of the subfamily Lampanyctinae were distributed in shallower waters (0–50 m) than larvae of the subfamily Myctophinae (50–150 m). Larvae of the same species were distributed at lower depths in the SCC–NEC area than in the KCC area. This corresponded to the abundance of chlorophyll a, which would reflect abundance of prey organisms such as copepod nauplii and copepodites.
Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) distribution in relation to sea surface temperature fronts in the Gulf of Maine (1994–96)
Authors: Schick R. S. , Goldstein J. , Lutcavage M. E. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractFishery‐linked aerial surveys for bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) were conducted in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) from July through October, 1994–96. Each year, from 507 to 890 surface schools were detected and their locations examined in relation to oceanographic conditions. Correlations between bluefin tuna presence and environmental variables were explored for sea surface temperature (SST), distance to a SST front, frontal density (relative density of all SST fronts seen in a given 1 km area for 2 weeks prior to each tuna sighting), and bottom depth and slope. Mean SST associated with bluefin schools was 18.1°C (±2.8). Schools were located at a mean distance of 19.7 km (±19.6) from SST fronts, and in water masses with an average frontal density of 28.2 m km−2 (±35.7). Mean bottom depth of detected schools was 139.0 m (±70.3), and mean bottom slope was 0.7% rise (±0.7). A binomial generalized linear model fit to these variables indicated that bluefin are seen closer to fronts than locations in which no tuna were seen. Using simple and partial Mantel tests, we investigated the spatial correlation between bluefin tuna presence and the environmental variables, controlling for spatial autocorrelation. For each day that schools were sighted, we performed 24 Mantel tests, on a combination of response and predictor variables. The spatial relationship between bluefin tuna and SST fronts was inconsistent. Our analysis identified significant spatial structure in the bluefin school locations that had no significant correlation with any of the measured environmental features, suggesting that other untested features, such as prey density, may be important predictors of bluefin distribution in the GOM.
Fine scale spatial pattern of Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) and northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) eggs
Authors: Alexandra Curtis K. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) and northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) eggs exhibited different spatial structure on the scale of 0.75–2.5 km in two egg patches sampled in the Southern California Bight in April 2000. Plankton samples were collected at 4‐min intervals with a Continuous Underway Fish Egg Sampler (CUFES) on 5 × 5 km grids centered on surface drifters. Variograms were calculated for sardine and anchovy eggs in Lagrangian coordinates, using abundances of individual developmental stages grouped into daily cohorts. Model variograms for sardine eggs have a low nugget effect, about 10% of the total variance, indicating high autocorrelation between adjacent samples. In contrast, model variograms for anchovy eggs have a high nugget effect of 50–100%, indicating that most of the variance at the scales sampled is spatially unstructured. The difference between observed spatial patterns of sardine and anchovy eggs on this scale may reflect the behavior of the spawning adults: larger, faster, more abundant fish may organize into larger schools with greater structure and mobility that create smoother egg distributions. Size and mobility vary with population size in clupeoids. The current high abundance of sardines and low abundance of anchovy off California agree with the greater autocorrelation of sardine egg samples and the observed tendency for locations of anchovy spawning to be more persistent on the temporal scale of days to weeks. Thus the spatial pattern of eggs and the persistence of spawning areas are suggested to depend on species, population size and age structure, spawning intensity and characteristic physical scales of the spawning habitat.
Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) schooling in the southern Gulf of Maine
Authors: Wilson Steven G. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSchools of up to 50 basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) were observed on the warm side of a persistent thermal front in the southern Gulf of Maine from early September through mid‐October 2002. Aerial photographs showed a variety of schooling patterns, including echelon, cartwheel and milling formations. While the function of these aggregations remains unknown, they may represent group courtship behaviour.
Rapid, large‐scale generation ofDstransposant lines and analysis of theDsinsertion sites in rice
Authors: Kim Chul Min , Piao Hai Long , Park Soon Ju , Chon Nam Soo , Je Byoung Il , Sun Bingyao , Park Sung Han , Park Jin Young , Lee Eun Jin , Kim Min Jung , Chung Woo Sik , Lee Kon Ho , Lee Young Suk , Lee Jeung Joo , Won Yong Jae , Yi GiHwan , Nam Min Hee , Cha Young Soon , Yun Doh Won , Eun Moo Young , Han Chang‐deok 
Published: June 2004

SummaryRapid, large‐scale generation of aDstransposant population was achieved using a regeneration procedure involving tissue culture of seed‐derived calli carryingAcand inactiveDselements. In the F2progeny from genetic crosses between the sameDsandAcstarter lines, most of the crosses produced an independent germinal transposition frequency of 10–20%. Also, manyDselements underwent immobilization even thoughAcwas expressed. By comparison, in a callus‐derived regenerated population, over 70% of plants carried independentDsinsertions, indicating transposition early in callus formation. In the remaining population, the majority of plants carried onlyAc. Most of the newDsinsertions were stably transmitted to a subsequent generation. An exceptionally high proportion of independent transposants in the regenerated population means that selection markers for transposedDsand continual monitoring ofAc/Dsactivities may not necessarily be required. By analyzing 1297Ds‐flanking DNA sequences, a genetic map of 1072Dsinsertion sites was developed. The map showed thatDselements were transposed onto all of the rice chromosomes, with preference not only near donor sites (36%) but also on certain physically unlinked arms. Populations from both genetic crossing and tissue culture showed the same distribution patterns ofDsinsertion sites. The information of these mappedDsinsertion sites was deposited in GenBank. Among them, 55% ofDselements were on predicted open‐reading frame (ORF) regions. Thus, we propose an optimal strategy for the rapid generation of a large population ofDstransposants in rice.
Refining a health‐related quality of life assessment strategy for solid organ transplant patients
Authors: Feurer Irene D , Moore Derek E , Speroff Theodore , Liu Hongxia , Payne Jerita , Harrison Connie , Pinson C Wright 
Published: June 2004

Abstract:  Purpose:  The psychometric properties of generic health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment instruments were evaluated to identify a reliable, valid, and non‐redundant battery to measure longitudinal outcomes in organ transplant patients.Methods:  Objective functional performance and subjective HRQOL were assessed in 371 solid organ (liver, heart, kidney, lung) transplant patients using the Karnofsky scale, the SF‐36® Health Survey (SF‐36®), and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS). The surveys' internal‐consistency reliability, criterion‐related validity, and redundancy were tested.Results:  The SF‐36® mental (MCS) and physical components (PCS), and PAIS summary scales were internally consistent (all α ≥ 0.83). Four out of seven PAIS scales (vocational, domestic, sexual, social) were collectively associated with the PCS (R = 0.65, P < 0.001), as was functional performance (r = 0.52, P < 0.001). Three PAIS scales (family, social, psychological distress) were associated with the MCS (R = 0.72, P < 0.001). Only the PAIS healthcare orientation (satisfaction) scale was not associated with the SF‐36®. The relationship between functional performance and the PCS is stronger (r = 0.52, P < 0.001) than with the MCS (r = 0.25, P < 0.001) and the PAIS global score (r = 0.37, P < 0.001).Conclusions:  The SF‐36® and PAIS are internally consistent and exhibit divergent criterion‐related validity but, with the exception of the PAIS healthcare orientation scale, are statistically redundant. The advantages of the SF‐36® include wider use, more norms, and a lesser response burden. A transplant‐specific patient satisfaction inventory was indicated and was developed.
Pilot study to determine the ability of health‐care professionals to undertake drug dose calculations
Authors: Oldridge G. J. , Gray K. M. , McDermott L. M. , Kirkpatrick C. M. J. 
Published: June 2004

Abstract Background: It is essential for health‐care professionals to calculate drug doses accurately. Previous studies have demonstrated that many hospital doctors were unable to accurately convert dilutions (e.g. 1:1000) or percentages (e.g. percentage w/v) of drug concentrations into mass concentrations (e.g. mg/mL).Aims: The aims of the present study were to evaluate the ability of health‐care professionals to perform drug dose calculations accurately and to determine their preferred concentration convention when calculating drug doses.Methods: A selection of nurses, medical students, house surgeons, registrars and pharmacists undertook a written survey to assess their ability to perform five drug dose calculations. Participants were also asked which concentration convention they preferred when calculating drug doses. The surveys were marked then analysed for health‐care professionals as a whole and then by subgroup analysis to assess the performance of each health‐care‐professional group.Results: Overall, less than 14% of the surveyed health‐care professionals could answer all five questions correctly. Subgroup analysis revealed that health‐care pro­fessionals’ ability to calculate drug doses were ranked in the following order: registrars ≈ pharmacists > house surgeons > medical students >> nurses. Ninety per cent of health‐care professionals preferred to calculate drug doses using the mass concentration convention.Conclusions: Overall, drug dose calculations were performed poorly. Mass concentration was clearly indicated as the preferred convention for calculating drug doses. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 316−319)
Prefrontal cortical involvement in verbal encoding strategies
Authors: Bor Daniel , Cumming Nick , Scott Catherine E. L. , Owen Adrian M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe lateral prefrontal cortex is critical for the control and organization of information in working memory. In certain situations, effective reorganization can attenuate task difficulty, suggesting a dissociation between lateral prefrontal activity and basic memory demand. In a verbal working memory task, we investigated the enhancement of performance that occurs when incoming information can be reorganized into higher‐level groups or chunks. In the fMRI scanner, volunteers heard and repeated a sequence of digits. Mathematically structured sequences, encouraging ‘chunking’, were compared with unstructured, random sequences. Though structured sequences were easier to remember, fMRI showed increased lateral prefrontal activation for these sequences. Specifically, both the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortices were activated preferentially for the structured sequences during encoding. When visual stimuli that can be chunked using spatial structure are used, similar results are observed. These results demonstrate that cognitively less demanding tasks may elicit greater lateral prefrontal recruitment. Thus, the lateral prefrontal cortex appears to play a general role in strategically recoding information from memory, in order to optimize performance.
Ileosigmoid knotting
Authors: Mallick I. H. , Winslet M. C. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIntestinal obstruction is a common cause of emergency surgical admission. The most frequent causes are well known and may often be safely treated conservatively in the first instance. The rarer causes of intestinal obstruction require prompt diagnosis and surgery if they are not to progress rapidly to strangulation and gangrene. One such cause is the ileosigmoid knotting, which is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. With increasing travel activity and population migration this condition is now being seen outside its original geographical sites of origin. This article focuses on the aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, investigations and the various surgical options for the management of the ileosigmoid knotting. Studies and case reports in English literature were identified by PubMed, ISIS, Embase and CAS searches between the years 1966–2004 using the following free text keywords: ileo‐ sigmoid knotting, ileosigmoid knot(ting), intestinal knot(ting), compound volvulus and double volvulus. All the reference lists were reviewed to retrieve additional articles. Aggressive resuscitation, prompt surgical relief of obstruction, appropriate antibiotics, accurate intra‐operative assessment of the viability of the involved loops of intestine and the use of modern postoperative intensive care will help reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with this life threatening condition.
Retrograde commercial colonic hydrotherapy
Authors: Taffinder N. J. , Tan E. , Webb I. G. , McDonald P. J. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjective  To ascertain the current practice of commercial colonic hydrotherapy in the UK and to collect data on the profiles of both the practitioners and their clients. In addition to understand how colonic hydrotherapy is perceived by those who use it and how much economic benefit it generates for the practitioners. Information as to training and complications was sought.Patients and methods  A questionnaire was sent to all 80 practitioners registered with the Association of Colonic Hydrotherapists (ACH) of the UK. The practitioners who responded were sent 10 questionnaires to be given to a group of consecutive clients. This client questionnaire included an SF‐36 self‐administered scoring system and a satisfaction survey. To understand the methodology and ritual of the hydrotherapy procedure a field trip was arranged and two of the authors (NJT and PJM) underwent one colonic hydrotherapy session with an experience practitioner.Results  Thirty‐eight (48%) of practitioners responded to our practitioner survey and 242 client questionnaires were returned. One third of practitioners reported a previous clinical background and 32 (83%) were single‐handed practitioners. The average time in practice was six years and with an average age of the hydrotherapists being 50 years (22–78 years). Estimated number of sessions conducted were 3200 (range 140–10 000). Average annual income before expenses per practitioner was estimated at £45 675. The clients' ages ranged was 18 and 82 years of age (mean 44 years) and had undergone an average of 35 hydrotherapy treatments (range 1–2500). Clients had lower SF‐36 scores than the UK norm.Conclusion  Colonic hydrotherapy is practised widely in the UK with an estimated 5600 procedures carried out by ACH practitioners monthly. It is not known how much activity is carried out by non‐ACH members. ACH practitioners appear to be well trained and a proportion have medical backgrounds. Clients, who are often unhappy with orthodox medicine seem satisfied enough with the experience of colonic hydrotherapy to undergo regular purgings. No serious side‐effects have been reported to us. Economic factors could be a driving force for the continuation of the practice as the monies earnt are not inconsiderable.
Classification of internal haemorrhoids: a discussion paper
Authors: Lunniss P. J. , Mann C. V. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIn the absence of an internationally agreed classification of haemorrhoids, evaluation of the ever increasing number of therapeutic options available is impossible. A new classification is proposed which relates symptoms to our knowledge of haemorrhoidal development, the use of which should provide a more accurate way of comparing treatments and in the evaluation of new techniques. The evidence for such a classification is presented in detail.
Rates of prostate‐specific antigen testing in general practice in England and Wales in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Melia Jane , Moss Sue , Johns Louise ,   contributors in the participating laboratories
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the rate of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer in general practice in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThe cross‐sectional study took place in England and Wales, was population‐based and covered 469 159 men aged 45–84 years. Pathology data on PSA tests requested between 19 November 1999 and 31 May 2002 by general practitioners (GPs) were provided by 28 pathology laboratories. The practices recorded reasons for the tests between 1 December 2001 and 31 May 2002. In all, 391 practices in which all GP partners participated were included in the analyses.RESULTSThe overall annual rate of testing in men with no previous diagnosis of prostate cancer was estimated to be 6%, of which the annual rates of asymptomatic, symptomatic and re‐testing were 2.0%, 2.8% and 1.2%, respectively, after adjusting for missing values. The rate decreased with increasing social deprivation, and with increasing proportions of black and Asian populations. The overall rate of PSA testing increased significantly from 1999 to 2002.CONCLUSIONSIf the recommendations of the National Health Service Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme were applied, 14% of asymptomatic tests and 23% of symptomatic tests would have led to a referral. As the rate of PSA testing is increasing and there are uncertainties about the benefit of screening, the workload and costs in general practice and hospitals should be monitored.
‘Pseudospongioplasty’ in the repair of a urethral diverticulum
Authors: Radojicic Zoran I. , Perovic Sava V. , Djordjevic Miroslav L.J. , Vukadinovic Vojkan M. , Djakovic Nebijsa 
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVESTo describe a technique for repairing urethral diverticula which includes neourethral reconstruction and increasing the mechanical support of the neourethra.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween February 1995 and May 2000, 267 patients with proximal hypospadias underwent a one‐stage penile skin longitudinal flap urethroplasty. The overall postoperative complication rate was 20%; a diverticulum formed in 24 patients (9%) and in all it was repaired. Diverticulectomy was carried out by de‐epithelialization of excess diverticular skin, so that two subcutaneous vascularized tissue wings could be created. After re‐establishing distal urethral patency and neourethral closure, the de‐epithelialized diverticular wings were folded and overlapped to form a mechanical support for the neourethral ventral wall; this procedure was termed ‘pseudospongioplasty’.RESULTSThere were no recurrences of diverticulum or any fistula formation. The only complication was urethral stenosis in two cases, which was successfully resolved by internal urethrotomy.CONCLUSIONRe‐establishing patency and providing mechanical support are essential when repairing a urethral diverticulum. Our technique with pseudospongiosal tissue reconstruction during the repair represents a good alternative or addition to other techniques.