bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the humoral immune response to islet antigen 2 in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.
Authors: Mäkinen Anna , Härkönen Taina , Ilonen Jorma , Knip Mikael , _ _
Published: June 2008

Objective

To characterize the humoral immune response to islet antigen 2 (IA-2) in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D), we compared the profile of epitope- and isotype-specific IA-2 antibodies (IA-2A) between children with a humoral immune response restricted to IA-2 and children with a broad response including insulin autoantibodies (IAA) and antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA) in addition to IA-2A.

Methods

The study subjects (n=100) were derived from a consecutive series of 1108 patients from the Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register (investigators listed in the Appendix). Islet cell antibodies, IAA, GADA, total IA-2A levels, IA-2/IA-2β epitopes, and isotypes were measured, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes were analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in the frequency or levels of epitope-specific IA-2A. Those with an IA-2-restrictive response tested positive more frequently for IgA-IA-2A (P=0.001), had higher titers of IgE-IA-2A (P=0.025), tested positive for more IA-2A isotypes than the broad responders (P=0.04), and carried the high-riskHLA-(DR4)-DQB1*0302haplotype more frequently than those with a broad antibody response (P=0.019).

Conclusions

These data show that children with newly diagnosed T1D, who test positive only for IA-2A out of the three molecular antibodies predictive of T1D, have a broader IA-2-specific isotype response and stronger association with the high-risk HLA haplotype than those testing positive for all three molecular antibodies. This may be indicative of a different pathogenetic mechanism in those with their humoral immune response restricted to IA-2 at the time of diagnosis.
Pharm.D. Pathways to Biomedical Research: The National Institutes of Health Special Conference on Pharmacy Research
Authors: Figg William D. , Chau Cindy H. , Okita Richard , Preusch Peter , Tracy Timothy S. , McLeod Howard , Reed Michael , Pieper John , Knoell Daren , Miller Ken , Speedie Marilyn , Blouin Robert , Kroboth Patricia , Koda‐Kimble Mary Anne , Taylor Palmer , Cohen Jordan , Giacomini Kathy
Published: June 2008

To address the shortage of research‐trained pharmaceutical scientists (or doctor of pharmacy [Pharm.D.] scientists), a 2‐day pharmacy research conference titled “Pharm.D. Pathways to Biomedical Research” was convened on December 13–14, 2006, at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus (Bethesda, MD). The workshop included invited speakers and participants from academia, industry, and government. Forty‐two pharmacy schools were represented, including deans and clinical pharmaceutical scientists with current NIH funding. In addition, several pharmacy professional organizations were represented—American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists, and the Accreditation Council on Pharmaceutical Education. The workshop was divided into three sessions followed by breakout discussion groups: the first session focused on presentations by leading pharmaceutical scientists who described their path to success; the second session examined the NIH grant system, particularly as it relates to training opportunities in biomedical research and funding mechanisms; and the third session addressed biomedical research education and training from the perspective of scientific societies and academia. We summarize the discussions and findings from the workshop and highlight some important considerations for the future of research in the pharmacy community. This report also puts forth recommendations for educating future pharmaceutical scientists.
Enhancement of maternal lactation performance during prolonged lactation in the mouse by mouse GH and long-R3-IGF-I is linked to changes in mammary signaling and gene expression
Authors: Hadsell Darryl L , Parlow Albert F , Torres Daniel , George Jessy , Olea Walter
Published: June 2008

GH, prolactin (PRL), and IGF-I stimulate lactation-related metabolic processes in mammary epithelial cells. However, the ability of these factors to stimulate milk production in animals varies depending on species and experimental variables. Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated that transgenic overexpression of des(1–3)IGF-I within the mammary glands of lactating mouse dams increased lactation capacity during prolonged lactation. This work also suggested that some of the effects of the overexpressed IGF-I may have been mediated through elevated concentrations of IGF-I or PRL in the systemic circulation. In the present study, murine GH and PRL, and a human IGF-I analog, long-R3-IGF-I (LR3), were administered as s.c. injections to compare their ability to enhance milk production, and alter mammary gland signaling and gene expression. Lactation capacity, as measured by litter gain, was increased (P<0.05) by GH, but not by PRL. LR3 increased (P<0.05) mammary phospho-Akt and suppressors of cytokines signaling 3 (SOCS3) gene expression, and had a modest ability to increase (P<0.05) lactation capacity. GH both increased (P<0.05) mammary SOCS1 expression and decreased (P<0.05) mammary expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 1, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of serotonin and a potential feedback inhibitor of lactation. These results suggest that while both GH and IGF-I stimulate milk production in the lactating mouse, the effect of GH may be additionally mediated through IGF-I-independent effects associated with repression of mammary serotonin synthesis.
Mechanisms underlying proglucagon gene expression
Authors: Jin Tianru
Published: June 2008

The proglucagon gene (gcg) encodes a number of peptide hormones that are of cell-type specifically expressed in the pancreatic islets, the distal ileum and the large intestine, as well as certain brain neuronal cells. These hormones are important in controlling blood glucose homeostasis, intestinal cell proliferation, and satiety. More importantly, the major hormone generated in the pancreas (i.e. glucagon) exerts opposite effects to the ones that are produced in the intestines (i.e. glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GLP-2). To understand the mechanisms underlying cell-type-specific gcg expression may lead to the identification of novel drug targets to control endogenous hormone production for therapeutic purposes. Extensive in vitro examinations have shown that more than a half dozen of homeodomain (HD) proteins are able to interact with the gcg gene promoter and activate its expression. In vivo ‘knock-out’ mouse studies, however, cannot demonstrate the role of some of them (i.e. Cdx-2, Brn-4, and Nkx6.2) in the development of pancreatic islet α-cells, suggesting that these HD proteins may exert some redundant functions in the genesis of gcg-producing cells. Investigations have also revealed that gcg expression is controlled by both protein kinase A and Epac signaling pathways in response to cAMP elevation, and cell-type specifically controlled by insulin and the effectors of the Wnt signaling pathway. This review summarizes our current understanding on the mechanisms underlying gcg transcription and presented my interpretations on how the interactions between different signaling networks regulate gcg expression.
Refurbishment of Stobcross on-ramp, Glasgow, Scotland
Authors: Brown P. , MacGregor I. , Stewart A. , Brodie A.
Published: June 2008

Stobcross on-ramp forms part of the north approaches to Kingston Bridge in Glasgow, Scotland and links eastbound traffic on the A814 Clydeside expressway with the M8 westbound carriageway. Assessments of the existing post-tensioned concrete structure found a number of major structural problems that needed to be addressed if the on-ramp was to be retained. This paper summarises these problems, discusses some of the options considered for refurbishment and describes the solutions adopted by the design-and-build contractor. Details of the complex refurbishment of the curved section of the on-ramp over the existing M8, including propping, jacking and post-tensioning, are included. The refurbishment work needed to be carried out while maintaining traffic on the M8 and surface streets beneath. This paper also describes the demolition and reconstruction of the decks of the approach ramps, concrete deck repairs and replacement of the parapets and copes over the entire length of the on-ramp and the M8 Kingston bridge westbound carriageway.
Bridgeworks on the East London railway line extension, UK
Authors: Place D. , Cox R.
Published: June 2008

The East London railway line extension is one of the most intensive railway reconstruction projects undertaken in the UK. An existing operational railway with Victorian infrastructure has been taken out of service so that it can be extended and upgraded to provide a high-quality metro-style passenger service across London. The project encompasses integrating modern bridges into Victorian railway infrastructure, building new bridges and viaducts in the centre of London and minimising disruption while putting new bridges across the mainlines into two of London's railway termini. The paper describes the bridge structures and how they are being built. Two particular design issues with regard to the maintenance of railway bridges are highlighted.
Ga‐doped zinc oxide: An attractive potential substitute for ITO, large‐area coating, and control of electrical and optical properties on glass and polymer substrates
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Yamada Takahiro , Miyake Aki , Makino Hisao , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: June 2008

Abstract— Ga‐doped ZnO (GZO) films with thicknesses of 30–560 nm were prepared on glass substrates at 200°C by ion plating with direct‐current arc discharge. The dependences of the characteristics of GZO films on thickness were investigated. All the polycrystalline GZO films, which showed high transmittance in the visible region, were ZnO crystallites with a wurtzite structure highly oriented along the (0002) plane. The resistivity, ρ, of GZO films decreases with increasing film thickness. The highest ρ achieved is 4.4 × 10−4 Ω‐cm with a carrier concentration, n, of 7.6 × 1020 cm−3 and a Hall mobility, μ, of 18.5 cm2/V‐sec, determined by Hall effect measurement for the GZO films with a thickness of 30 nm, and the lowest ρ is 1.8 × 10−4 Ω‐cm with n = 1.1 × 1021 cm−3 and μ = 31.7 m2/V‐sec for the GZO film with a thickness of 560 nm. In addition, highly transparent GZO films with thicknesses of 12–300 nm were fabricated on unheated polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The ρ of these transparent GZO films decreased from 20 to 4 × 10−4 Ω‐cm with film thickness.
Study on parasitic and channel resistance of poly‐Si thin‐film transistors by metal‐induced crystallization
Authors: Saxena Saurabh , Cheon Jun Hyuk , Kennedy G. P. , Bae Jung Ho , Jang Jin
Published: June 2008

Abstract—The channel‐length‐dependent transfer characteristics of TFTs using poly‐Si by metal‐induced crystallization through a cap (MICC) of a‐Si to evaluate the parasitic and channel resistances have been studied. The MICCp‐channel TFTs studied in the present work showed a maximum field‐effect mobility, threshold voltage, and gate swing of 53 cm2/V‐sec, −4.4 V, and 0.8 V/dec forW/L= 12 μm/6 μm, 71 cm2/V‐sec, −5.3 V, and 0.9 V/dec forW/L= 12 μm/12 μm, and 113 cm2/V‐sec, −7 V, and 1 V/dec forW/L= 12 μm/24 μm, respectively. It is found that the parasitic resistance is higher than the channel resistance, and both decrease with increasing temperature.
A new a‐Si:H TFT pixel circuit employing data‐reflected negative‐bias annealing for a stable and uniform AMOLED
Authors: Han Sang‐Myeon , Shin Hee‐Sun , Park Hyun‐Sang , Han Min‐Koo
Published: June 2008

Abstract— A new a‐Si:H pixel circuit to reduce the VTH degradation of driving a‐Si:H thin‐film transistors (TFTs) by data‐reflected negative‐bias annealing (DRNBA) is presented. The new pixel circuit compensates VTH variation induced by non‐uniform degradation of each a‐Si:H pixel due to various electrical stress. The proposed pixel circuit was verified by SPICE simulations. Although the VTH of the driving a‐Si:H TFT varies from 2.5 to 3.0 and 3.5 V, the organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) current changes by only 1.5 and 2.8% in the emission period, respectively. During the negative‐bias annealing period, the negative VGS is applied to the driving TFT by using its own data signal. It is expected that the VTH shift of the driving TFT can be effectively reduced and the VTH shift can be compensated for in our new pixel circuit, which can contribute to a stable and uniform image from an a‐Si:H TFT active‐matrix OLED.
Reduced dc offset and faster dynamic response in a carbon‐nanotube‐impregnated liquid‐crystal display
Authors: Lee Wei , Chen Hui‐Yu , Shih Yu‐Cheng
Published: June 2008

Abstract— Liquid crystals have been extensively employed in photonic devices, especially in current flat‐panel displays. Demands on high‐quality electro‐optical performance of liquid‐crystal displays have continued to impel delicate molecular designs, chemical syntheses, as well as advanced cell‐manufacturing processes, leading to a reduced dc offset and faster intrinsic response in the devices. Here, a novel approach toward the reduction of the residual dc and response time is reported based on carbon‐nanotube doping. It is demonstrated that a minute amount of carbon nanotubes as a dopant can suppress the unwanted ion effect, invariably lower the rotational viscosity, and modify other physical properties of the liquid crystals, giving the approach an opportunity in display applications.
Laser‐based multi‐user 3‐D display
Authors: Surman Phil , Sexton Ian , Hopf Klaus , Lee Wing Kai , Neumann Frank , Buckley Edward , Jones Graham , Corbett Alex , Bates Richard , Talukdar Sumanta
Published: June 2008

Abstract— The development of a multi‐user stereoscopic display that does not require the use of special glasses (autostereoscopic), and that enables a large degree of freedom of viewer movement and requires only the minimum amount of information (a stereo pair) for the displays described. The optics comprise an RGB holographic laser projector that is controlled by the output of a multi‐target head‐position head tracker, an optical assembly that converts the projector output into steerable exit pupils, and a screen assembly comprising a single liquid‐crystal display (LCD) and image multiplexing screen. A stereo image pair is produced on the LCD by simultaneously displaying left and right images on alternate rows of pixels. Novel steering optics that replace the conventional backlight are used to direct viewing regions, referred to as exit pupils, to the appropriate viewers' eyes. The results obtained from the first version of the display, where the illumination source consists of several thousand white LEDs, are given and the current status of the latest prototype being constructed on the basis of these results is described. The work indicates that a laser‐based head‐tracking display can provide the basis for the next generation of 3‐D display.
Cooperative downconversion in Y3Al5O12 : RE3+,Yb3+ (RE = Tb, Tm, and Pr) nanophosphors
Authors: Zhang Q. Y. , Liang X. F.
Published: June 2008

Abstract— Efficient near‐infrared (NIR) quantum cutting (QC) through cooperative downconversion in Y3Al5O12 : RE3+,Yb3+ (RE = Tb, Tm, and Pr) nanophosphors has been demonstrated, which involves the conversion of the visible photon from RE3+ into the NIR emission of Yb3+ with the optimal quantum efficiency approaching 200%. The authors have analyzed the measured luminescence spectra and decay lifetimes and propose a mechanism to rationalize the NIR QC effect. The results indicate the potential of developing RE3+‐Yb3 dual‐ion‐based nanophosphors for the downconversion of high‐energy photons to multiple photons with an energy greater than the bandgap of silicon‐based‐photonics display devices.
Silicon‐nanocrystal‐based photosensor integrated on low‐temperature polysilicon panels
Authors: Chiang Wen‐Jen , Lin Chrong‐Jung , King Ya‐Chin , Cho An‐Thung , Peng Chia‐Tien , Chao Chih‐Wei , Lin Kun‐Chih , Gan Feng‐Yuan
Published: June 2008

Abstract—A photodetector using a silicon‐nanocrystal layer sandwiched between two electrodes is proposed and demonstrated on a glass substrate fabricated by low‐temperature poly‐silicon (LTPS) technology. Through post excimer‐laser annealing (ELA) of silicon‐rich oxide films, silicon nanocrystals formed between the bottom metal and top indium thin oxide (ITO) layers exhibit good uniformity, reliable optical response, and tunable absorption spectrum. Due to the quantum confinement effect leading to enhanced phonon‐assisted excitation, these silicon nanocrystals, less than 10 nm in diameter, promote electron‐hole‐pair generation in the photo‐sensing region as a result resembling a direct‐gap transition. The desired optical absorption spectrum can be obtained by determining the thickness and silicon concentration of the deposited silicon‐rich oxide films as well as the power of post laser annealing. In addition to obtaining a photosensitivity comparable to that of thep‐i‐nphotodiode currently used in LTPS technology, the silicon‐nanocrystal‐based photosensor provides an effective backlight shielding by the bottom electrode made of molybdenum (Mo). Having a higher temperature tolerance for both the dark current and optical responsibility and maximizing the photosensing area in a pixel circuit by adopting a stack structure, this novel photosensor can be a promising candidate for realizing an optical touch function on a LTPS panel.
Studying Organic Matter Molecular Assemblage within a Whole Organic Soil by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Lattao Charisma , Birdwell Justin , Wang Jim J. , Cook Robert L.
Published: June 2008

This work shows the applicability of two‐dimensional (2D) 1H‐13C heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to the characterization of whole soils. A combination of different mixing times and cross polarization (CP) methods, namely Lee‐Goldberg (LG)‐CP and Ramp‐CP are shown to afford, for the first time, intra‐ and inter‐ molecular connectivities, allowing for molecular assemblage information to be obtained on a whole soil Our results show that, for the brackish marsh histosol under study, two isolated domains could be detected. The first domain consists of O‐alkyl and aromatic moieties (lignocellulose material), while the second domain is comprised of alkyl type moieties (cuticular material). The role of these domains is discussed in terms of hydrophobic organic compound sorption within soil organic matter (SOM), including the possible effects of wetting and drying cycles.
Reclamation of Acid Sulfate Soils Using Lime‐Stabilized Biosolids
Authors: Orndorff Zenah W. , Daniels W. Lee , Fanning Delvin S.
Published: June 2008

Excavation of sulfidic materials during construction has resulted in acid rock drainage (ARD) problems throughout Virginia. The most extensive documented uncontrolled disturbance at a single location is Stafford Regional Airport (SRAP) in Stafford, Virginia. Beginning in 1998, over 150 ha of sulfidic Coastal Plain sediments were disturbed, including steeply sloping cut surfaces and spoils placed into fills. Acid sulfate soils developed, and ARD generated on‐site degraded metal and concrete structures and heavily damaged water quality with effects noted over 1 km downstream. The site was not recognized as sulfidic until 2001 when surface soil sampling revealed pH values ranging from 1.9 to 5.3 and peroxide potential acidity (PPA) values ranging from 1 to 42 Mg CaCO3per 1000 Mg material. In February 2002 a water quality program was established in and around the site to monitor baseline pH, EC, NO3–N, NH4–N, PO4–P, Fe, Al, Mn, and SO4–S, and initial pH values as low as 2.9 were noted in on‐site receiving streams. In the spring and fall of 2002, the site was treated with variable rates of lime‐stabilized biosolids, straw‐mulch, and acid‐ and salt‐tolerant legumes and grasses. By October 2002, the site was fully revegetated (≥90% living cover) with the exception of a few highly acidic outcrops and seepage areas. Surface soil sampling in 2003, 2004, and 2006 revealed pH values typically > 6.0. Water quality responded quickly to treatment, although short‐term NH4+release occurred. Despite heavy loadings, no significant surface water P losses were observed.
Indicators of Carbon Storage in U.S. Ecosystems: Baseline for Terrestrial Carbon Accounting
Authors: Negra Christine , Sweedo Caroline Cremer , Cavender‐Bares Kent , O'Malley Robin
Published: June 2008

Policymakers, program managers, and landowners need information about net terrestrial carbon sequestration in forests, croplands, grasslands, and shrublands to understand the cumulative effects of carbon trading programs, expanding biofuels production, and changing environmental conditions in addition to agricultural and forestry uses. Objective information systems that establish credible baselines and track changes in carbon storage can provide the accountability needed for carbon trading programs to achieve durable carbon sequestration and for biofuels initiatives to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions. A multi‐sector stakeholder design process was used to produce a new indicator for the 2008State of the Nation's Ecosystemsreport that presents metrics of carbon storage for major ecosystem types, specifically change in the amount of carbon gained or lost over time and the amount of carbon stored per unit area (carbon density). These metrics have been developed for national scale use, but are suitable for adaptation to multiple scales such as individual farm and forest parcels, carbon offset markets and integrated national and international assessments. To acquire the data necessary for a complete understanding of how much, and where, carbon is gained or lost by U.S. ecosystems, expansion and integration of monitoring programs will be required.
Testing DAYCENT Model Simulations of Corn Yields and Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Irrigated Tillage Systems in Colorado
Authors: Del Grosso S. J. , Halvorson A. D. , Parton W. J.
Published: June 2008

Agricultural soils are responsible for the majority of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in the USA. Irrigated cropping, particularly in the western USA, is an important source of N2O emissions. However, the impacts of tillage intensity and N fertilizer amount and type have not been extensively studied for irrigated systems. The DAYCENT biogeochemical model was tested using N2O, crop yield, soil N and C, and other data collected from irrigated cropping systems in northeastern Colorado during 2002 to 2006. DAYCENT uses daily weather, soil texture, and land management information to simulate C and N fluxes between the atmosphere, soil, and vegetation. The model properly represented the impacts of tillage intensity and N fertilizer amount on crop yields, soil organic C (SOC), and soil water content. DAYCENT N2O emissions matched the measured data in that simulated emissions increased as N fertilization rates increased and emissions from no‐till (NT) tended to be lower on average than conventional‐till (CT). However, the model overestimated N2O emissions. Lowering the amount of N2O emitted per unit of N nitrified from 2 to 1% helped improve model fit but the treatments receiving no N fertilizer were still overestimated by more than a factor of 2. Both the model and measurements showed that soil NO3− levels increase with N fertilizer addition and with tillage intensity, but DAYCENT underestimated NO3− levels, particularly for the treatments receiving no N fertilizer. We suggest that DAYCENT could be improved by reducing the background nitrification rate and by accounting for the impact of changes in microbial community structure on denitrification rates.
Temporal Variation and Persistence of Bacteria in Streams
Authors: Koirala Shesh R. , Gentry Randall W. , Perfect Edmund , Schwartz John S. , Sayler Gary S.
Published: June 2008

Better understanding of bacterial fate and transport in watersheds is necessary for improved regulatory management of impaired streams. Novel statistical time series analyses of coliform data can be a useful tool for evaluating the dynamics of temporal variation and persistence of bacteria within a watershed. For this study, daily total coliform data for the Little River in East Tennessee from 1 Oct. 2000 to 31 Dec. 2005 were evaluated using novel time series techniques. The objective of this study was to analyze the total coliform concentration data to: (i) evaluate the temporal variation of the total coliform, and (ii) determine whether the total coliform concentration data demonstrated any long‐term or short‐term persistence. For robust analysis and comparison, both time domain and frequency domain approaches were used for the analysis. In the time domain, an autoregressive moving average approach was used; whereas in the frequency domain, spectral analysis was applied. As expected, the analyses showed that total coliform concentrations were higher in summer months and lower in winter months. However, the more interesting results showed that the total coliform concentration exhibited short‐term as well as long‐term persistence ranging from about 4 wk to approximately 1 yr, respectively. Comparison of the total coliform data to hydrologic data indicated both runoff and baseflow are responsible for the persistence.
Research Priorities for Coordinating Management of Food Safety and Water Quality
Authors: Crohn David M. , Bianchi Mary L.
Published: June 2008

Efforts to exclude disease organisms from farms growing irrigated lettuce and leafy vegetables on California's central coast are conflicting with traditionally accepted strategies to protect surface water quality. To begin resolving this dilemma, over 100 officials, researchers, and industry representatives gathered in April 2007 to set research priorities that could lead to effective co‐management of both food safety and water quality. Following the meeting, research priorities were refined and ordered by way of a Delphi process completed by 35 meeting participants. Although water quality and food safety experts conceptualized the issues differently, there were no deep disagreements with respect to research needs. Top priority was given to investigating the fate of pathogens potentially present on farms. Intermediate priorities included characterizing the influence of specific farm management practices on food safety and improving our understanding of vector processes. A scientific subdiscipline focusing on competing risks is needed to characterize and resolve conflicts between human and environmental health.
The Decompositions of the Discounted Penalty Functions and Dividends-Penalty Identity in a Markov-Modulated Risk Model
Authors: Li Shuanming , Lu Yi
Published: June 2008

In this paper, we study the expected discounted penalty functions and their decompositions in a Markov-modulated risk process in which the rate for the Poisson claim arrivals and the distribution of the claim amounts vary in time depending on the state of an underlying (external) Markov jump process. The main feature of the model is the flexibility modeling the arrival process in the sense that periods with very frequent arrivals and periods with very few arrivals may alternate. Explicit formulas for the expected discounted penalty function at ruin, given the initial surplus, and the initial and terminal environment states, are obtained when the initial surplus is zero or when all the claim amount distributions are from the rational family. We also investigate the distributions of the maximum surplus before ruin and the maximum severity of ruin. The dividends-penalty identity is derived when the model is modified by applying a barrier dividend strategy.
Using Multi-Dimensional Credibility to Estimate Class Frequency Vectors in Workers Compensation
Authors: Couret Jose , Venter Gary
Published: June 2008

The US workers compensation system is different from those in many countries, but it is reinsured in the world-wide market and so has international impact. From its origin in the early 20th century it has been a laboratory for actuarial credibility techniques. In recent years deductibles have been increasing, so that fairly high excess coverage is now commonplace. This puts growing emphasis on estimation of the percentage of loss that is excess of high deductibles. A key element of the excess percentage is the frequency of loss by injury type. Fatalities and permanent disabilities cost more than other injury types, so when they have high relative frequency, more of the claims cost arises from large losses. The vector of claim frequency by injury type can be estimated by class of business using multi-dimensional credibility techniques. Historically the fraction of costs excess of various retentions has been calculated for large groups of classes (hazard groups) and not individual classes. We show, by testing a hold-out sample, that credibility estimation by class does produce additional information in comparison to a widely-used seven-hazard-group system.
The Prediction Error of Bornhuetter/Ferguson
Authors: Mack Thomas
Published: June 2008

Together with the Chain Ladder (CL) method, the Bornhuetter/Ferguson (BF) method is one of the most popular claims reserving methods. Whereas a formula for the prediction error of the CL method has been published already in 1993, there is still nothing equivalent available for the BF method. On the basis of the BF reserve formula, this paper develops a stochastic model for the BF method. From this model, a formula for the prediction error of the BF reserve estimate is derived.

Moreover, the model gives important advice on how to estimate the parameters for the BF reserve formula. E.g. it turns out that the appropriate BF development pattern is different from the CL pattern. This is a nice add-on as it makes BF to a standalone reserving method which is fully independent from CL. The other parameter required for the BF reserve is the well-known initial estimate for the ultimate claims amount. Here the stochastic model clearly shows what has to be meant with ‘initial’.

In order to apply the formula for the prediction error, the actuary must assess his uncertainty about both sets of parameters, about the development pattern and about the initial ultimate claims estimates. But for both, much guidance can be drawn from the estimates itself and from the run-off data given. Finally, a numerical example shows how the resulting prediction error compares to the one of the CL method.
On the Optimal Pricing of a Heterogeneous Portfolio
Authors: Falin Gennady I.
Published: June 2008

We apply simple geometrical arguments to show that well-known approaches to determine the premium in insurance contract minimize a weighted squared differences both between the individual premiums and the individual claims and between the total premiums for classes of homogeneous risks and total claims from these blocks of business.
Robust Bayesian Analysis of Loss Reserves Data Using the Generalized-tDistribution
Authors: Chan Jennifer S.K. , Boris Choy S.T. , Makov Udi E.
Published: June 2008

This paper presents a Bayesian approach using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods and the generalized-t(GT) distribution to predict loss reserves for the insurance companies. Existing models and methods cannot cope with irregular and extreme claims and hence do not offer an accurate prediction of loss reserves. To develop a more robust model for irregular claims, this paper extends the conventional normal error distribution to the GT distribution which nests several heavy-tailed distributions including the Student-tand exponential power distributions. It is shown that the GT distribution can be expressed as a scale mixture of uniforms (SMU) distribution which facilitates model implementation and detection of outliers by using mixing parameters. Different models for the mean function, including the log-ANOVA, log-ANCOVA, state space and threshold models, are adopted to analyze real loss reserves data. Finally, the best model is selected according to the deviance information criterion (DIC).
Online metering changes the water industry
Authors: Ramaker A.B , Pollemans L.C.
Published: June 2008

Although existing mechanical water meters perform very well, problems do occur in the meter reading and billing process, causing high costs. Online metering is an answer to many of the meter reading and billing problems. Additional drivers for implementing online metering are better service for customers, legislative pressure to perform more frequent meter readings, image issues in relation to the foreseen implementation of online metering by Dutch energy companies, and better water demand forecasts (asset management). Despite the fact that many technical solutions (or parts thereof) are available on the market; a full scale test has not yet been performed in The Netherlands. For example, some severe technical challenges are yet to be overcome, such as communication with water meters in garden pits and, related to this issue, the energy supply that must exceed the technical lifetime of new water meters. Also, challenges to cooperate with Dutch energy companies exist as they are now piloting different online metering systems. Six water companies have started a joint project to gain experience with different technical solutions and systems through several pilots in the lab and in the field. To stimulate a healthy market place and to decrease the dependence on one supplier it is crucial that the different parts of an online metering system can be substituted by products of other suppliers. In parallel to this, opportunities for standardisation of communication protocols are being explored. Standardisation of protocols must ensure that the different parts in the system, developed by different suppliers, communicate without problems.
The effectiveness of means used for water demand control,
Authors: Choi Suing-il , Min Kyung-suk , Yun Z.
Published: June 2008

The amount of water used for municipal, agricultural and industrial purpose has been about 36.6% of total runoff in Korea. The long-term water resources plan by MOCT (Ministry of Construction and Transport) predicted approximately 340 million tons of water shortage in 2011. Based on the prediction, construction of new dam is necessary. The MOE (Ministry of Environment) has established the “Water Demand Control Plan” in the year 2000 to save 790 million tons of water to avoid construction of new dams. In 2003, the MOE evaluated the effectiveness of the Control Plan and declared the Plan was successful in saving about 450 million tons of water per year by several implementation means. The declared achievement has been inspected using the water statistics between 1999 and 2004. The analysis has revealed that the conservation has not been such successful as declared. Actual difference in water production between in 1999 and in 2004 was only around 116 million tons instead of 450 million tons that the MOE announced. Raising water rate and substituting existing faucets for water saving devices might not have any considerable effect in conserving water consumption. Probably the MOE might have saved water through the Control Plan anyway. However, whether the budget has been allocated properly and used efficiently should be attested. If the MOE really want to control water demand, it needs to analyze the effectiveness of implementation means.
The Pacification of Institutional Investors
Authors: Westphal James D. , Bednar Michael K.
Published: June 2008

A large-scale survey of U.S. top executives and fund managers is used to examine how executives may use interpersonal influence behavior to prevent powerful institutional investors from using their coercive power to force changes in corporate governance and strategy. We theorize that high levels of institutional ownership may prompt CEOs to engage in interpersonal influence behavior in the form of ingratiation and persuasion directed at institutional fund managers, which deters them from using their ownership power to coerce changes that could benefit shareholders at the expense of top management. The results support our theory, indicating that CEOs' ingratiation and persuasion tactics toward institutional fund managers reduce the effect of institutional ownership on specific changes in board structure and composition, CEO compensation, and corporate strategy that are believed to compromise management's interests. Our theory and findings suggest the importance of considering how interpersonal influence processes can provide an alternative source of influence in relationships between corporate leaders and external constituents.
Inequalities in Maternal Health Care Utilization in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Mahabub-Ul-Anwar  , Rob Ubaidur , Talukder Noorunnabi
Published: June 2008

The article examines the inequalities in utilization of maternal health care in rural areas of Bangladesh. It also attempts to identify the expenditure pattern for these services. Findings suggest that large disparities in the maternal health care utilization exist between the poorest and the richest population in Bangladesh. Two in three women in the highest wealth group receive antenatal care from qualified doctors as opposed to one in five women in the lowest wealth group. Almost all the deliveries occur at home among the lowest wealth group, whereas 16% of deliveries occur at health facilities among the highest wealth group. Wealth is also associated with the seeking of care for delivery-related complications. The practice of seeking services during post-natal period is not common and it varies positively with economic condition. Family savings is found to be the dominant source of paying the maternal health care services among the women in the highest wealth group. Cost has been found to be the most commonly cited reason for not seeking care for delivery complications. Eighty-four percent of women in the lowest wealth group compared to 13% of women in the highest wealth group did not seek treatment for delivery complications due to cost. Lack of perceived need of antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care is the most pressing reason for not seeking these services. The study findings contain a number of implications for policy purposes that could be useful in devising ways to increase the utilization of maternal health care services.
Family Systems and HIV/AIDS in South Africa
Authors: Iwelunmor J. , Airhihenbuwa C. O. , Okoror T. A. , Brown D. C. , BeLue R.
Published: June 2008

This study examines the role of family in the care and support of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) as a way of reducing the burden of stigma in the family. The PEN-3 model provided the cultural framework for this study. Data were drawn from participants' responses in 27 focus groups interviews conducted in South Africa. Participants were asked to discuss experiences of people living with HIV and AIDS in the family. The results highlight the positive and supportive aspects of the family, acknowledge the existential and unique aspects, and discuss the negative experiences shared by participants. This study's findings stress the need to take into account families' experiences with HIV and AIDS in the development of interventions aimed at reducing the burden of the disease on family systems and improving care and support for PLWHA.
Comparison of Enamel and Dentin Microshear Bond Strengths of a Two-step Self-etching Priming System with Five All-in-One Systems
Authors: Burrow M. F. , Kitasako Y. , Thomas C. D. , Tagami J.
Published: June 2008

Clinical Relevance

The newest all-in-one adhesives demonstrated bond strengths similar to other currently available enamel/dentin adhesives. Bonding to enamel showed lower bond strengths; however, clinical data are needed to determine the relevance.
Code Single Point Positioning Using Nominal Gnss Constellations (Future Perception)
Authors: Farah A.
Published: June 2008

Code Single Point Positioning Using Nominal Gnss Constellations (Future Perception)

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have an endless number of applications in industry, science, military, transportation and recreation & sports. Two systems are currently in operation namely GPS (the USA Global Positioning System) and GLONASS (the Russian GLObal NAvigation Satellite System), and a third is planned, the European satellite navigation system GALILEO. The potential performance improvements achievable through combining these systems could be significant and expectations are high. The need is inevitable to explore the future of positioning from different nominal constellations. In this research paper, Bernese 5.0 software could be modified to simulate and process GNSS observations from three different constellations (GPS, Glonass and Galileo) using different combinations. This study presents results of code single point positioning for five stations using the three constellations and different combinations.
Static Network Code Dgps Positioning vs. Carrier Phase Single Baseline Solutions for Short Observation time and Medium-Long Distances
Authors: Bakuła M.
Published: June 2008

Static Network Code Dgps Positioning vs. Carrier Phase Single Baseline Solutions for Short Observation time and Medium-Long Distances

GPS land surveys are usually based on the results of processing GPS carrier phase data. Code or pseudorange observations due to considerations of accuracy requirements and robustness are preferred in navigation and some GIS applications. Generally, the accuracy of that positioning is in the range of about 1-2 meters or so, on average. But the main problem in code GPS positioning is to know how to estimate the real accuracy of DGPS positions. It is not such an easy process in code positioning when one reference station is used. In most commercial software, there are no values of accuracy but only positions are presented. DGPS positions without estimated errors cannot be used for surveying tasks and for most GIS applications due to the fact that every point has to be have accuracy determined. However, when we used static GPS positioning, it is well known that the accuracy is determined, both during baseline processing and next by the adjustment of a GPS network. These steps of validation with redundancy in classical static phase baseline solutions allow wide use of static or rapid static methods in the main land surveying tasks. Although these control steps are commonly used in many major surveying and engineering tasks, they are not always effective in terms of short-observation-time sessions. This paper presents a new network DGPS approach of positioning with the use of at least three reference stations. The approach concerns also valid accuracy estimation based on variance-covariance (VC) matrix in the least-squares (LS) calculations. The presented network DGPS approach has the ability of reliable accuracy estimation. Finally, network DGPS positioning is compared with static baselines solutions where five-min sessions were taken into consideration for two different rover stations. It was shown that in a short observation time of GPS positioning, code network DGPS results can give even centimetre accuracy and can be more reliable than static relative phase positioning where gross errors often happen.
An Empirical Investigation of the Role of Subjective Performance Assessments Versus Objective Performance Indicators as Determinants of CEO Compensation
Authors: Caranikas‐Walker Fanny , Goel Sanjay , Gómez‐Mejía Luis R. , Cardy Robert L. , Grabke Rundell Arden
Published: June 2008

The empirical support for agency theory explanations for the great variance in CEO pay has been equivocal. Drawing from the performance appraisal literature, we hypothesize that boards of directors incorporate human judgment into the evaluation and reward of CEO performance in order to balance managerial risk with agency costs. We test Baysinger and Hoskisson’s (1990) proposition that insider‐dominated corporate boards rely on subjective performance evaluation to reward the CEO, and we argue that R&D intensity influences this relationship. Using a sample of Fortune firms, findings support our contention that human judgment is important in evaluating and rewarding CEO performance.
From Charm to Harm: A Content‐Analytic Review of Sexual Harassment Court Cases Involving Workplace Romance
Authors: Pierce Charles A. , Muslin Ivan S. , Dudley Chantay M. , Aguinis Herman
Published: June 2008

We reviewed U.S. federal and state sexual harassment court cases involving a prior workplace romance between the plaintiff and alleged harasser. Results of our content analysis show that, unlike employees’ decisions, judges’ decisions can be predicted from legal but not ethically salient extralegal case features. Hence, when compared to prior research, our study reveals the following discrepancy: judges follow a traditional legal model, whereas employees follow an ethical model when making decisions about romance‐harassment cases. Our study also reveals that the mere presence (versus absence) of a prior romance reduces the likelihood of a plaintiff’s success in a harassment case. We discuss implications for management practice and research from the perspective of legal and ethical decision making.
Monitoring surging glaciers of the Pamirs, central Asia, from space
Authors: Kotlyakov V.M. , Osipova G.B. , Tsvetkov D.G.
Published: June 2008

The evolution of surging glaciers of the Pamirs, central Asia, has been studied using repeat remote-sensing surveys in the Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, since the early 1970s. We use images obtained from national Resurs-F satellites (1972–91), as well as Landsat 7 and Terra (1999–2006), to provide a basis for monitoring of surging glaciers, aimed at developing their inventory, studying the causes and mechanisms of surges and examining the timing and extent of glacial catastrophes. The inventory from the early 1990s allows identification of 215 glaciers with a dynamically unstable regime. We discovered 51 surging glaciers. Up until 2006, 10 more surges had occurred. We use stereoscopic deciphering and photogrammetric processing of consecutive satellite images to study the morphology and ice-velocity changes of several compound surging glaciers. We analyze the results of monitoring of Bivachny and Oktyabr’sky glaciers from 1972 to 1991 and Sugran glacier from 1972 to 2006. Two surges of Sugran glacier occurred during this time: an internal surge in 1976–80, and a surge with glacier tongue advance as far as 4.5 km in 2000–05. The role of damming in compound glacier systems is examined. Satellite-based monitoring is now the only method for obtaining initial information about the state and fluctuations of such glaciers.
At what depth is the Eemian layer expected to be found at NEEM?
Authors: Buchardt Susanne L. , Dahl-Jensen Dorthe
Published: June 2008

No continuous record from Greenland of the Eemian interglacial period (130–115 ka BP) currently exists. However, a new ice-core drill site has been suggested at 77.449˚ N, 51.056˚Win north-west Greenland (North Eemian or NEEM). Radio-echo sounding images and flow model investigations indicate that an undisturbed Eemian record may be obtained at NEEM. In this work, a two-dimensional ice flow model with time-dependent accumulation rate and ice thickness is used to estimate the location of the Eemian layer at the new drill site. The model is used to simulate the ice flow along the ice ridge leading to the drill site. Unknown flow parameters are found through a Monte Carlo analysis of the flow model constrained by observed isochrones in the ice. The results indicate that the Eemian layer is approximately 60m thick and that its base is located approximately 100m above bedrock.