bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Mechanics‐Modulated Hydrogels to Regulate the Differentiation of Stem‐Cell Spheroids in Soft Microniches and Modeling of the Nonlinear Behavior
Authors: Zhang Jianguang , Yang Hua , Abali Bilen Emek , Li Mingjun , Xia Yi , Haag Rainer
Published: June 2019

Although mechanisms of how physical forces convert into biochemical signals are increasingly understood, it is still unknown how soft cues guide cell behavior. Herein, it is shown that the commitment and differentiation of encapsulating human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) spheroids in thermosensitive 3D hydrogels are simply altered by interpenetrating poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (NIPAM‐HEMA) nanogel to a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) network. This cell‐laden hydrogel provides dynamic mechanics with covalent crosslinking coordinated reversible physical networks, which can regulate hMSCs in situ by reversibly stiffening soft niches via multicyclic temperature changes from 25 to 37 °C. The spreading of hMSC spheroids in the hydrogel is strongly dependent on myosin‐dependent traction stress with dynamic mechanical stimuli through focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Notably, the dynamic microenvironment gradually influences the expression and distribution from the basal to apical side of nuclear lamin A/C and increases the Yes‐associated protein (YAP) nuclear localization with cycles, which ultimately favors hMSCs undergoing osteogenesis (but not adipogenesis) in the soft microniche. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the viscoelastic behavior of the soft microniche can be guided by temperature through a nonlinear model. These findings highlight the central roles of the dynamic relationship between the biomechanical signals and mechanosensitive transcriptional regulators in cellular mechanosensing.
A study of hardware architecture based attacks to bypass operating system security
Authors: Lokhande Vaibhav G. , Vidyarthi Deepti
Published: June 2019

Malware target a vulnerability, bug or loophole in software to exploit the system, escalate privileges, extract inaccessible data, or execute code for malicious purpose. We can assert that over the period of time, both hardware and software have evolved and so are their vulnerabilities. But most of the vulnerabilities identified or researched are software oriented. On similar lines, there can be vulnerabilities in the hardware architecture that can be exploited, hidden from upper layer securities like operating system (OS) reference monitor, antivirus, etc. It is difficult to trace the vulnerabilities in the hardware primarily due to complex architecture and difficulties to observe the effects of operations performed across the system. Just like the software, the hardware architecture can also be exploited to develop malware and to gain access to sensitive data. This paper discusses the attacks that exploit the operations performed at the hardware level. We have discussed the different exploits that use the hardware architecture to extract data, their limitations and the future of hardware architecture based exploits. At the end, the data extraction process is validated through our implementation of one of the hardware architecture based exploits. We question about the impact on system security if the hardware architecture is exploited.
Moderne Massenspektrometer in Vakuum‐Applikationen
Authors: Lausberg Stefan
Published: June 2019

Modern mass spectrometers in vacuum applications

The article describes the functionality of quadrupole mass spectrometers and their usage in different applications. Several examples illustrate the importance of careful interpretation of the respective spectra. Some applications allow the direct installation into a vacuum chamber while other applications require an external pump system which is only weakly connected to the vacuum chamber.
The amphipod crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis: An emerging comparative model of arthropod development, evolution, and regeneration
Authors: Sun Dennis A. , Patel Nipam H.
Published: June 2019

Recent advances in genetic manipulation and genome sequencing have paved the way for a new generation of research organisms. The amphipod crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis is one such system. Parhyale are easy to rear and offer large broods of embryos amenable to injection, dissection, and live imaging. Foundational work has described Parhyale embryonic development, while advancements in genetic manipulation using CRISPR‐Cas9 and other techniques, combined with genome and transcriptome sequencing, have enabled its use in studies of arthropod development, evolution, and regeneration. This study introduces Parhyale development and life history, a catalog of techniques and resources for Parhyale research, and two case studies illustrating its power as a comparative research system.

This article is categorized under:

Comparative Development and Evolution > Evolutionary Novelties

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration

Comparative Development and Evolution > Model Systems

Comparative Development and Evolution > Body Plan Evolution
Correction to: Health Care and Migration: What Data Can Tell Us of the Hard-to-Measure Impact of Migrants on the European Health Systems
Authors: Caterina Francesca Guidi , Petretto Alessandro
Published: June 2019

The chapter was inadvertently published with the incorrect author name and later the same has been updated as Guidi Caterina Francesca.
Off-shell N = 2 → N = 1 reduction in 4D conformal supergravity
Authors: Yamada Yusuke
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We discussN= 2 →N= 1 reduction in four dimensional conformal supergravity. In particular, we keep the off-shell structure of supermultiplets (except hypermultiplets). As we will show, starting with (almost) off-shell conformal supergravity makes the procedure simpler than that fromN= 2 Poincaré supergravity, which makes it easier to show the correspondence to the standardN= 1 conformal supergravity. We find that theN= 1 superconformal symmetry is simply realized by truncating the gravitino multiplet. We also discuss the consistency with the originalN= 2 system and show the reducedN= 1 conformal supergravity action.
Genus-one string amplitudes from conformal field theory
Authors: Alday Luis F. , Bissi Agnese , Perlmutter Eric
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We explore and exploit the relation between non-planar correlators in

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 super-Yang-Mills, and higher-genus closed string amplitudes in type IIB string theory. By conformal field theory techniques we construct the genus-one, four-point string amplitude in AdS5 × S
5 in the low-energy expansion, dual to an

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 super-Yang-Mills correlator in the ’t Hooft limit at order 1/c
2 in a strong coupling expansion. In the flat space limit, this maps onto the genus-one, four-point scattering amplitude for type II closed strings in ten dimensions. Using this approach we reproduce several results obtained via string perturbation theory. We also demonstrate a novel mechanism to fix subleading terms in the flat space limit of AdS amplitudes by using string/M-theory.
Strings on AdS3 × S3 × S3 × S1
Authors: Eberhardt Lorenz , Gaberdiel Matthias R.
Published: June 2019

Abstract

String theory on AdS3 × S3 × S3 × S1 with pure NS-NS flux and minimal flux through one of the two S3’s is studied from a world-sheet perspective. It is shown that the spacetime spectrum, as well as the algebra of spectrum generating operators, matches precisely that of the symmetric orbifold of S3 × S1 in the large N limit. This gives strong support for the proposal that these two descriptions are exactly dual to one another.
HIV Infection: Its Impact on Patients with Appendicitis in Botswana
Authors: Bedada Alemayehu Ginbo , Hsiao Marvin , Azzie Georges
Published: June 2019

Background

To compare the presentation, management, and outcome of HIV‐positive patients with appendicitis to those of HIV‐negative patients with appendicitis. Summary Background Data: The literature is limited regarding the impact of HIV infection on patients with appendicitis.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with appendicitis and known HIV status admitted to Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana, aged 13 years and greater was performed from January 2013 to December 2015. Data on patient demographics, presentation, laboratory findings, management, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 295 patients with appendicitis and known HIV status were identified, of which 119 (40.3%) were HIV positive. The median [IQR] ages for HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative patients were 34 [29–42] and 26 [20–33] years, respectively. The male‐to‐female ratio for the same two groups was 0.8:1 and 1.4:1, respectively. Presenting symptoms, signs, and white blood cell count were similar in both groups. HIV‐positive patients had significantly higher overall (4.2 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.010) and postoperative (4.4 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.024) mortality rates. There was no significant difference in the total complication rate between HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative patients (13.2 vs. 7.9%, p = 0.192). Compared to HIV‐positive patients with a CD4 count ≥200, patients with a CD4 count <200 have a significantly higher postoperative mortality rate (17.6 vs. 1.4%, p = 0.023) and a trend toward a higher total postoperative complication rate (31.3 vs. 10.8%, p = 0.054).

Conclusion

Within our setting, HIV infection, particularly with a CD4 <200, was correlated with significantly higher mortality in patients with acute appendicitis.
Robotic Single‐Port Platform in General, Urologic, and Gynecologic Surgeries: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Cianci S. , Rosati A. , Rumolo V. , Gueli Alletti S. , Gallotta V. , Turco L. C. , Corrado G. , Vizzielli G. , Fagotti A. , Fanfani F. , Scambia G. , Uccella S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Robotic platforms have recently acquired progressive importance in different surgical fields, such as urology, gynecology, and general surgery. Through the years, new surgical robots have become available as single‐port robotic platform. The study is aimed to value the single‐port robotic platform characteristics in different surgical specialties.

Methods

The terms “LESS” OR “single port” OR “single site” AND “robot” OR “robotic” were systematically used to search the PubMed and Scopus databases. A total of 57 studies were considered eligible for the present review. The articles included were divided according to the surgical field in which the study was conducted: General surgery (29 articles), Gynecology (18 articles), Urology (10 articles).

Results

Most part of the articles showed the feasibility of robotic single‐port surgical procedures and described advantages in terms of cosmetic, hospital stay, and in some series even cost reduction. A meta‐analysis was conducted, showing a significant increment of complications using RSP if compared with SLPS and a trend (P = 0.008) when RSP was compared with LESS. The comparison of different techniques in terms of conversion to laparotomy did not show any significant difference.

Conclusion

Robotic single port potentially furnishes an important surgical and post‐operatory improvement; however, some limits still prolong the surgical time and complication rate.
Characterization of heterotrophic growth and sesquiterpene production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides on a defined medium
Authors: Orsi Enrico , Folch Pauline L , Monje-López Vicente T , Fernhout Bas M , Turcato Alessandro , Kengen Servé W M , Eggink Gerrit , Weusthuis Ruud A
Published: June 2019

Rhodobacter sphaeroides is a metabolically versatile bacterium capable of producing terpenes natively. Surprisingly, terpene biosynthesis in this species has always been investigated in complex media, with unknown compounds possibly acting as carbon and nitrogen sources. Here, a defined medium was adapted for R. sphaeroides dark heterotrophic growth, and was used to investigate the conversion of different organic substrates into the reporter terpene amorphadiene. The amorphadiene synthase was cloned in R. sphaeroides, allowing its biosynthesis via the native 2-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway and, additionally, via a heterologous mevalonate one. The latter condition increased titers up to eightfold. Consequently, better yields and productivities to previously reported complex media cultivations were achieved. Productivity was further investigated under different cultivation conditions, including nitrogen and oxygen availability. This novel cultivation setup provided useful insight into the understanding of terpene biosynthesis in R. sphaeroides, allowing to better comprehend its dynamics and regulation during chemoheterotrophic cultivation.
A Systematic Quantitative Literature Review of Southeast Asian and Micronesian Rock Art
Authors: Jalandoni Andrea , Taçon Paul , Haubt Robert
Published: June 2019

Even though Southeast Asia is one of the most densely populated regions of the world, its rock art is relatively unknown, and the rock art of Micronesia is even less so. As a starting point for comparing Philippine rock art within the region, a systematic quantitative literature review (SQLR) was conducted to assess the current body of accessible publications. The SQLR resulted in 126 viable references, and characteristics of those references were quantified and analyzed to ascertain the qualities of research published to date. The SQLR results show that scholarship in Southeast Asian rock art is increasing and that the research is dominated by Australia-affiliated scholars. It also quantitatively affirmed that the most noted color for rock art in the region is red and the most commonly identified motif is anthropomorphic. Many motifs found elsewhere in Southeast Asia are notably absent in the known corpus of Philippine rock art. Finally, we discuss SQLR methodology and propose integrating collaborative semantic web applications to increase efficiency and relevance.
Associations between usual food intake and faecal sterols and bile acids: results from the Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region (KORA FF4) study
Authors: Mitry Patricia , Wawro Nina , Sharma Sapna , Kriebel Jennifer , Artati Anna , Adamski Jerzy , Heier Margit , Meisinger Christa , Thorand Barbara , Grallert Harald , Peters Annette , Linseisen Jakob
Published: June 2019

Animal sterols, plant sterols and bile acids in stool samples have been suggested as biomarkers of dietary intake. It is still unknown whether they also reflect long-term habitual dietary intake and can be used in aetiological research. In a subgroup of the Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region (KORA FF4) study, habitual dietary intake was estimated based on repeated 24-h food list and a FFQ. Stool samples were collected according to a standard operating procedure and those meeting the quality criteria were extracted and analysed by means of a metabolomics technique. The present study is based on data from 513 men and 495 women with a mean age of 60 and 58 years, respectively, for which faecal animal and plant sterols and bile acids concentrations and dietary intake data were available. In adjusted regression models, the associations between food intake and log-normalised metabolite concentrations were analysed. Bonferroni correction was used to account for multiple testing. In this population-based sample, associations between habitual dietary intake and faecal concentrations of animal sterols were identified, while the impact of usual diet on bile acids was limited. A habitual diet high in ‘fruits’ and ‘nuts and seeds’ is associated with lower animal faecal sterols concentrations, whereas a diet high in ‘meat and meat products’ is positively related to faecal concentrations of animal sterols. A positive association between glycocholate and fruit consumption was found. Further studies are necessary for evaluation of faecal animal sterols as biomarkers of diet. The findings need to be confirmed in other populations with diverse dietary habits.
VI.—The Isle of Thanet. The Ammonite Zone, the Depth of the Chalk in Section, and the Continuity of its Flint Floorings
Authors: Bedwell F. A.
Published: June 2019

In the summer of this year I laid before the Geologists' Association some particulars of fourteen large Ammonites which I had found in the Chalk cliffs east and west of Margate. The following is the result of three weeks' further work on these cliffs.
II.—On Faulting, Jointing, and Cleavage
Authors: Fisher O.
Published: June 2019

The following propositions respecting faults apply to strata, which are either horizontal, or which have a uniform dip. If they have a uniform dip, the country, faults and all, may be supposed turned back through the angle of dip, and the strata will become again horizontal. We need then only think of horizontal strata, if we bear in mind that “horizontal” and “vertical” really mean only, parallel and perpendicular to the bedding. This artifice will simplify the subject; but it does not imply that the faulting took place before the beds were tilted, which may, or may not, have been the case.
IV.—Notes on Progressive Metamorphism
Authors: Callaway C.
Published: June 2019

On no branch of geology has there been more imaginative writing than upon metamorphism. Some speculations have, indeed diverged into the humorous. Keen-eyed observers, with vision capable of piercing through miles of solid rock, have described to us those processes of subterranean cookery by which Pluto has converted sandstones and shales into granite, metamorphic schists and porphyries. If water was used, the rocks were “stewed”; if not they were only “baked” or perhaps “melted.” Furthermore, it was declared, and text-books submissively taught, that rocks of almost every epoch have sometimes undergone these mystic changes: In North America, some metamorphic schists were “Triassic” while in the European Alps we had granite and gneiss of “Eocene” age. In Britain, men were more moderate, and we were not asked to extend our faith beyond the limits of the Palæozoic formations. The evidence on which these conclusions were advanced was mainly of two kinds. A metamorphic rock associated with unaltered beds was proved to be of the same age as the latter, because either it overlay or passed into them. Thus, as an illustration of the former, the newer gneissic rocks of the Northern Highlands were said to be Ordovician, because they rested on Ordovician limestone and quartzite. Murchison saw the gneiss lying on the top of the limestone or the quartzite, and he said that the upper beds were the younger. Everybody believed him, except Nicol, who died discredited and disheartened. Now, we know that Nicol was right, and the great authority, misled by superficial appearances, was wrong.
III.—Note on the Genus Actinoceras, with Particular Reference to Specimens in the British Museum, showing the Perforated Apex of the Siphuncle
Authors: Foord Arthur H.
Published: June 2019

The genus Actinoceras was founded by Bronn in 1837, upon Dr. Bigsby's figures in the Transactions of the Geological Society; the chief distinguishing character being the possession of a large, dilated, and segmented siphuncle, filled with radiating deposits. The presence of a smaller internal tube with tubuli radiating therefrom and communicating with the septal chambers through the wall of the siphuncle. had not then been observed.
V.—On the Cretaceous Selachian Genus Synechodus
Authors: Woodward A. Smith
Published: June 2019

More than forty years ago the detached teeth of Hybodont Sharks were recognized by Reuss in the Cretaceous rocks of Bohemia, and these were referred to the genus Hybodus under no less than eight specific names. About twenty years later, evidence of a somewhat similar Selachian was discovered by Mr. William Davies and Mr. S. J. Mackie, in the Lower Chalk of Kent; and the cartilages of the jaw, with a few teeth, were briefly described by the last-named geologist under the name of Hybodus dubrisiensis. In 1886, the present writer pointed out, from more recently discovered specimens, that the English Cretaceous species was more specialized in every respect than any of the typical forms of Hybodus; and quite lately it has been proposed to regard this fossil as generically distinct, with the new name of Synechodus.
IX.—Notes on the Nomenclature of the Fishes of the Old Red Sandstone of Great Britain
Authors: Traquair R. H.
Published: June 2019

The nomenclature of the fishes of the Old Red Sandstone of Great Britain, with the exception of the Cephalaspidæ, revised some years ago by Professor Lankester, is at present in a very unsatisfactory state. A vary large number of the species named by Agassiz, as well as by McCoy, were undoubtedly founded upon deceptive characters, due partly to different modes of preservation in different rocks, partly also to those apparent variations in external form, which are inevitable in such ancient fossil fishes devoid of a fully ossified internal framework, without which the original outline cannot be expected to be constantly preserved. In specimens from one locality the external ganoid surface of the scales may be well shown, in those from another it may be constantly hidden or obscured, while the proportional measurements in the very same species may vary infinitely, by the fish being lengthened out, or shortened up by changes, which have occurred after death or during the consolidation of the enclosing rock. These and kindred sources of fallacy can only be guarded against by long experience in deciphering such remains, coupled with the examination of an immense number of specimens.
II.—On the Conversion of Chlorite into Biotite in Rock-Metamorphism
Authors: Callaway Charles
Published: June 2019

In a paper read before the Geological Society of London, in 1889, I contended that the biotite of the gneisses and schists of Malvern had been produced out of hornblende through the intermediate form of chlorite. As this mineral change is of capital importance in explaining the origin of the Malvern schists, I made it one of the principal topics of the paper, and I trusted that the evidence I offered in support of it would be considered adequate. The further communication on the Malvern rocks, which I read on April 26th of the present year, assumed the adequacy of this proof. I found, however, that in certain quarters some scepticism on the point still existed, and it was suggested that I had overlooked some of the chemical difficulties which seemed to forbid the acceptance of my view. I therefore crave permission to reply to this objection in these pages ; and I desire, at the same time, to point out that since the reading of my paper in 1889, the production of biotite from chlorite has been affirmed by several writers of admitted authority.
III.—Notes on the Eocene Tertiary Insects of the Isle of Wight
Authors: Brodie P. B.
Published: June 2019

There are some points of special interest with reference to the Insect remains from the Bembridge Limestone, near Cowes, which seem to be worth recording. My friend Mr. Scudder, who has done so much to promote the study and elucidate the history of fossil insects, and who is our highest authority upon the subject, remarks in one of his papers in the United States Bulletin, that in no case had he observed the interior of any insect in a fossil state, and that the internal structure could hardly be expected to be detected.
IV.—Description of a Slab from the Shale Above the Kinder Scout Grit, Rabchester, Lancashire. Obtained by K. H. Tiddeman, Esq., M.A., F.G.S.
Authors: Hind Wheelton
Published: June 2019

Mention is made of this slab by Mr. E. Etheridge, jun., in his Presidential Address to the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, p. 50. The specimen is in the Museum of Natural History, Cromwell Eoad, South Kensington.

The slab shows a piece of fossil wood 2¾ in. long by about 1½ in. broad, the exact nature of which is not determinable on account of its bad state of preservation, but this is fortunately not germane to the subject; it lies flat and compressed and is surrounded on three sides by masses of Mollusca, in places two and three deep, which have doubtless been attached to the wood by their byssi. The anterior ends and in many cases the inferior borders are turned towards the piece of wood and are in close contact with it, while others are again attached to the first row, as in masses of living mussels.
V.—The Amount of Disseminated Silica in Chalk Considered in Relation to Flints
Authors: Jukes-Browne A. J.
Published: June 2019

It has been supposed, though I do not know who was the first to suggest it, that the total amounts of silica existing in the Chalk with flints and the Chalk without flints respectively are very nearly equal: the idea being that if the quantity of silica disseminated through the flintless Chalk could be accurately estimated it would be found to be nearly or quite as great as the amount existing in the shape of flints in an equal thickness of flinty Chalk.

Proceeding on this assumption it seems also to have been inferred that silica was originally disseminated through the mass of the Upper Chalk, and that this silica has in some mysterious way been concentrated into nodules and layers of flint, leaving the surrounding Chalk in the condition of a nearly pure calcareous material.
On the relative Ages of Husbands and Wives whose Marriages are fruitful
Authors: Chatham James
Published: June 2019

A number of the schedules collected by Mr. Ansell of the National Life Assurance Society in 1871, and from which were deduced the interesting results contained in his Statistics of Families in the Upper and Professional Classes, were, with the permission of the Directors of that Society, lent to Mr. Sprague, who wished to extract from them certain information bearing upon an investigation he was making. These schedules had been filled up by members of the clerical, medical, and legal professions, and by a large number of other gentlemen and noblemen in England and Wales; and they contain, in addition to full particulars as to the children of the marriage, the dates of the births and the marriage of the parents, and their state at marriage, whether bachelor or widower, spinster or widow. Mr. Ansell has not investigated the law which the ages of the wives follow, when a number of men of a given age marry; and at Mr. Sprague's suggestion, and upon principles indicated by him, I undertook this novel enquiry.
Some Observations on the Life Assurance Clauses of the “Married Women's Property Acts”, 1870 and 1882
Authors: Hughes William
Published: June 2019

The profession of an Actuary, though mainly concerned with the science of finance as applied to transactions dependent upon the duration of human life, involves the consideration, more or less minute, of many other subjects not immediately connected with scientific analysis and computations. There is a practical side to our profession which has, perhaps, been sometimes in danger of being overlooked, and it has been hinted, if not openly stated, that the Institute too exclusively concerns itself with the mathematical aspect of life assurance to the neglect of other matters which might very properly engage its attention. Among the most obvious of such subjects are those which deal with questions of law, the forms of the contracts between assurants and assurers, and the numerous questions which arise as to their interpretation and execution. Such questions arise daily in our official practice, but have seldom formed the subject of our deliberations as an Institute. The great interest, however, which was excited last session by Mr. C. D. Higham's paper on the Assignment of Life Policies, naturally suggested that papers on other legal questions would be welcomed by the Institute; and it may be incidentally remarked that a subject of a legal character is peculiarly appropriate to the occasion of what is practically our first ordinary meeting in this ancient hall, formerly the seat of one of the Inns of Chancery.
Friendly Societies
Authors: Hardy George F.
Published: June 2019

In considering the origin and development of the friendly society system, it is necessary to recognize the twofold purpose that these institutions have fulfilled. In the view of the actuary they are merely associations for the mutual assurance of certain benefits, generally in the case of the sickness or death of any of the members. This, however, represents only one side, and that by far the most recent, of the work of these institutions. A not less prominent and much older feature is to be found in the opportunities for social intercourse, companionship, and mutual help, which such associations naturally afford—wants common to man in every state of society, and as old as civilization itself. Hence, from the earliest times, small communities have existed, drawn together by the common interests, tastes, or pursuits of the members, such communities being originally purely social in character, subsequently charitable and mutually protective, and only in recent times financial.
Formulas and Tables for applying Profits to converting Whole-Life Policies into Endowment Assurances, and to Making Endowment Assurances payable at an earlier Age
Authors: Manly Henry William
Published: June 2019

There is one portion of the history of life assurance which I suppose could never be accurately written: I refer to the origin of the various forms of assurances, of the various plans of distributing or appropriating the surplus, and the authors and dates of discovery of many of the formulas; in fact, the history of the science of life assurance in contradistinction to the history of the business and its development.
On the Approximate Calculation of Valuation Reserves
Authors: Chisholm James
Published: June 2019

In the course of a paper read before the Institute in January 1885 (J.I.A., xxv, 141), I suggested a certain method of making approximate valuations on different bases of the liabilities of a life assurance company under its whole-life policies. Shortly afterwards I had occasion to make a valuation of the liabilities of a particular company, and I took the opportunity of testing the suggested method of approximate valuation by actual comparison of the results arrived at by its application with those derived from a rigidly accurate class valuation, and I have thought that it would be interesting to the members of the Institute to have an explanation of the process employed in making use of the approximate method, and a statement of the results of the comparison.
The Recent Decline in the English Death-Rate, and its Effect upon the Duration of Life
Authors: Humphreys Noel A.
Published: June 2019

The Registrar-General's mortality statistics prove beyond doubt that a marked decline has occurred in the national death rate in recent years. There appears, however, to prevail a singular reluctance to accept this decline of mortality as evidence of the improved health and sanitary condition of the English people, or to recognize that it necessarily implies an increase of the mean duration of life in England.
The German Laws of Insurance Against Invalidity and Old Age: A History, Analysis and Criticism
Authors: Young T. E.
Published: June 2019

The law adopted by the German Reichstag on the 23rd of May 1889 for insurance against invalidity and old age must demand careful attention as one of the most daring social and economic experiments in modern history.

Its many varied aspects solicit and repay the sedulous thought of the philosopher, as a contribution to one of the deepest problems in the evolution of man: of the statesman, as a signal tentative experiment in the compacting of a nation into an intimate and interdependent unity: of the economist, as a bold departure from principles of social condition which had generally prevailed, and as a practical criticism upon the doctrine of laissez faire: of the historian, as a problem in the mode of development of nations: of the moralist, as a contribution to practical social ethics: and of the actuary, as affording him a question which peculiarly is fitted to engage the disciplined thought and experience in which he has been trained.
On the Formulæ for determining the Value of Benefits, according to the Principle of Collective Assurance
Authors: Hardy Ralph Price
Published: June 2019

1.—Amongst the various current proposals for the application of the principle of Collectivity to the needs of life, those that relate to the provision for a minimum aid towards sustenance in that period of permanent incapacity known as Old Age, and for the burial of the dead, appear to be the least open to objection on political grounds; whilst the objects in view appeal so strongly to the circumstances of our common Humanity that few are disinclined to lend their assent to this partial recognition of claims that, in their wider extent, they would strongly resist. Fortunately, the question of the cost of these arrangements can be considered apart from all political grounds; and, since the results of its investigation disclose some novel and curious modifications of the formulæ for the ordinary Benefits, it has appeared to me that, by limiting the enquiry to the terms shown on the title to this Paper, the subject might be brought before this Meeting, without any breach of the benevolent neutrality that has so largely contributed to the preservation of our personal harmony amidst the many inevitable divergencies of opinion on subjects of close personal interest to all.
On an Application of the Graphic Method to obtain a Graduated Mortality Table from a limited Experience, by means of Comparison with a Standard Table
Authors: Lidstone George J.
Published: June 2019

In a paper by the late Mr. Samuel Brown “On the Rate of Mortality and Marriage among Europeans in India” (J.I.A., xi, 1), reference is made to a method used by Griffith Davies to deduce rates of mortality from the records of the Madras Military Fund. It appears that Davies ascertained the average age of the lives in each of certain groups into which the experience naturally divided itself, and obtained the ratios which the actual deaths in the several groups bore to the corresponding number expected according to the Northampton Table at the average age. These ratios were then set out as ordinates corresponding to abscissae representing years of age, and a continuous curve was drawn in the usual way, by reading off which the graduated ratios for each age were obtained, and from these the graduated rates of mortality were at once formed.
The Enfranchisement of Leaseholds, and the Taxation of Ground Rents, Chief Rents and Kindred Charges on Land in England and Wales
Authors: Tarn Arthur Wyndham
Published: June 2019

The custom of letting land for agricultural or building purposes i s a very ancient one, the earliest records of such a custom being those which have been preserved in the Institutes of Justinian. From these records we discover that under the Roman Empire there were in use four distinct forms of leasehold tenure. The most important tenure was that known as Emphyteusis—a Greek word meaning planting—which was introduced in the 2nd century, and arose out of the practice of making perpetual leases of provincial lands belonging to the State and acquired by the rights of war. This tenure was afterwards adopted by private proprietors, who, through inability to devote sufficient time or trouble to the cultivation of their property, preferred to let it to a suitable tenant called the Emphyteuta, who agreed to pay an annual rent for the use of the land. Of a similar nature to Emphyteusis was the tenure called Superficies, by which a landed proprietor conceded to another person an area of ground for the erection of buildings without parting with the ownership of the soil. A third class was that known as Precarium, which, being equivalent to a tenancy at will, could be determined by the grantor at his pleasure. Lastly, there was a general system of short leaseholds, the usual term being five years, at the end of which the lease might either be renewed or be considered as one from year to year. In all leases the tenant was bound to pay the burdens attached to the holding of the land and to deliver the receipts to the owner (1).
On the Methods of deducing the Rate of Mortality from the Experience of Assured Lives; with some mention of a method adopted in investigating the experience of the Clerical, Medical and General Life Assurance Society
Authors: Whittall William J. H.
Published: June 2019

In venturing to bring this subject before the Institute to-night, I am conscious of inviting attention to a matter which has been frequently treated before and by far abler hands than mine. I at once confess that I have little original matter to bring forward; indeed, the main object of this paper is to endeavour to bring into one focus and to a common standard of criticism the various formulas for ascertaining the rate of mortality, which have already been so often discussed in this room. The expression “rate of mortality” is advisedly used here instead of “exposed to risk”, because it would seem that attention has hitherto been unduly centred in the latter.
Reversionary Interests contingent on survival of the Reversioner
Authors: Warner Samuel George
Published: June 2019

In venturing to direct the attention of the Institute of Actuaries once more to the subject of contingent reversionary interests, I am deeply sensible that the topic has been treated by some of the most brilliant and experienced members of our profession, and that it may therefore seem presumptuous of me to choose it for further comment. I can but plead in extenuation the very great practical importance of the subject—so great as to make it one upon which we can hardly confer too freely or too often. The only other prefatory remark I would make is a disclaimer of any ambitious design, or plea for originality, as regards the paper itself. Its purpose, so far as I am concerned, will be amply fulfilled should it succeed in eliciting a useful discussion.
I. On the standard of Solvency in Life Assurance Companies as affected by guaranteed benefits. II. On certain Methods of Reconstructing an insolvent Life Assurance Company. III. Some Observations on Insurance Matters in Canada and the United States
Authors: Ryan Gerald H.
Published: June 2019

The standard of solvency in life assurance companies is a question of such importance that any new light, however small, that can be thrown upon it may well engage our attention. Hence, anyone who can contribute to the illumination in the most insignificant degree may escape the reproach of having intruded himself and his views unnecessarily upon the profession. It is in this spirit that I submit the following short note to the Institute.
The International Congress of Actuaries of 1895, at Brussels
Authors: Finlaison A. J.
Published: June 2019

The first International Congress of Actuaries that has been held since the profession of Actuary has been generally recognised, was opened on 2 September 1895, at the Palais des Académies, at Brussels, under the patronage of the Belgian Government, by the Belgian Finance Minister, M. de Smet de Naeyer, who had previously acted as honorary president of the organizing committee. This organizing committee had skilfully performed the laborious duty of collecting the materials and settling the procedure which so largely contributed to the success which attended the meetings of the Congress.
On the Treatment of Endowment Assurance Policies in Periodical Valuations
Authors: Thomson H. Archer
Published: June 2019

Endowment assurance can boast of no great antiquity, though its constituent elements, the temporary assurance and the pure endowment, both date from early times. Traces of the latter are found as long ago as the 16th century; thus, in a pamphlet by one Thomas Wilson, published in 1572, and entitled “A Discourse upon Usurie, by waie of Dialogue and oracions, for “the better varietie and more delight of all those that shall read “this treatise”, it is stated that, “Whosoever lendeth such a summe “of money (£100), and hath a childe of one yeere, shall have for “his childe, if the same childe doe live till he be full fifteene years “of age, 500li (£) of money: but if the childe die before that “time, the father to lose his principal for ever.” It is evident that the rate of mortality in those days must have been alarmingly high, either among children or among the institutions granting these benefits. A form of assurance, similar in some respects to the above, called “Apprenticeship Assurance”, was introduced towards the beginning of the 18th century. In a prospectus dated 1710 it is stated that, “Anyone who now is, or that is to be an “apprentice, may by paying 1s. entrance and 2s. 6d. per quarter, “gain, probably from £40 to £50 up to £500 or £600.” After reading this astonishing statement, one cannot but admit that the tontine and other estimates of American Companies, about which we hear so much in the present day, pale their uneffectual fire before the similar extravagant statements made by our predecessors in the reign of Queen Anne.
The Relation of the Actuarial Profession to the State
Authors: Nicoll John
Published: June 2019

Even within comparatively recent years it was not uncommon to hear the question asked, “What is an Actuary”?; and, before dealing with our subject proper, it would therefore seem necessary, or very desirable at least, to trace to some extent the origin and development, so to speak, of the Actuary, and the rise and progress of the Actuarial Profession.
Statistics of Insanity in Scotland
Authors: Mitchell Arthur
Published: June 2019

The two following papers contain contributions to the statistics of insanity in Scotland, which have been compiled with care and accuracy. They may therefore prove of service to actuaries who may be called upon to deal with problems where the ordinary vital contingencies are complicated by the element of insanity.
On the American Tontine and Mutual Assessment Schemes
Authors: Manly Henry William
Published: June 2019

Mr. T. B. Sprague, in his opening address delivered on the 30th November 1885, when he was President of this Institute, treated, in his usually full and exhaustive' manner, of the various theoretical doctrines current respecting Life Assurance. One of these, he said, “ seems to me to proceed upon the idea that life “ insurance is exclusively a contract of indemnity, the object of “ which is to indemnify the family of the life assured against the “ loss they will suffer if he should die prematurely, and be deprived “ of the opportunity he might otherwise have had of saving money “ and making a provision for those dependent upon him. Looking “ at the matter more practically, it may be held that life insurance “ is also a species of investment; in fact, that an ordinary life “ insurance policy contains elements both of indemnity and of “ investment. … If an indemnity only were desired, life “ insurance should logically cease at the age when the need for the “ indemnity has ceast; that is to say, when a man's working years “ are past, and he is no longer in a position to earn money by “ following his trade or profession. In fact, the logical conclusion is that all insurances should be term insurances expiring at “ about the age of 65.
On the Method of estimating Expected Deaths and Expected Claims
Authors: Ryan Gerald Hemmington
Published: June 2019

It is a common thing to find in the reports of life assurance companies a statement to the effect that the actual deaths and claim payments have been under the expectation, or have represented a certain percentage of the expectation. The records of life assurance literature would appear to show that little attention has been given to the methods on which these comparisons are based, the only contribution to the Journal bearing directly on the point being a paper by Mr. G. M. Low (J.I.A., xviii, 195). But as the matter possesses a considerable and growing importance, the following note has been prepared with the object of suggesting a method by which such estimates may be computed according to a plan which seems reasonable and defensible on scientific grounds.
History of Life Assurance in the United Kingdom
Authors: Walford Cornelius
Published: June 2019

The earliest event of the year 1844 was the presentation to Parliament of the “First Report” of the Committee on Joint-Stock Companies, appointed in 1841. The report set out by stating that, as a good deal of the information affecting persons was in the nature of ex parte statements, caution would be required in promulgating it: hence much of the evidence collected would he stated summarily. I shall confine myself here to the passages bearing upon Insurance Associations.
Comparison of oral steroid regimens for acute acoustic trauma caused by gunshot noise exposure
Authors: Choi N , Kim J S , Chang Y-S
Published: June 2019

Background

There are no definite guidelines regarding the most adequate steroid regimens for acute acoustic trauma.

Objective

To elucidate the dose-dependent differing benefits of oral steroids on hearing improvement following acute acoustic trauma.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients treated with oral steroids following a diagnosis of unilateral acute acoustic trauma were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were sorted into two groups with an oral steroid regimen. Group 1 received a 14-day course of treatment: 60 mg prednisolone daily for 10 days, tapering off over days 11–14. Group 2 received prednisolone for a total of 10 days: 60 mg for 5 days, tapering down each day for the remainder. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the factors associated with the hearing gain.

Results

In the multivariable regression (R2 = 0.51, p < 0.001), patients in group 1 showed more significant improvement in the degree of hearing gain compared to group 2 (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

After comparing the differing benefits of oral steroids on hearing improvement by dosage, we recommend a high dose of prednisolone (60 mg per day) for 10 days, tapering over the remaining 4 days, for better hearing recovery following acute acoustic trauma.
Art. XVII.—Dr. Bhagvânlâl Indrâjî's Interpretation of the Mathurâ Lion Pillar Inscriptions
Authors: Bühler G.
Published: June 2019

A lingering illness, ending with a premature death, prevented the late Dr. Bhagvânlâl Indrâjî from completing. his article on one of his most important discoveries, the inscriptions on the Mathurâ Lion Pillar. What he had written, or rather dictated to his assistant—a transcript as well as Sanskrit and English translations, together with some notes—was sent after his death to England, with the sculpture (now in the British Museum), and made over for publication to the Royal Asiatic Society. With the permission of the Society's Council, I have undertaken to edit these materials, and thus for the last time to perform a task which I have performed more than once for my lamented friend's papers during his lifetime. In doing this I have compared Dr. Bhagvânlâl's transcript first with the originals on the stone, and afterwards again with an excellent paper impression, presented to me by Dr. James Burgess in 1889. The collation has made necessary some alterations in the transcript and in the translation, among which the more important ones have been pointed out in the notes. But I may confidently assert that all really essential points have been fully settled and explained by Dr. Bhagvânlâl, whose great acumen and scholarship are as conspicuous in his interpretation of these inscriptions as in his other epigraphic publications. For convenience's sake I have prefixed an introduction, summarizing the chief results deducible from the inscriptions.