bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A latent variable approach to potential outcomes for emergency department admission decisions
Authors: Cochran Amy L. , Rathouz Paul J. , Kocher Keith E. , Zayas‐Cabán Gabriel
Published: June 2019

In emergency departments (EDs), care providers continuously weigh admissions against continued monitoring and treatment often without knowing their condition and health needs. To understand the decision process and its causal effect on outcomes, an observational study must contend with unobserved/missing information and a lack of exchangeability between admitted and discharged patients. Our goal was to provide a general framework to evaluate admission decisions from electronic healthcare records (EHRs). We describe admission decisions as a decision‐making process in which the patient's health needs is a binary latent variable. We estimate latent health needs from EHR with only partial knowledge of the decision process (ie, initial evaluation, admission decision, length of stay). Estimated latent health needs are then used to understand the admission decision and the decision's causal impact on outcomes. For the latter, we assume potential outcomes are stochastically independent from the admission decision conditional on latent health needs. As a case study, we apply our approach to over 150 000 patient encounters with the ED from the University of Michigan Health System collected from August 2012 through July 2015. We estimate that while admitting a patient with higher latent needs reduces the 30‐day risk of revisiting the ED or later being admitted through the ED by over 79%, admitting a patient with lower latent needs actually increases these 30‐day risks by 3.0% and 7.6%, respectively.
Advances in the Experimental and Theoretical Understandings of Antibiotic Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Khandelwal Puneet , Singh Dheeraj K. , Poddar Pankaj
Published: June 2019

The worldwide bacterial resistance to a wide range of antibiotics originates a global health concern and calls for the development of new antibacterial agents. Over the recent years, nanomaterials‐based agents have been proven to be useful for the effective antibacterial applications. Notably, the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) draw particular attention due to their biological inertness and easy surface functionalization. It is now established that the antibiotic functionalization on the AuNPs surfaces increases the antibacterial efficacy even towards the antibiotic‐resistant bacterial cells. Moreover, the antibacterial efficacy can be further enhanced by photothermal therapy using antibiotic conjugated AuNPs. In this review article, we have reviewed the advances in the development of the synthesis methods of antibiotic conjugated AuNPs and gold nanoclusters, and their antibacterial efficacy. We have also discussed the developments in the theoretical understandings behind the interaction of antibiotic molecules with gold surface and its relation to the antibacterial activity. We believe that few parameters including the selection of antibiotic molecules, the method of its attachment to AuNPs, the purification of antibiotic conjugated AuNPs, and the quantification of conjugated antibiotic are crucial and needs to be properly addressed. Moreover, there are many other future directions discussed, for using antibiotic conjugated AuNPs more effectively for antibacterial therapy.
Effect of B, Al and Ga atoms on structures, electrical and optical properties of BeO nanotube
Authors: Sabzehzari Mozhgan , Ahmadi Tayebeh , Bahrami Hamed
Published: June 2019

In this research, the density functional theory (DFT) method was used to study the structural, electrical, linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of pristine and B, Al and Ga doped BeO nanotube. Slight structural deformation, as the consequence of doping atom presence, was observed. The dipole moment of BeO nanotube was increased in the doping atom presence. In the B, Al and Ga atoms presence, a kind of reduction in Eg of nanotube was observed in which, in the B case, the decrease in Eg was more substantial. In this sense, it is worth noting that higher electrical conductivity is associated with lower Eg. The two CAM−B3LYP and ωB97XD methods were used to calculate the optical properties of pristine and doped BeO nanotubes. It was shown that the polarizability of nanotube was slightly increased in the doping atoms presence. Besides, the B<Al<Ga order was observed for the polarizability increasing. According to the findings of the research, the doping atoms extremely influenced the value of the first hyperpolarizability of BeO nanotube. The results would be useful in designing and constructing new NLO active materials.
Microwave‐Assisted Rapid Regioselective One‐Pot Synthesis of Novel 2‐Oxothiazolidine Dicarboxylate
Authors: Bangade Vikas Madhukar , Mali Prakash Rambhau , Shirsat Prashishkumar Kishan , Meshram Harshadas Mitaram
Published: June 2019

A regioselective synthesis of 2‐oxothiazolidine dicarboxylate (OTDC) under microwave irradiations is reported. Methoxylation, demethylation and double reductive cyclization occurs in single step by three component one pot reaction under microwave irradiations. The microwave irradiations, planar arrangement of intermediate imino(sp2)‐thio‐maleate and in situ demethylation considered as driving forces for regioselective cyclization.
Sulfur, Nitrogen Dual Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Supported Two‐Dimensional Sb2S3 Nanostructures for the Anode Material of Sodium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Bag Sourav , Roy Amlan , Mitra Sagar
Published: June 2019

Developing alternative of Li‐based energy storage system are inevitable and demanding because of depleting Li source and increasing cost. In this aspect Na‐based electrochemical energy storage devices such as Na‐ion batteries has drawn significant attention due to ubiquity, low cost and less toxic nature. Development of electrode material with novel architecture and high specific capacity is important and challenging too. Herein, we have demonstrated a novel two‐dimensional nanostructured hybrid anode material based on Sb2S3 and, sulfur and nitrogen dual doped reduced graphene oxide for Na‐ion battery. Hybrid material was synthesized by solvothermal process. X‐ray diffraction pattern, Raman and FTIR spectral, and microscopic measurements exhibits successful synthesis of crystalline and two‐dimensional layered structure material. The hybrid material shows excellent properties towards Na+ storage properties. A specific capacity of 507 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 was also obtained after continuous 150 charge‐discharge cycles. The specific capacity, and electrochemical properties of hybrid material over performs free‐Sb2S3. The excellent electrochemical properties of the hybrid material are attributed to easy ion diffusion through the two‐dimensional layered structure.
Ball Milling Modified SAPO‐11 Based Catalysts for n‐Decane Hydroisomerization
Authors: Ferreira Luisa , Ribeiro Filipa , Fernandes Auguste , Martins Angela
Published: June 2019

Bifunctional Pt/SAPO‐11 catalysts were prepared using as acid matrix the microporous silico‐aluminophosphate, SAPO‐11, synthesized under microwave radiation. After synthesis, the material was physically modified using a ball mill, changing the grinding time but keeping frequency constant. The metal function (0.5 wt.% Pt) was introduced through mechanical mixture with commercial Pt loaded alumina. The catalysts were characterized by several techniques: powder X‐Ray Diffraction, pyridine adsorption followed by infrared spectroscopy, low temperature N2 adsorption, Hg intrusion porosimetry and electronic microscopy (SEM). The characterization data show modifications of structural and textural properties of the samples as the milling time increases. The catalytic behaviour of Pt/SAPO‐11 materials was studied for hydroisomerization of long chain n‐alkanes, using n‐decane as model molecule, aiming to increase the production of mono‐branched isomers. The catalytic results show that, under optimized milling conditions (60 min; 50 Hz) the selectivity into mono‐branched isomers increased when compared with parent catalyst.
Mito‐docking: A Novel In Vivo Method to Detect Protein–Protein Interactions
Authors: Shao Wei , He Lihong , Deng Fei , Wang Hualin , Vlak Just M. , Hu Zhihong , Wang Manli
Published: June 2019

Many methods have been developed to detect protein–protein interactions (PPIs) and explore cellular processes. However, effective methods for detecting complicated PPIs under physical conditions are still in demand. Here, a simple and efficient mitochondria‐docking (Mito‐docking) method for PPI detection in vivo is developed. The strategy is to anchor a “bait” protein to mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM), and then trap the “prey” protein onto MOM. In this way, interacting signals are enriched to allow easy detection. This method efficiently detects the well‐known interaction between two G protein subunits (Gγ2 with Gβ1) and is successfully applied to investigate the recognition of importin α superfamily members for the classical nuclear localization signal (NLS) of simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen, which are highly dynamic and not easily visualized by conventional methods. As far as is known, this is the first time that the interaction between human importin α receptors with NLSs has been visualized. The results prove that Mito‐docking can be used as a simple, straightforward, and intuitive method to study PPIs qualitatively and quantitatively in vivo.
Phylogenetic relationships of the Early Miocene diving and flightless duck Cayaoa bruneti (Aves, Anatidae) from Patagonia: homology or convergence?
Authors: De Mendoza Ricardo S.
Published: June 2019

Cayaoa bruneti, from the early Miocene Gaiman Formation of Chubut, Argentina, provides the earliest evidence for diving behaviour and the earliest example of flight loss within Anseriformes. It is also the only known diving duck from South America. A new phylogenetic analysis using only morphological characters places Cayaoa bruneti as part of a single radiation of diving ducks within Anatinae, as sister group to the Erismaturinae. Partition analysis of subsets of characters shows that the humerus and femur have the strongest effect in generating this phylogeny, while the skull characters result in groupings closer to those seen in analyses with molecular data. When the analysis is constrained by enforcing the molecular tree as a backbone, Cayaoa bruneti emerges as a basal branch within the Erismaturinae. These results make Cayaoa bruneti an independent and early example of the recurring evolution of flightlessness in large marine Anatidae.
Effect of Rare Earth–Magnesium Alloy on Inclusion Evolution in Industrial Production of Die Steel
Authors: Li Xing , Jiang Zhouhua , Geng Xin , Chen Minjun , Cui Shan
Published: June 2019

Rare earth metals and magnesium are important purifying elements in steel. However, most scholars mainly focused on the cleanliness of molten steel by adding single rare earth or adding single magnesium. There are few reports on the simultaneous addition of rare earth and magnesium metals to steel. In this paper, rare earth‐magnesium alloy is added to a hot work die steel in industrial production. Combined with thermodynamic calculation, the effect of rare earth‐magnesium alloy on the evolution of inclusions was studied. The results show that composite inclusions of Ce2O2S and CeS attached or wrapped by MgO are formed after adding rare earth‐magnesium alloy. With the help of low‐density MgO, the composite inclusions containing high‐density Ce inclusions are promoted to float up. Thermodynamic calculation indicates that the addition of magnesium changes the formation tendency of rare earth inclusions. With the increase of magnesium content in steel, the stability area of Ce inclusions will move from the Ce2O2S stability area slightly close to the Ce2O3 stability area to the direction of the CeS stability area, which will improve further the desulfurization ability. The thermodynamic analysis is in good agreement with the test results.
The Effect of Stress on Bainite Transformation, Microstructure, and Properties of a Low‐Carbon Bainitic Steel
Authors: Liu Man , Xu Guang , Tian Junyu , Yuan Qing , Zhou Mingxing , Hu Haijiang
Published: June 2019

The effects of applying external stress on bainite transformation, microstructure, and mechanical properties are investigated by metallography, dilatometry, etc. Results show that compressive stress during bainite transformation accelerates the bainite transformation and increases the final bainite amount due to the additional mechanical driving force. The lath‐like bainite becomes shorter, and smaller blocky martensite/austenite islands form under stress during the bainite reaction. Different from the results with stress during bainite transformation, applying stress after bainite transformation during isothermal holding cannot increase the volume fraction of bainite, and no obvious change in bainite morphology is observed. In addition, the subsequent martensite transformation is promoted during the cooling process. Moreover, the less amount of retained austenite (RA) but more carbon content in RA is obtained with applying stress after the bainite reaction. Finally, the tensile strength increases, while the elongation decreases when the external stress is imposed after bainite transformation.
Recent Progress and Emerging Applications of Rare Earth Doped Phosphor Materials for Dye‐Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review
Authors: Rajeswari Ramireddy , Islavath Nanaji , Raghavender M. , Giribabu Lingamallu
Published: June 2019

Although the efficiency of Dye‐sensitized and Perovskite solar cell is still below the performance level of market dominance silicon solar cells, in last few years they have grabbed significant attention because of their fabrication ease using low‐cost materials, and henceforth these cells are considered as a promising alternative to commercial photovoltaic devices. However, third generation solar cells have significant absorption in the visible region of solar spectrum, which confines their power conversion efficiency. Subsequently, the performance of current photovoltaics is significantly hampered by the transmission loss of sub‐band‐gap photons. To overcome these issues, rare earth doped luminescent materials is the favorable route followed to convert these transmitted sub‐band‐gap photons into above‐band‐gap light, where solar cells typically have significant light‐scattering effects. Moreover, the rare earth based down/up conversion material facilitates the improvement in sensitization, light‐scattering and device stability of these devices. This review provides insight into the application of various down/up conversion materials for Dye‐sensitized and perovskite solar cell applications. Additionally, the paper discusses the techniques to improve the photovoltaic performance in terms of current density and photo voltage in detail.
Geraniin inhibits oral cancer cell migration by suppressing matrix metalloproteinase‐2 activation through the FAK/Src and ERK pathways
Authors: Yeh Chia‐Ming , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Yang Jia‐Sin , Yang Shun‐Fa , Chuang Yi‐Ting , Su Shih‐Chi , Liang Meng‐Yuan , Chen Mu‐Kuan , Lin Chiao‐Wen
Published: June 2019

Geraniin has been reported to have numerous biological activities, including antiviral, antihypertensive, antihyperglycaemic, liver protective, antidiabetic, and apoptotic activities. However, the anti‐migration effects of geraniin on oral cancer remain elusive. In this study, we revealed the potential antitumor mechanisms of geraniin through the inhibition of the migration and invasion of human oral cancer cell lines SCC‐9 and SCC‐14. The results of gelatin zymography and Western blot assays revealed that geraniin significantly reduced the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) of oral cancer cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, geraniin potently suppressed the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Src, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 but did not affect the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1/2. Moreover, blocking the MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway significantly enhanced the anti‐migration ability of geraniin in oral cancer cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that geraniin inhibits the motility of SCC‐9 and SCC‐14 cells in vitro through a molecular mechanism that involves the attenuation of MMP‐2 expression and activity mediated by decreased FAK/Src and ERK1/2 pathways.
Branes with brains: exploring string vacua with deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Halverson James , Nelson Brent , Ruehle Fabian
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We propose deep reinforcement learning as a model-free method for exploring the landscape of string vacua. As a concrete application, we utilize an artificial intelligence agent known as an asynchronous advantage actor-critic to explore type IIA compactifications with intersecting D6-branes. As different string background configurations are explored by changing D6-brane configurations, the agent receives rewards and punishments related to string consistency conditions and proximity to Standard Model vacua. These are in turn utilized to update the agent’s policy and value neural networks to improve its behavior. By reinforcement learning, the agent’s performance in both tasks is significantly improved, and for some tasks it finds a factor of

$$ \mathcal{O}(200) $$

O

200

more solutions than a random walker. In one case, we demonstrate that the agent learns a human-derived strategy for finding consistent string models. In another case, where no human-derived strategy exists, the agent learns a genuinely new strategy that achieves the same goal twice as efficiently per unit time. Our results demonstrate that the agent learns to solve various string theory consistency conditions simultaneously, which are phrased in terms of non-linear, coupled Diophantine equations.
Leading soft theorem for multiple gravitini
Authors: Jain Diksha , Rudra Arnab
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We compute leading soft theorem for multiple gravitini (and gravitons) in an arbitrary theory of supergravity with an arbitrary number of finite energy particles by extending Sen’s approach [1, 2] to fermionic symmetry. Our results are independent of the mass and the spin of the external particles. Our results are valid for any compactification of type II and Heterotic superstring theory. Our results are valid at all orders in perturbation theory for four and higher spacetime dimensions.
Nonlocal multi-trace sources and bulk entanglement in holographic conformal field theories
Authors: Haehl Felix M. , Mintun Eric , Pollack Jason , Speranza Antony J. , Van Raamsdonk Mark
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We consider CFT states defined by adding nonlocal multi-trace sources to the Euclidean path integral defining the vacuum state. For holographic theories, we argue that these states correspond to states in the gravitational theory with a good semiclassical description but with a more general structure of bulk entanglement than states defined from single-trace sources. We show that at leading order in large N , the entanglement entropies for any such state are precisely the same as those of another state defined by appropriate single-trace effective sources; thus, if the leading order entanglement entropies are geometrical for the single-trace states of a CFT, they are geometrical for all the multi-trace states as well. Next, we consider the perturbative calculation of 1/N corrections to the CFT entanglement entropies, demonstrating that these show qualitatively different features, including non-analyticity in the sources and/or divergences in the naive perturbative expansion. These features are consistent with the expectation that the 1/N corrections include contributions from bulk entanglement on the gravity side. Finally, we investigate the dynamical constraints on the bulk geometry and the quantum state of the bulk fields which must be satisfied so that the entropies can be reproduced via the quantum-corrected Ryu-Takayanagi formula.
Probing dark matter particles at CEPC
Authors: Liu Zuowei , Xu Yong-Heng , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We investigate the capability of the future electron collider CEPC in probing the parameter space of several dark matter models, including millicharged dark matter models, Z
′ portal dark matter models, and effective dark matter operators. In our analysis, the monophoton final state is used as the primary channel to detect dark matter models at CEPC. To maximize the signal to background significance, we study the energy and angular distributions of the monophoton channel arising from dark matter models and from the standard model to design a set of detector cuts. For the Z
′ portal dark matter, we also analyze the Z
′ boson visible decay channel which is found to be complementary to the monophoton channel in certain parameter space. The CEPC reach in the parameter space of dark matter models is also put in comparison with Xenon1T. We find that CEPC has the unprecedented sensitivity to certain parameter space for the dark matter models considered; for example, CEPC can improve the limits on millicharge by one order of magnitude than previous collider experiments for

$$ \mathcal{O}(1)-100 $$

O

1

−
100

GeV dark matter.
Return to Sport and Sports-Specific Outcomes following Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Glogovac Georgina , Kakazu Rafael , Aretakis Alexander Constantine , Grawe Brian M.
Published: June 2019

Background

The incidence of elbow injuries and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction in adolescent athletes is increasing. Knowledge and expectations of outcomes following this procedure are necessary for proper counseling and decision-making in this age group.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to report patient-reported outcomes, rate of return to sport, and rate of complications and reoperation following UCL reconstruction in adolescent athletes.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted for adolescent athletes undergoing UCL reconstruction. The primary outcome measure was patient-reported outcome scores, specifically the Conway Scale, the Andrews-Timmerman score, and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score. Secondary outcome measures included return to sport, rate of subsequent procedures, and complication rate. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The average patient-reported outcome scores ranged from 81 to 87% (Conway, “excellent”), 83.6 to 92.7 (Andrews-Timmerman), and 76 to 89.3 (KJOC). The average rates of return to sport were 84% to preinjury level or higher, 93% to any level, and 57% to a higher level. Complication rates ranged from 0.7 to 11%. Rate of subsequent elbow procedures ranged from 0 to 10%.

Conclusions

This systematic review demonstrates favorable outcomes in adolescent athletes following UCL reconstruction. Patient-reported outcome scores and rates of return to sport were comparable with those reported in adult athletes. The procedure is not without risk of complications, and patients and parents should be counseled regarding this risk prior to surgery.
Characterization and functional analysis of pollen-specific PwSWEET1 in Picea wilsonii
Authors: Zhou Yanni , Cui Xiaoyue , Hu Anni , Miao Yahui , Zhang Lingyun
Published: June 2019

SWEET transporters play a pivotal role in sugar transport in plants. However, their functions in pollen tube growth, especially in coniferous species remain unknown. Here, we used RT-qPCR to reveal that a SWEET1 gene was specifically expressed in pollen and pollen tubes of Picea wilsonii. A pollen germination assay showed that PwSWEET1 was induced by H3BO3 but not by Ca2+. In a sugar specificity experiment, sucrose (Suc) and glucose (Glc) were effective sugars for pollen germination and pollen tube growth. PwSWEET1 expression was induced most by Suc and Glc. Heterologous expression of PwSWEET1 in yeast showed that PwSWEET1 can restore the glucose absorption in yeast strain EBY.VW4000, which has a hexose absorption defect, and the absorption of glucose is pH-independent. This evidence supports the involvment of PwSWEET1 in boron-dependent glucose transport in pollen germination and pollen tube growth of Picea wilsonii.
H3K27me3 Signal in the Cis Regulatory Elements Reveals the Differentiation Potential of Progenitors during Drosophila Neuroglial Development
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Ye Youqiong , Gu Liang , Sun Jin , Du Yanhua , Liu Wen-Ju , Li Wei , Zhang Xiaobai , Jiang Cizhong
Published: June 2019

Drosophila neural development undergoes extensive chromatin remodeling and precise epigenetic regulation. However, the roles of chromatin remodeling in establishment and maintenance of cell identity during cell fate transition remain enigmatic. Here, we compared the changes in gene expression, as well as the dynamics of nucleosome positioning and key histone modifications between the four major neural cell types during Drosophila neural development. We find that the neural progenitors can be separated from the terminally differentiated cells based on their gene expression profiles, whereas nucleosome distribution in the flanking regions of transcription start sites fails to identify the relationships between the progenitors and the differentiated cells. H3K27me3 signal in promoters and enhancers can not only distinguish the progenitors from the differentiated cells but also identify the differentiation path of the neural stem cells (NSCs) to the intermediate progenitor cells to the glial cells. In contrast, H3K9ac signal fails to identify the differentiation path, although it activates distinct sets of genes with neuron-specific and glia-related functions during the differentiation of the NSCs into neurons and glia, respectively. Together, our study provides novel insights into the crucial roles of chromatin remodeling in determining cell type during Drosophila neural development.
Applying behavioural insights to child protection: venturing beyond the low-hanging fruit
Authors: BOLTON ANNALESE , NEWELL BEN R. , GANDEVIA SIMON , PEEK JAMES , BERROCAL CAPDEVILA ELENA
Published: June 2019

We explore whether simple behavioural insights techniques can be successful for addressing a policy issue within one of society's more complex and difficult sectors: child protection. Child protection reporting practices in New South Wales, Australia, reveal that the public's primary response is to report to the statutory authority, who only deal with cases of the highest risk. As a result, a large volume of statutory resources are spent processing lower-risk reports that lead to no benefits for lower-risk families and slow down response times for families that require a statutory response most. Our goal was to reduce lower-risk reporting by encouraging alternative responses to these situations. To do this, we altered report feedback for cases deemed lower risk in order to make alternative responses more salient and we added a persuasive message framed as a gain or loss. We then examined subsequent reporting accuracy. We found that our trial was linked to a modest improvement in reporting accuracy, though the results may have been diluted by a spill-over effect. We discuss how facilitating a greater behavioural change likely requires multi-organization collaborations, extending the range of insights drawn from behavioural science and/or addressing issues from multiple angles.
“The Struggle to Sell Survival”: Family Fallout Shelters and the Limits of Consumer Citizenship
Authors: Bishop Thomas
Published: June 2019

In 1961 families across the United States witnessed the sudden growth of one of the most remarkable consumer products of the Cold War: the home fallout shelter. This article charts the rise of domestic sales for home fallout shelters between 1961 and 1963, the growth in the number of shelter salesmen, the public backlash against their sales techniques, and the eventual decline of the home shelter market. The story of the family fallout shelter exposes the limitations of consumer capitalism in mobilizing and sustaining popular support for national security policy. Questioning the validity of the product being sold and the trustworthiness of the person pitching it, homeowners challenged the citizen-consumer ideal that supposedly went hand-in-hand with the state sanctioned vision of privatized survival.
Efficacy of intervention at traffic schools reducing impulsive action, and association with candidate gene variants
Authors: Luht Kadi , Tokko Tõnis , Eensoo Diva , Vaht Mariliis , Harro Jaanus
Published: June 2019

Objective

Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people. Recognition of the contribution of impulsive behaviour may help novice drivers to behave more safely. Previously a brief intervention focusing on impulsive traffic behaviour conducted by psychologists in driving schools had been effective. The aim of this study was an independent re-evaluation of the effect of the intervention, as conducted by driving school teachers, and assessment of the potential associations with candidate genotypes.

Methods

Driving school students (mean age 22.5, SD=7.9) were divided into intervention (n=704) and control (n=737) groups. Driving school teachers were trained to administer the intervention which consisted of a lecture and group work (1.5 h in total) on impulsivity. Traffic offences and crashes were monitored during 3 years, using police and traffic insurance fund databases. Functional polymorphisms of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and serotonin transporter genes (DAT1VNTR and 5-HTTLPR) were assessed.

Results

The intervention significantly lowered general traffic risk and prevalence of traffic accidents.DAT1VNTR 9R carriers, particularly males, had higher general traffic risk in the whole sample. Female 5-HTTLPR s’ allele carriers of the intervention group had the lowest general traffic risk. Intervention was most effective in femaleDAT1VNTR 10R/10R homozygotes.

Conclusions

Brief impulsivity-centred intervention appears as a promising strategy for preventing risk-taking behaviour in novice drivers and can be fully integrated to driving school curriculum.
Effects of prophylactic administration of glutamine on CD4+T cell polarisation and kidney injury in mice with polymicrobial sepsis
Authors: Hou Yu-Chen , Wu Jin-Ming , Chen Kuen-Yuan , Chen Po-Da , Lei Cing-Syuan , Yeh Sung-Ling , Lin Ming-Tsan
Published: June 2019

The present study investigated the effects of glutamine (GLN) pretreatment on CD4+T cell polarisation and remote kidney injury in mice with gut-derived polymicrobial sepsis. Mice were randomly assigned to three groups: normal control fed with American Institute of Nutrition (AIN)-93G diet and two sepsis groups provided with either AIN-93G-based diet or identical components, except part of casein was replaced by GLN. Mice were given their respective diets for 2 weeks. Then, mice in the sepsis groups were performed with caecal ligation and puncture and were killed 72 h after the surgery. Blood, spleens and kidneys were collected for further examination. The results showed that sepsis resulted in decreased circulating and splenic total T lymphocyte and CD4+T cell percentages, whereas IL-4-, and forkhead box p3 (Foxp3)-expressing CD4+T cells percentages were up-regulated. Compared with the sepsis control group, pretreatment with GLN maintained blood T and CD4+T cells and reduced percentages of IL-4- and Foxp3-expressing CD4+T cells. Also, a more pronounced activation and increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression of splenic CD4+T cells were observed. Concomitant with the decreased plasma IL-6, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) levels, the gene expression of KC, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and renal injury biomarker kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) were down-regulated when GLN was administered. These findings suggest that antecedent of GLN administration elicit a more balanced blood T helper cell polarisation, sustained T cell populations, prevented splenic CD4+T cell apoptosis and attenuated kidney injury at late phase of polymicrobial sepsis. GLN may have benefits in subjects at risk of abdominal infection.
Does food insulin index in the context of mixed meals affect postprandial metabolic responses and appetite in obese adolescents with insulin resistance? A randomised cross-over trial
Authors: Caferoglu Z. , Hatipoglu N. , Gokmen Ozel H.
Published: June 2019

The food insulin index (II) is a novel classification to rank foods based on their physiological insulin demand relative to an isoenergetic reference food and may be a valid predictor of postprandial insulin responses and appetite. The present study aimed to compare the postprandial metabolic responses and appetite sensations to two macronutrient- and glycaemic index-matched meals with either high or low II in obese adolescents with insulin resistance (IR). A randomised, single-blind and cross-over trial included fifteen obese adolescents aged 12–18 years with IR. All participants were provided with two different breakfasts: low glycaemic index, low insulin index (LGI-LII) and low glycaemic index, high insulin index (LGI-HII), with a 1-week washout period between meals. At time 0 (just before breakfast), 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 min after the meal, serum glucose, insulin and C-peptide levels and appetite scores were measured. At the end of 4 h, participants were served ad libitum lunch. Early (0–30 min), late (45–240 min) and total (0–240 min) postprandial insulin responses were lowered by 56·1, 34·6 and 35·6 % after the LGI-LII meal v. LGI-HII meal (P < 0·05). The feeling of hunger was also decreased by 25·8 and 27·5 % after the LGI-LII meal v. LGI-HII meal during the late and total responses (P < 0·05). The calculation II of meals or diets may be a useful dietary approach to reduce postprandial hyperinsulinaemia and the perceived hunger in obese adolescents with IR.
Designing for Innovation: Cooperation and Competition in English Cotton, Silk, and Pottery Firms, 1750–1860
Authors: Casson Catherine , Dodgson Mark
Published: June 2019

The ability to combine technological innovation with innovation in product design has been recognized by business historians as an important characteristic of a successful business. This article examines the use of product design as a source of competitive advantage by leading firms in the Manchester cotton, Macclesfield silk, and Staffordshire pottery sectors in the period 1750–1860. Four design strategies are identified: copying (direct imitation and adaptation), commissioning, capacity building, and collaboration. Distinction is made between proactive firms, which innovated whenever there was an opportunity, and reactive firms, which innovated only when necessary.
III.—On the Discovery of a Species of Starfish in the Devonian Beds of South Devon
Authors: Champernowne Arthur
Published: June 2019

The only mention hitherto, so far as I know, of the occurrence of Starfish in British Devonian rocks is that given by Mr. Etheridge in his list of Devonian fossils (Quart Journ. Geol. Soc., vol. xxiii. p. 619), viz. Protaster, sp., and Palæaster, sp., from the Pilton beds of North Devon; therefore the discovery of a species in South Devon rocks may not be without interest.
VII.—On the Formation of Mountains. A Reply to the Rev. O. Fisher
Authors: Hutton F. W.
Published: June 2019

It was with great interest that I read in the Geological Magazine Vol. X. for June, 1873, the Rev. O. Fisher's able paper on the Formation of Mountains; and although I cannot altogether agree to his reasoning, I have to thank him for re-calculating, more correctly no doubt than I have done, my table of the altitude of domes, and also for explaining several points which I had not clearly conceived before. Nevertheless, I think that I shall be able to show that his arguments against the theory that I have advocated are not well founded.
VIII.—Observations on Mr. Robert Mallet's Paper on Volcanic Energy in the Philosophical Transactions for 1873, page 147
Authors: Scrope G. Poulett
Published: June 2019

While giving ample credit to Mr. R. Mallet for the ingenuity displayed in his novel suggestion as to the cause of volcanic energy (or Vulcanicity, as he calls it), and for the elaborate experiments and calculations which he brings to its support, Geologists have some reason to complain of the supercilious tone in which he notices, only to throw them aside as unworthy of notice, the theories of all preceding writers on the same subject, who have expressed views differing from that which he adopts. It is needless to give instances of this tone which pervades the whole paper, and must strike every one who reads it.
VII.—Note on Mr. I. C. Russell's Paper on the Jordan-Arabah and the Dead Sea
Authors: Hull Edward
Published: June 2019

I Have been very much interested in reading Mr. Russell's two communications published in the Geological Magazine for August and September last. The analogy which he draws between the history of the Dead Sea valley and that of some of the lake valleys in the western part of North America is instructive as showing how similar physical features can be accounted for on similar principles of interpretation over all parts of the world. Mr. Eussell very properly draws attention to the paper by his colleague Mr. G. K. Gilbert on “The Topographical Features of Lake Shores,” in which principles of interpretation of physical phenomena are laid down applicable to lakes both of America and the Jordan-Arabah valley. With some of Mr. Russell's inferences regarding special epochs in the history of this valley I am very much disposed to agree; more particularly in reference to the mode of formation of the Salt Mountain, Jebel Usdum; or rather, of the salt-rock which forms the lower part of its mass. If this interpretation be correct, it removes the difficulty of understanding why the rock-salt is confined to one small corner of the lake, which, at the time the salt was in course of formation, was vastly more extensive than at present.
VIII.—On Some Rock-Specimens from Socotra
Authors: Raisin C. A.
Published: June 2019

These specimens were collected in Socotra, near the coast, by Colonel M. Gosset, and were sent to Prof. Rupert Jones. By the kindness of Prof. Bonney I have been allowed to carry on the examination of the rocks, at University College, in connection with the Somali specimens already described.
I.—The Fossil Phyllopoda of the Palæozoic Rocks
Authors: Jones T. Rupert , Woodward Hy.
Published: June 2019

The Phyllocarida, from North Wales, referred to in the lastReport (for 1892, p. 299) as having been lent by Mr. G. J.Williams, F.G.S., of Ffestiniog, have been duly examined, and several described and figured, together with some other specimens, in the GEOLOGICAL MAGAZINE for May, 1893, pp. 198–203, Plate X., by T. R. Jones and H. Woodward. These comprise Peltocaris Salteriana, sp. nov. (Fig. 1), Dipterocaris Etheridgei, J. and W., 1884 (Fig. 3), Aptychopsis Williamsii, sp. nov. (Fig. 7), Ceratiocaris insperata, Salter, 1866 (Figs. 8 and 9); besides a fragment? (Fig. 6), an undetermined specimen (Cut, p. 203), a Conularia (Fig. 2), and two Mytiloid shells (Figs. 4 and 5).
VI.—Berthelot's Principle applied to Magmatic Concentration
Authors: Harker Alfred
Published: June 2019

It is now a recognized fact that many igneous intrusions, especially of basic rocks, grow more basic in composition from the centre to the margin. This type, of what Vogt terms “magmatic concentration,” has been discussed by several geologists, who agree in supposing that in such cases a magma, originally homogeneous, has become differentiated by the migration of the less soluble (more basic) ingredients to the cooler marginal region of the magma-reservoir.
On Risk Premiums for Survivorship Assurances
Authors: Sunderland Arthur W.
Published: June 2019

Some months ago I had occasion to enquire of half-a-dozen offices what were their rates of single premium for a certain survivorship assurance. The highest rate quoted exceeded the lowest by 40 per-cent of the latter. This fact appears to me to afford a good illustration of the different estimates formed by actuaries of the value of the risk run under survivorship assurances. The discrepancy probably arises mainly from the use of different tables of mortality in calculating the risk premiums. It will be seen later on, that the differences in survivorship premiums as found from different mortality tables are in some instances very considerable. I am inclined to think, too, that some actuaries, through a feeling of uncertainty as to whether they have correctly estimated the risk premiums, load them very heavily in order to be on the safe side.
On the Mortality of Assured Lives in the West Indies (chiefly Barbados)
Authors: Hardy George F. , Rothery Howard J.
Published: June 2019

The Institute of Actuaries has always been ready to welcome contributions from members able to give information regarding the mortality found to prevail among special classes of lives, and among lives resident in other parts of the world than Great Britain. The authors of the present paper having had occasion to look closely into the subject of West Indian mortality, chiefly in connection with the financial affairs of the Barbados Mutual Life Assurance Society, have therefore willingly responded to an invitation to lay before the members of the Institute some account of the statistics which they have been able to gather, and of the conclusions at which they have arrived. They desire, in the first place, to express their thanks to the directors of the Barbados Mutual Society for permitting them to publish the results of the society's mortality experience, and to Mr. Spencer C. Thomson, the manager of the Standard Life Office, for some valuable statistics relating to the experience of that office regarding West Indian mortality.
An Easy Method of getting out a Rough Estimate Valuation of a Whole-Life Assurance Business
Authors: Woolhouse W. S. B.
Published: June 2019

In proceeding to make a valuation of a class of policies effecting whole-life assurances, the first step is to collect and arrange the amounts of sums assured, inclusive of bonuses, and the corresponding annual premiums under the present ages of the lives assured: that is, under the ages brought up to the date of the proposed valuation. The whole of the data for the class of policies under consideration is thus condensed, and finally exhibited, in a list showing the several amounts for every separate year of present age. The subsequent valuation of these numbers by the proper factors, so as to obtain the respective present values and thence the totals of the present values, involves necessarily a certain amount of calculation, the accuracy of which it becomes very desirable to check; more especially if the figures are considerable and there are many of such computations to make.
On the Mortality among the Healthy Female Lives insured with the Scottish Equitable Life Assurance Society
Authors: Sprague Thomas Bond
Published: June 2019

As stated in the foregoing paper, the number of persons to whom the observations relate was 2,205, and the total years of life 30,521. The average time for which the lives were under observation was therefore 13·84 years. The number of deaths was 668; the number of discontinuances 730; and the number of existing 807. The experience may therefore be described as an unusually mature one. The numbers at risk and the deaths in each insurance year have been calculated separately for each age at entry; but, as the numbers at individual ages are small, it is probably not worth while to publish them. The following are the figures irrespective of the age at entry.
The Theory of Evolution applied to the System of Life Assurance and, incidentally, to Insurance generally
Authors: Young T. E.
Published: June 2019

The subject of Insurance, theoretical and practical, has been so copiously and minutely discussed of late, especially in Lectures and Essays, that serious perplexity awaited me when I began to meditate upon my Introductory Address. I felt, under these circumstances, that a Paper constructed on the usual lines must either weary you with tedious repetition or discredit myself with the reproach of platitudes. I accordingly determined to see whether I could not,—at all events, partially,—succeed in adding some novelty and interest to our proceedings by an attempt to ascertain whether the vast Doctrine of Evolution applied in any valid degree to the business in which we are engaged. Such an investigation possesses at least the merit,—however I may fail in my exposition,—of appealing to the sympathy and thought of all concerned in the several Departments of our common work, for results which may be found to bear upon Life Assurance will also, mutatis mutandis, apply to other Branches. I confess, moreover, that the subject strongly attracted my attention on the ground that an enquiry of this interesting character had not previously been attempted.
On the system of bonus distribution to policyholders as a percentage per annum for the Valuation period on the sum assured, or on the sum assured and existing bonuses, considered in relation to some recent influences on Life Assurance Finance
Authors: Andras H. W.
Published: June 2019

Many valuable papers have been read before this Institute in recent years on the subject of the sources of surplus, on various methods of bonus distribution and on kindred subjects, notably those of Mr. Sunderland in 1887 and 1890 (J.I.A., xxvi, 357, and xxviii, 257); Mr. Rothery in 1892 (J.I.A., xxx, 131); Mr. G. F. Hardy in 1894 (J.I.A., xxxi, 261); and Mr. G. J. Lidstone in 1895 (J.I.A., xxxii, 73); which are, in my opinion, contributions to actuarial science of the utmost value and models of concise language and elegant demonstration for the actuarial student.
On the Books and Forms to be used in Scheduling the Particulars of the Risks of a Life Assurance Company under its Assurance and Annuity Contracts for Periodical or Interim Valuations, Distribution of Surplus, and for Investigation of the Rates of Mortality, Surrender and Lapse
Authors: Chatham James
Published: June 2019

The method of valuation to be adopted in any office, and the books and forms to be used in scheduling the particulars necessary for it, must be regulated to a great extent by the requirements of “The Life Assurance Companies Act, 1870”; and it will be convenient here to give a brief summary of those requirements so far as they relate to the subject of this essay.
The Mortality Experience of the Norwegian General Widows' Fund
Authors: Schjöll Oscar
Published: June 2019

The Norwegian General Widows' Fund (Den norske almindelige enkekasse) is a public institution, guaranteed by the Norwegian Government, and consisting of two sections. The older of these, which ceased to receive new members in 1848, contains (1) the members of the Norwegian Widows' Fund, established on 20 March 1814, and (2) the Norwegian members of the old Danish-Norwegian Widows' Fund, who were transferred to it in 1821 in accordance with the Treaty of Kiel.
Expenditure in Life Assurance Offices
Authors: Harding H. R. , Strachan T. Y.
Published: June 2019

A paper bearing the title “Life Offices:—in reference to Expenses, New Business, Profit divided, and Competition”, was read before the Institute at its Ordinary Sessional Meeting on 25 March last, and was followed by a discussion, of which a summary is appended hereto.

From the nature of the subject it was necessary that the author should quote from the Board of Trade Returns of the various life offices, and these quotations being in such a form as to enable anyone versed in the business of life insurance to identify in various instances the companies to which they related, it was considered by the Council of the Institute desirable that, acting in conformity with its practice not to give countenance to criticisms upon the affairs of individual life offices, only an abstract of the leading features of the paper should be given instead of printing the paper and tables in extenso.