bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dementia‐related adverse events in PARADIGM‐HF and other trials in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Cannon Jane A. , Shen Li , Jhund Pardeep S. , Kristensen Søren L. , Køber Lars , Chen Fabian , Gong Jianjian , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Rouleau Jean L. , Shi Victor C. , Swedberg Karl , Zile Michael R. , Solomon Scott D. , Packer Milton , McMurray John J.V. ,   on behalf of the PARADIGM‐HF Investigators and Committees
Published: November 2016

Aims

Inhibition of neprilysin, an enzyme degrading natriuretic and other vasoactive peptides, is beneficial in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), as shown in PARADIGM‐HF which compared the angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan with enalapril. As neprilysin is also one of many enzymes clearing amyloid‐β peptides from the brain, there is a theoretical concern about the long‐term effects of sacubitril/valsartan on cognition. Therefore, we have examined dementia‐related adverse effects (AEs) in PARADIGM‐HF and placed these findings in the context of other recently conducted HFrEF trials.

Methods and results

In PARADIGM‐HF, patients with symptomatic HFrEF were randomized to sacubitril/valsartan 97/103 mg b.i.d. or enalapril 10 mg b.i.d. in a 1:1 ratio. We systematically searched AE reports, coded using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA), using Standardized MedDRA Queries (SMQs) with ‘broad’ and ‘narrow’ preferred terms related to dementia. In PARADIGM‐HF, 8399 patients aged 18–96 years were randomized and followed for a median of 2.25 years (up to 4.3 years). The narrow SMQ search identified 27 dementia‐related AEs: 15 (0.36%) on enalapril and 12 (0.29%) on sacubitril/valsartan [hazard ratio (HR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33–1.59]. The broad search identified 97 (2.30%) and 104 (2.48%) AEs (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.75–1.37), respectively. The rates of dementia‐related AEs in both treatment groups in PARADIGM‐HF were similar to those in three other recent trials in HFrEF.

Conclusion

We found no evidence that sacubitril/valsartan, compared with enalapril, increased dementia‐related AEs, although longer follow‐up may be necessary to detect such a signal and more sensitive tools are needed to detect lesser degrees of cognitive impairment. Further studies to address this question are warranted.
Average‐Cost Pricing and Dynamic Selection Incentives in the Hospital Sector
Authors: Kifmann Mathias , Siciliani Luigi
Published: November 2016

This study investigates dynamic incentives to select patients for hospitals that are remunerated according to a prospective payment system of the diagnosis‐related group (DRG) type. Using a model with patients differing in severity within a DRG, we show that price dynamics depend on the extent of hospital altruism and the relation between patients' severity and benefit. Upwards and downwards price movements over time are both possible. In a steady state, DRG prices are unlikely to give optimal incentives to treat patients. Depending on the level of altruism, too few or too many patients are treated. DRG pricing may also give incentives to treat low‐severity patients even though high‐severity patients should be treated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patients’ Perceptions of Corrective Experiences in Naturalistically Delivered Psychotherapy
Authors: Constantino Michael J. , Morrison Nicholas R. , Coyne Alice E. , Goodwin Brien J. , Santorelli Gennarina D. , Angus Lynne
Published: November 2016

Corrective experiences (CEs), which suggest transformative experience(s) for the psychotherapy patient, have a rich theoretical history; yet there is little empirical information on patients’ own perceptions of what gets “corrected” from therapy, and what is “corrective” (i.e., the mechanisms driving the CE). To address this gap, we investigated 14 patients’ posttreatment accounts of both CE elements in the context of naturalistically delivered individual psychotherapy, using a consensual qualitative research methodology. Extending prior research focused on patients’ accounts of CEs while still engaged in treatment (Heatherington et al., 2012), the present results revealed that patients retrospectively identified an array of categories that were deemed corrected, such as positive changes in cognitions, interpersonal problems, self‐concepts, symptoms, and behaviors. Patients also identified CEs that may have led to those shifts/transformations, including their therapist's actions (especially giving feedback), their own agentic actions (especially engaging in the therapeutic process), and the patient–therapist collaborative and engaged relationship. Clinical practice implications are discussed.
Calcium Signaling During Meiotic Cell Cycle Regulation and Apoptosis in Mammalian Oocytes
Authors: Tiwari Meenakshi , Prasad Shilpa , Shrivastav Tulsidas G. , Chaube Shail K.
Published: November 2016

Calcium (Ca++) is one of the major signal molecules that regulate various aspects of cell functions including cell cycle progression, arrest, and apoptosis in wide variety of cells. This review summarizes current knowledge on the differential roles of Ca++ in meiotic cell cycle resumption, arrest, and apoptosis in mammalian oocytes. Release of Ca++ from internal stores and/or Ca++ influx from extracellular medium causes moderate increase of intracellular Ca++ ([Ca++]i) level and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increase of Ca++ as well as ROS levels under physiological range trigger maturation promoting factor (MPF) destabilization, thereby meiotic resumption from diplotene as well as metaphase‐II (M‐II) arrest in oocytes. A sustained increase of [Ca++]i level beyond physiological range induces generation of ROS sufficient enough to cause oxidative stress (OS) in aging oocytes. The increased [Ca++]i triggers Fas ligand‐mediated oocyte apoptosis. Further, OS triggers mitochondria‐mediated oocyte apoptosis in several mammalian species. Thus, Ca++ exerts differential roles on oocyte physiology depending upon its intracellular concentration. A moderate increase of [Ca++]i as well as ROS mediate spontaneous resumption of meiosis from diplotene as well as M‐II arrest, while their high levels cause meiotic cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by operating both mitochondria‐ as well as Fas ligand‐mediated apoptotic pathways. Indeed, Ca++ regulates cellular physiology by modulating meiotic cell cycle and apoptosis in mammalian oocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 976–981, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RFI shielding effectiveness of a soil berm
Authors: Tezel Necmi Serkan , Reader Howard C. , Davidson David B.
Published: November 2016

We investigate the electromagnetic (EM) shielding effectiveness (SE) properties of a berm which was created from soil due to construction works near a sensitive radio astronomy site. For the analysis, the berm is approximated as being located above an infinite perfectly electric conducting (PEC) plane. A two‐dimensional cross‐sectional analysis is shown to be sufficient to investigate the SE, which we compute using a computationally efficient single‐layer boundary integral equation method. To verify the method, we compare our results against those obtained by the commercially available Method of Moments (MoM) code, FEKO. Good agreement is demonstrated. It is observed that the berm provides about 25–30 dB SE at heights lower than 5 m and at distances of up to 50 m from the berm. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:17–21, 2017
High‐gain mixer using cascode current bleeding and gm‐boosting techniques
Authors: Lee Ji‐Young , Yun Tae‐Yeoul
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a high‐gain down‐conversion mixer using a cascode current bleeding technique and a transconductance (gm)‐boosting technique. Unlike the conventional folded‐type mixer, an nMOS input transconductance transistor is allocated under pMOS switching transistors and load resistors in the proposed mixer. This topology allows the folded mixer to reuse the total current at the input transconductance transistor for low power consumption and to adopt the current bleeding technique for high gain. In addition, the gm‐boosting technique increases effective transconductance by adding a positive‐feedback inductor. Measured results show a maximum voltage conversion gain of 23.8 dB, an input third‐order intercept point (IIP3) of −10.5 dBm at the maximum gain, a minimum noise figure of 4.3 dB, and a 3‐dB bandwidth from 7.2 to 8.4 GHz with a consumption of 3.9 mW from a 1.2 V supply. The chip size, including test pads, is 0.9 × 0.95 mm2 using 0.13 μm RF CMOS technology. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1–6, 2017
Size‐miniaturized and selectivity‐enhanced bandpass filter using folded stepped‐impedance resonators
Authors: Huang Tao , Shao Zhen Hai , Huang Yong Mao
Published: November 2016

In this article, a 3.5 GHz size‐miniaturized microstrip bandpass filter based on folded stepped‐impedance resonators (FSIR) structure is presented for frequency synthesizer application to achieve a moderate wide stopband performance and an enhanced sideband selectivity performance by two transmission zeros (TZs). The filter is composed of four half‐mode FSIRs, where two FSIRs in the middle consist of a tri‐mode resonator which produces a TZ, and a pair of 180‐degree feed ports produce another TZ. After the filter is fabricated and measured, its measurement results are agreed with its simulated ones very well, and show its in‐band (1dB bandwidth from 3.3 GHz to 3.7 GHz) insertion loss is less than 1.6 dB, its sideband suppression is 45dB at 260MHz away from the upper sideband, as well as its stopband rejection is 26 dB far to the fourth harmonic of the center frequency. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:60–62, 2017
Inset‐fed rectangular microstrip antenna optimized by genetic algorithm
Authors: de Sena Francisco das Chagas B. , da Silva José P. , Pereira Jonathan P. P. , Guimarães Ádller de O.
Published: November 2016

In this article, a new project of a rectangular microstrip patch antenna, operating at 5.8 GHz, optimized by Genetic Algorithm (GA), has been proposed, built and analyzed. That antenna has a structure composed by inset‐fed, which is made in the junction between the patch and the feed line. The proposed GA is applied to determine the depth (yo) of the insert‐fed, which refers to how much the feed line get in the patch in order to achieve the optimum value for the impedance matching of the antenna. Obtained results for the optimized antenna were compared to those achieved by simulation and measurements of a reference antenna, also two prototypes were built for both one. In this study, the analyzed parameters were total gain, S11 parameter, input impedance and E‐plane. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:105–109, 2017
A cascode linear power amplifier with reduced capacitance variation of common gate transistors
Authors: Jeong Gwanghyeon , Kang Seunghoon , Joo Taehwan , Hong Songcheol
Published: November 2016

A common‐gate (CG) transistor in a cascode power amplifier has a large input capacitance variation in the saturation region with respect to the source voltage. This causes large nonlinearity in a CMOS PA that utilizes a cascode configuration. Here, we propose a method to reduce the capacitance variation by introducing a parallel auxiliary transistor that works in both the saturation and depletion regions by applying a bias voltage that is slightly different from the main one. This provides the proposed CMOS PA a gain of 27.8 dB and an output power of 16.7 dBm with a PAE of 14.7% for an 802.11n modulated signal with an EVM of −25 dB. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:125–128, 2017
Dual‐band antenna with combination of printed dipole and aperture coupled rectangular patch antenna
Authors: Eskandari Hossein , Hasani Hamid Reza
Published: November 2016

In this letter, a novel simple structure of dual band microstrip antenna is presented. The antenna configuration is composed of two antennas that one of these antennas is printed dipole antenna and the other one is 1 × 2 aperture coupled rectangular patch antenna array. The parameter design of each antenna, which resonating as independent antennas, is designed based on their resonating frequency. The prototype of this antenna is fabricated and measured. The measured results show a good S‐parameter, reasonable gain, and stable omni‐like radiation patterns in two working frequency bands. According to measured results, the proposed dual‐ band antenna can cover 2.03–2.90 GHz, and 4.80–5.09 GHz, which are allocated for wireless applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:186–188, 2017
Bandwidth enhancement of dual‐layer patch antenna using low mutual‐coupling near‐field resonant parasiticl elements
Authors: Guo Li , Tang Ming‐Chun , Li Mei , Xiong Han , Zeng Xiaoping , Zeng Qingsheng
Published: November 2016

A pair of face‐to‐face semicircular split‐ring resonators (SSRRs) was utilized to improve the impedance bandwidth of a planar patch antenna. By loading the SSRRs on the superstrate layer, their fundamental resonant modes could be capacitively induced by the radiation patch of the antenna underneath them, respectively. Benefitting from the ultra‐low mutual coupling level between the SSRRs even though their resonant modes are very close to each other, their resonant frequency ranges could be merged with the resonant frequency range from the fundamental mode of the radiation patch to produce a wide fractional impedance bandwidth as high as 4.2% (witnessing 5.16 times enhancement compared with that of a standard patch antenna), even with such a low profile (only 0.052λ0 height). Moreover, the experimental results, which are in good agreement with the simulation values, demonstrated its stable and excellent radiation characteristics, including strict broadside main beams with high polarization purity and large front‐to‐back ratios over the entire operational bandwidth. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:180–186, 2017
Frequency reconfigurable antenna for WLAN application
Authors: Lim M.C. , Rahim S.K.A. , Hamid M.R. , Eteng A.A. , Jamlos M.F.
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a frequency reconfigurable antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW). The antenna is able to switch between narrowband operation, centred at 5.8 GHz, and wideband operation in the range of 3.5 GHz to 5.97 GHz. It consists of an ellipse‐shaped wideband antenna integrated with a bandpass filter for narrowband operation. A pair of rectangular resonators with stubs is implemented at the ground plane to alter the electrical length.When a pair of integrated p‐i‐n diodes are turned OFF, a passband is realized in conjuction with two stopbands to suppress unwanted frequencies. On the other hand, wideband operation is realized when the end of the slot is shorted by eliminating the function of resonator. The overall size of the proposed antenna is 37.8 × 49 mm2, inclusive of the DC biasing circuit. Simulated and measured for radiation pattern and reflection coefficient are carried out to compare the results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:171–176, 2017
Stabilized finite element methods for vertically averaged multiphase flow for carbon sequestration
Authors: Ladubec Chris , Gracie Robert
Published: November 2016

A computationally efficient numerical model that describes carbon sequestration in deep saline aquifers is presented. The model is based on the multiphase flow and vertically averaged mass balance equations, requiring the solution of two partial differential equations – a pressure equation and a saturation equation. The saturation equation is a nonlinear advective equation for which the application of Galerkin finite element method (FEM) can lead to non‐physical oscillations in the solution. In this article, we extend three stabilized FEM formulations, which were developed for uncoupled systems, to the governing nonlinear coupled PDEs. The methods developed are based on the streamline upwind, the streamline upwind/Petrov–Galerkin and the least squares FEM. Two sequential solution schemes are developed: a single step and a predictor–corrector. The range of Courant numbers yielding smooth and oscillation‐free solutions is investigated for each method. The useful range of Courant numbers found depends upon both the sequential scheme (single step vs predictor–corrector) and also the time integration method used (forward Euler, backward Euler or Crank–Nicolson). For complex problems such as when two plumes meet, only the SU stabilization with an amplified stabilization parameter gives satisfactory results when large time steps are used. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergetic effect of graphite nanosheets and spherical alumina particles on thermal conductivity enhancement of silicone rubber composites
Authors: Lu Yonglai , Wang Junyan , Wang Xiaobo , Liu Li , Tian Ming , Guan Xiaoyan , Zhang Liqun
Published: November 2016

Small amounts (1–5 phr) of graphite nanosheets (GNSs) were added to highly filled spherical alumina (S‐Al2O3)/silicone rubber (SiR) composites by the direct mechanical compounding method with a double planetary mixer. The morphology, filler network structure, and thermal conductivity of the resultant composites were investigated systematically. The results revealed that nanoscale dispersion of GNSs was achieved and the dispersion level was obviously improved with the presence of S‐Al2O3. The addition of small amounts of GNSs can greatly increase the thermal conductivity of the highly filled S‐Al2O3/SiR composites. For instance, the thermal conductivity of the composite filled with 300 phr of S‐Al2O3 was increased from 1.103 to 2.162 W/(m K) by the addition of only 5 phr of GNSs, corresponding to an improvement of ∼96%. We discovered that GNSs and S‐Al2O3 exhibit a synergetic effect on the thermal conductivity improvement of the composite and the extent of synergy depends on both the loading and composition of the hybrid fillers. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1364–E1371, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Efficient initiation of radical‐mediated thiol‐ene chemistry with photoactive silica particles
Authors: Sahin Melahat , Schlögl Sandra , Kaiser Simon , Kern Wolfgang , Wang Jieping , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: November 2016

This work aims at the design of photoactive inorganic filler by covalently attaching tri(methoxy)silyl‐functionalized bis(acyl)phosphane oxides (TEMSI2‐BAPO) onto silica particles. The immobilization of the photoactive groups is evidenced by spectroscopic measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis. The modified particles are then incorporated into thiol–ene resins to study the efficiency of the Norrish type I photofragmentation reaction of the covalently bound TEMSI2‐BAPO derivatives. The photopolymerization kinetics of the thiol–ene system is monitored by FT‐IR spectroscopy and photo‐DSC upon prolonged exposure with UV‐light and compared with the results achieved with IRGACURE 819 (free BAPO). Rapid curing and high conversion yields are obtained evidencing the high efficiency of the photoactive particles. In addition, negative‐toned patterns are inscribed in thin thiol–ene films by photolithographic processes and characterized by microscopic techniques demonstrating the versatile applicability of the photoactive particles. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 894–902
Effects of evaporation velocity and film thickness on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) thin films processed from aggregate dispersions in binary solvent mixtures
Authors: Boucher David S.
Published: November 2016

Aggregate dispersions of P3HT in two series of solvent mixtures, chloroform:dichloromethane and toluene:dichloromethane, are used to study the impact of the evaporation velocity and film thickness on the P3HT films processed using two spin‐coating speeds (1000 rpm and 2000 rpm). The structural order and surface morphology were investigated with UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques. There is no evidence that the characteristics of the liquid phase P3HT dispersions impact the structures of the films, which is in agreement with a previous study of drop cast P3HT films that were dried over much longer time periods. An association is observed between the extent of aggregation in the liquid phase and the thickness and surface roughness parameters of the films. However, the structural order does not correlate with the thickness of the films, which was previously reported for polymer films processed from amorphous polymer solutions in pure organic solvents. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 330–343
Europäische Datensammlung zur Präimplantationsdiagnostik seit 1999
Authors: Coonen Edith , Goossens Veerle , Geraedts Joep
Published: November 2016

Seit 25 Jahren gibt es die Präimplantationsdiagnostik (PID) als Alternative zur Pränataldiagnostik monogener, mitochondrialer und chromosomaler Erkrankungen. Nach In-vitro-Fertilisation (IVF) oder (meist) Intrazytoplasmatischer Spermieninjektion (ICSI) werden entweder Polkörperchen, Blastomere oder Ektodermzellen aus den Oozyten bzw. dem Präimplantationsembryo gewonnen, um sie einer molekularen Diagnostik zu unterziehen. Nichtbetroffene Embryonen werden ausgewählt, um sie in die Gebärmutter einzusetzen, um dadurch einen Schwangerschaftsabbruch zu verhindern.

1997 wurde das ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) PGD Consortium als Teil der ESHRE-Arbeitsgruppe für Reproduktionsgenetik mit dem Ziel gegründet, in einer Langzeitbeobachtung Effizienz und klinische Ergebnisse der PID zu erfassen. Im Dezember 1999 wurde der erste von inzwischen insgesamt 13 PID-Konsortiumsberichten veröffentlicht. Darüber hinaus wurden in den letzten Jahren (2013–2015) unpublizierte Daten von der Hälfte aller 121 Mitglieder (darunter 89 europäische) des PID-Konsortiums gesammelt.

Auch wenn die Unterschiede nicht mehr so groß sind wie früher, ist die Bandbreite der PID-Gesetzgebung, -Regelwerke und -Angebote in den einzelnen europäischen Ländern noch relativ groß. Dies hat dazu geführt, dass Patienten über die nationalen Grenzen hinweg nach medizinischer Hilfe suchen.

Zu Beginn entsprach das Indikationsspektrum mehr oder weniger demjenigen der Pränataldiagnostik. Interessanterweise wird in einigen Ländern eine zunehmende Anzahl von Tests für spätmanifeste Erkrankungen angeboten, was darauf hinweist, dass für diese Fälle die PID eher akzeptiert wird als die Pränataldiagnostik.

Die wichtigsten chromosomalen Indikationen für PID stellen die reziproken Translokationen dar (sowohl für männliche als auch für weibliche Translokationsträger).

Es ist zu beobachten, dass die Biopsie eines Embryos in sehr frühen Furchungsstadien langsam durch die Blastozystenbiopsie ersetzt wird. Die Fehlgeburtenrate ist nicht erhöht. Die Anzahl der Schwangerschaftsabbrüche ist extrem niedrig. Eine von 6 Schwangerschaften führt zur Geburt von Zwillingen und die Zahl von höheren Mehrlingsschwangerschaften ist sehr begrenzt. In einzelnen Fällen wurde von Fehldiagnosen berichtet.
SADEA-II: A generalized method for efficient global optimization of antenna design
Authors: Liu Bo , Koziel Slawomir , Ali Nazar
Published: November 2016

Efficiency improvement is of great significance for simulation-driven antenna design optimization methods based on evolutionary algorithms (EAs). The two main efficiency enhancement methods exploit data-driven surrogate models and/or multi-fidelity simulation models to assist EAs. However, optimization methods based on the latter either need ad hoc low-fidelity model setup or have difficulties in handling problems with more than a few design variables, which is a main barrier for industrial applications. To address this issue, a generalized three stage multi-fidelity-simulation-model assisted antenna design optimization framework is proposed in this paper. The main ideas include introduction of a novel data mining stage handling the discrepancy between simulation models of different fidelities, and a surrogate-model-assisted combined global and local search stage for efficient high-fidelity simulation model-based optimization. This framework is then applied to SADEA, which is a state-of-the-art surrogate-model-assisted antenna design optimization method, constructing SADEA-II. Experimental results indicate that SADEA-II successfully handles various discrepancy between simulation models and considerably outperforms SADEA in terms of computational efficiency while ensuring improved design quality.

Highlights An EFFICIENT antenna design global optimization method for problems requiring very expensive EM simulations. A new multi-fidelity surrogate-model-based optimization framework to perform RELIABLE efficient global optimization A data mining method to address distortions of EM models of different fidelities (bottleneck of multi-fidelity design).
Fair Trade Certification and Livelihoods: A Panel Data Analysis of Coffee-growing Households in India
Authors: Karki Sabina Khatri , Jena Pradyot Ranjan , Grote Ulrike
Published: November 2016

This study analyzes the participation decision and income impacts of fair-trade coffee certification on small-scale coffee producers in the Araku valley in India using panel data for 183 households and endogenous-switching and quantile regression methods. The results show that fair trade certification has a positive effect on income; the income of certified farmers is 17 percent higher on average than the income of uncertified coffee producers. Furthermore, fair trade certification has a “bottom of the pyramid” effect in that the largest income gains accrue to farmers in the poorer quantiles.
LONGEVITY RISK MANAGEMENT AND SHAREHOLDER VALUE FOR A LIFE ANNUITY BUSINESS
Authors: Blackburn Craig , Hanewald Katja , Olivieri Annamaria , Sherris Michael
Published: November 2016

The life annuity business is heavily exposed to longevity risk. Risk transfer solutions are not yet fully developed, and when available they are expensive. A significant part of the risk must therefore be retained by the life insurer. So far, most of the research work on longevity risk has been mainly concerned with capital requirements and specific risk transfer solutions. However, the impact of longevity risk on shareholder value also deserves attention. While it is commonly accepted that a market-consistent valuation should be performed in this respect, the definition of a fair shareholder value for a life insurance business is not trivial. In this paper, we develop a multi-period market-consistent shareholder value model for a life annuity business. The model allows for systematic and idiosyncratic longevity risk and includes the most significant variables affecting shareholder value: the cost of capital (which in a market-consistent setting must be quantified in terms of frictional and agency costs, net of the value of the limited liability put option), policyholder demand elasticity and the cost of alternative longevity risk management solutions, namely indemnity-based and index-based solutions. We show how the model can be used for assessing the impact of different longevity risk management strategies on life insurer shareholder value and solvency.
Pharmaceutical patenting and the transformation of American medical ethics
Authors: GABRIEL JOSEPH M.
Published: November 2016

The attitudes of physicians and drug manufacturers in the US toward patenting pharmaceuticals changed dramatically from the mid-nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth. Formerly, physicians and reputable manufacturers argued that pharmaceutical patents prioritized profit over the advancement of medical science. Reputable manufactures refused to patent their goods and most physicians shunned patented products. However, moving into the early twentieth century, physicians and drug manufacturers grew increasingly comfortable with the idea of pharmaceutical patents. In 1912, for example, the American Medical Association dropped the prohibition on physicians holding medical patents. Shifts in wider patenting cultures therefore transformed the ethical sensibilities of physicians.
ASSESSING THE FEASIBILITY OF A BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY
Authors: McConnell Lee
Published: November 2016

In light of a recent shift in dialogue to hard law standards in the domain of business and human rights, this article provides an in-depth examination of the viability of a business and human rights treaty. It seeks to advance a valid theoretical model for a treaty that directly addresses non-State actors, explores the allocation of responsibility among multiple duty-bearers, and contemplates the scope, content, and enforcement of the potential obligations. By supplementing this analysis with analogies drawn from existing treaty regimes, the article aims to contribute positively to the normative development of international law in the field.
MULTILEVEL LINEAR REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING BODY MASS INDEX AMONG BANGLADESHI MARRIED NON-PREGNANT WOMEN
Authors: Kamruzzaman Md , Mamun A. S. M. A. , Bakar Sheikh Muhammad Abu , Saw Aik , Kamarul T. , Islam Md Nurul , Hossain Md Golam
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the socioeconomic and demographic factors influencing the body mass index (BMI) of non-pregnant married Bangladeshi women of reproductive age. Secondary (Hierarchy) data from the 2011 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, collected using two-stage stratified cluster sampling, were used. Two-level linear regression analysis was performed to remove the cluster effect of the variables. The mean BMI of married non-pregnant Bangladeshi women was 21.60±3.86 kg/m2, and the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 22.8%, 14.9% and 3.2%, respectively. After removing the cluster effect, age and age at first marriage were found to be positively (p<0.01) related with BMI. Number of children was negatively related with women’s BMI. Lower BMI was especially found among women from rural areas and poor families, with an uneducated husband, with no television at home and who were currently breast-feeding. Age, total children ever born, age at first marriage, type of residence, education level, level of husband’s education, wealth index, having a television at home and practising breast-feeding were found to be important predictors for the BMI of married Bangladeshi non-pregnant women of reproductive age. This information could be used to identify sections of the Bangladeshi population that require special attention, and to develop more effective strategies to resolve the problem of malnutrition.
Leishmania donovani development in Phlebotomus argentipes: comparison of promastigote- and amastigote-initiated infections
Authors: SADLOVA JOVANA , MYSKOVA JITKA , LESTINOVA TEREZA , VOTYPKA JAN , YEO MATTHEW , VOLF PETR
Published: November 2016

Leishmania parasites alternate in their life cycle between promastigote stages that develop in the gut of phlebotomine sand flies and amastigotes residing inside phagocytic cells of vertebrate hosts. For experimental infections of sand flies, promastigotes are frequently used as this way of infection is technically easier although ingestion of promastigotes by sand flies is unnatural. Here we aimed to answer a critical question, to what extent do promastigote-initiated experimental infections differ from those initiated with intracellular amastigotes. We performed side-by-side comparison of Leishmania development in Phlebotomus argentipes females infected alternatively with promastigotes from log-phase cultures or amastigotes grown ex vivo in macrophages. Early stage infections showed substantial differences in parasite load and representation of morphological forms. The differences disappeared along the maturation of infections; both groups developed heavy late-stage infections with colonization of the stomodeal valve, uniform representation of infective metacyclics and equal efficiency of transmission. The results showed that studies focusing on early phase of Leishmania development in sand flies should be initiated with intracellular amastigotes. However, the use of promastigote stages for sand fly infections does not alter significantly the final outcome of Leishmania donovani development in P. argentipes and their transmissibility to the vertebrate host.
Insight as a social identity process in the evolution of psychosocial functioning in the early phase of psychosis
Authors: Klaas H. S. , Clémence A. , Marion-Veyron R. , Antonietti J.-P. , Alameda L. , Golay P. , Conus P.
Published: November 2016

Background

Awareness of illness (insight) has been found to have contradictory effects for different functional outcomes after the early course of psychosis. Whereas it is related to psychotic symptom reduction and medication adherence, it is also associated with increased depressive symptoms. In this line, the specific effects of insight on the evolution of functioning over time have not been identified, and social indicators, such as socio-occupational functioning have barely been considered. Drawing from social identity theory we investigated the impact of insight on the development of psychosocial outcomes and the interactions of these variables over time.

Method

The participants, 240 patients in early phase of psychosis from the Treatment and Early Intervention in Psychosis Program (TIPP) of the University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland, were assessed at eight time points over 3 years. Cross-lagged panel analyses and multilevel analyses were conducted on socio-occupational and general functioning [Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)] with insight, time and depressive symptoms as independent variables.

Results

Results from multilevel analyses point to an overall positive impact of insight on psychosocial functioning, which increases over time. Yet the cross-lagged panel analysis did not reveal a systematic positive and causal effect of insight on SOFAS and GAF scores. Depressive symptoms seem only to be relevant in the beginning of the treatment process.

Conclusions

Our results point to a complex process in which the positive impact of insight on psychosocial functioning increases over time, even when considering depressive symptoms. Future studies and treatment approaches should consider the procedural aspect of insight.
Lifelong learning in active ageing discourse: its conserving effect on wellbeing, health and vulnerability
Authors: NARUSHIMA MIYA , LIU JIAN , DIESTELKAMP NAOMI
Published: November 2016

The Active Ageing Framework has been adapted as a global strategy in ageing policies, practices and research over the last decade. Lifelong learning, however, has not been fully integrated into this discourse. Using survey data provided by 416 adults (aged 60 years and above) enrolled in non-formal general-interest courses in a public continuing education programme in Canada, this study examined the association between older adults’ duration of participation in the courses and their level of psychological wellbeing, while taking their age, gender, self-rated health and vulnerability level into consideration. An analytical framework was developed based on the literature of old-age vulnerabilities and the benefits of lifelong learning. Two logistic regression and trend analyses were conducted. The results indicate that older adults’ participation is independently and positively associated with their psychological wellbeing, even among those typically classified as ‘vulnerable’. This result provides additional evidence that suggests the continuous participation in non-formal lifelong learning may help sustain older adults’ psychological wellbeing. It provides older learners, even those who are most vulnerable, with a compensatory strategy to strengthen their reserve capacities, allowing them to be autonomous and fulfilled in their everyday life. The result of this study highlights the value of the strategic and unequivocal promotion of community-based non-formal lifelong learning opportunities for developing inclusive, equitable and caring active ageing societies.
Kinematics and inverse dynamics analysis for a novel 3-PUU parallel mechanism
Authors: Liping Wang , Huayang Xu , Liwen Guan
Published: November 2016

The modules of parallel tool heads with 2R1T degrees of freedom (DOFs), i.e., two rotational DOFs and one translational DOF, have become so important in the field of machine tools that corresponding research studies have attracted extensive attention from both academia and industry. A 3-PUU (P represents a prismatic joint, U represents a universal joint) parallel mechanism with 2R1T DOFs is proposed in this paper, and a detailed discussion about its architecture, geometrical constraints, and mobility characteristics is presented. Furthermore, on the basis of its special geometrical constraint, we derive and explicitly express the parasitic motion of the 3-PUU mechanism. Then, the inverse kinematics problem, the Jacobian matrix calculation and the forward kinematics problem are also investigated. Finally, with a simplified dynamics model, the inverse dynamics analysis for the mechanism is carried out with the Principle of Virtual Work, and corresponding results are compared with that of the 3-PRS mechanism. The above analyses illustrate that the 3-PUU parallel mechanism has good dynamics features, which validates the feasibility of applying this mechanism as a tool head module.
HOW TO ALLOCATE SCARCE HEALTH RESOURCES WITHOUT DISCRIMINATING AGAINST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Authors: John Tyler M. , Millum Joseph , Wasserman David
Published: November 2016

One widely used method for allocating health care resources involves the use of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to rank treatments in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. CEA has been criticized for discriminating against people with disabilities by valuing their lives less than those of non-disabled people. Avoiding discrimination seems to lead to the 'QALY trap': we cannot value saving lives equally and still value raising quality of life. This paper reviews existing responses to the QALY trap and argues that all are problematic. Instead, we argue that adopting a moderate form of prioritarianism avoids the QALY trap and disability discrimination.
Literature and Liturgy in Times of Transition: The Piska “And It Happened at Midnight” from Pesikta de-Rav Kahana
Authors: Atzmon Arnon
Published: November 2016

This article examines the development and sources of the passage, “And it happened at midnight” in Pesikta de-Rav Kahana. Literary analysis of this passage decisively refutes the conjecture that the passage was copied from either Pesikta Rabbati or a lost homiletical midrash on the book of Exodus, and supports the contention that it was formulated by the redactor of the Pesikta itself. Nonetheless, the passage does deviate from certain characteristic trademarks of other piska'ot. The article proposes a general theory as to the dating, nature, and literary creation of the entire Pesikta. While the Pesikta is a unified work, it does include piska'ot that exhibit different literary patterns. These variations reflect changes in Torah reading practices that occurred in the period in which the Pesikta's editor operated.
How Much is Rule-Consequentialism Really Willing to Give Up to Save the Future of Humanity?
Authors: KACZMAREK PATRICK
Published: November 2016

Brad Hooker argues that the cost of inculcating in everyone the prevent disaster rule places a limit on its demandingness. My aim in this article is show that this is not true of existential risk reduction. However, this does not spell trouble for the reason that removing persistent global harms significantly improves our long-run chances of survival. We can expect things to get better, not worse, for our population.
Neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants exposed in utero to antipsychotics: a systematic review of published data
Authors: Gentile Salvatore , Fusco Maria Luigia
Published: November 2016

The proportion of pregnancies exposed to either second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) or first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) varies between 0.3%–2% of all pregnancies, but, until now, little is known about the potential neurobehavioral teratogenicity of antipsychotics. Assessing this safety facet is the aim of this article. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for eligible articles. PubMed (1954 to May 2016) was searched using several medical subject headings, variously combined. PubMed search results were also limited using the search filter for human studies published in English. Scopus and Google Scholar searches were filtered for article title (antipsychotics/neuroleptics, pregnancy). After excluding duplicates, 9,250 articles were identified and 29 met the following inclusion criteria: only articles that provided original/primary data on neurodevelopmental outcome in human offspring older than 4 months of age, independently of the study design, were selected for review. Indeed, some relevant neurodevelopmental milestones are achieved at this time. Length of study and neurodevelopmental assessment methodology did not influence the study selection. Unfortunately, published data on neurodevelopmental teratogenicity of SGAs mainly derive from case reports and small case-series studies. Even findings emerging from case-control and prospective/retrospective studies are of limited clinical relevance because of their small sample sizes. Limited data are also available on FGAs. Hence, we have to conclude that the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for children exposed in utero remain unclear. Low to very low quality evidence of retrieved data makes impossible to confirm or exclude potential long-lasting untoward effects on infant neurocognitive development associate with antenatal exposure to either SGAs or FGAs.
Enhancement of the gain and bandwidth of the microstrip patch antenna with modified ground plane
Authors: Mondal Kalyan , Sarkar Partha Pratim
Published: November 2016

In this work, microstrip antenna with W- and V-shaped radiating patches have been proposed. Here square- and circular-shaped modified ground planes have been designed by poly tetra fluoro ethylene (PTFE) substrate with dielectric constant 2.4. Broadband with high gain is obtained by optimum selection of radiating patch with modified ground plane. The ground planes are modified by loading a U-shaped slot. The simulated and measured results are compared. Considering −10 dB impedance bandwidth maximum frequency band of 6.97 GHz (3.04–10.01 GHz) with percentage bandwidth of 106.8% is achieved. The proposed antenna exhibits maximum peak gain of 5.1 dBi. The simulation and measurement have been done by Ansoft designer software and vector network analyzer.
A CPW-fed tapered slot antenna with improved time and frequency domain characteristics
Authors: Hokmabadi Alireza , Keshtkar Asghar , Bayat Alireza , Keshtkar Ahmad
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a miniaturized CPW-fed tapered slot antenna (TSA) with a modified CPW to slot-line transition structure was introduced. An air-bridge and tapered slot edge (TSE) structure was also employed to broaden the transition bandwidth. Through these applied modifications, negative features of the original TSA (limitation of transition) and antipodal Vivaldi antenna (bad cross-polarization) are both removed, while all the positive features remained. Results showed that the proposed structure offered a broad bandwidth of 2.6–20 GHz and also exhibited an appropriate current distribution with high radiation efficiency. The radiation pattern was stable in the working frequency band with good directivity, gain, and low cross-polarization. The proposed antenna structure also presented satisfactory time-domain characteristics. In this study, we confirmed the simulation results through data measurements.
Förderung der Lesekompetenz mittels reziproken Lehrens: Implementation und Wirksamkeit imRegelunterricht
Authors: Koch Helvi , Spörer Nadine
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Ziel war es, die Effektivität zweier Interventionen zur Förderung der Lesekompetenz von Fünftklässlern zu untersuchen. Beide Treatments wurden von Regellehrkräften implementiert. Die eine Intervention war das reziproke Lehren, welches um Selbstregulationsprozeduren angereichert wurde (RT+SRL). Die zweite war eine von Lehrkräften konzipierte lesestrategiebasierte Unterrichtseinheit (Good Practice, GP). Zusätzlich gab es eine No-Treatment-Kontrollgruppe (KG0). Insgesamt nahmen an der Studie N = 244 Schüler teil. Im Rahmen eines Pre-, Post-, Follow-Up-Test-Untersuchungsplans kamen standardisierte Leseverständnisaufgaben, selbstkonstruierte Lesestrategieaufgaben und eine Selbstwirksamkeitsskala zum Einsatz. Kontrastierende Einzelvergleichsanalysen ergaben, dass sich die Schüler der Treatmentbedingung RT+SRL im Vergleich zu den Schülern der Kontrollgruppe zum Post-Test signifikant stärker im Leseverständnis, in der Lesestrategieanwendung und in der Selbstwirksamkeit verbesserten. Gleiches galt für die Lesestrategieanwendung zum Follow-Up-Test. Schüler der Bedingung GP konnten im Vergleich zu KG0-Schülern weder zum Post- noch zum Follow-Up-Test vorteilige Ergebnisse in den drei Kriteriumsmaßen erzielen.
EZH2 mediates lidamycin-induced cellular senescence through regulating p21 expression in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Sha Ming-Quan , Zhao Xiao-Li , Li Liang , Li Li-Hui , Li Yi , Dong Tian-Geng , Niu Wei-Xin , Jia Li-Jun , Shao Rong-Guang , Zhen Yong-Su , Wang Zhen
Published: November 2016

Lidamycin (LDM) is a novel member of the enediyne antibiotics identified in China with potent antitumor activity. However, it remains unclear whether LDM has potential molecular targets that may affect its antitumor activity. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) functions as a histone lysine methyltransferase and mediates trimethylation on histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3). High EZH2 level is found to be positively correlated with the aggressiveness, metastasis and poor prognosis of cancer. Here, we aim to study the role of EZH2 in LDM-induced senescence, as well as in the cytotoxicity of LDM in human colon cancer cells. LDM is found to be relatively more potent in inhibiting the colon cancer cells harboring high EZH2 level and induces irreversible cellular senescence at IC50 dose range, as evidenced by senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining, cell cycle arrest and molecular changes of senescence regulators including p21 in HCT116 and SW620 cells. More importantly, LDM is found to markedly inhibit EZH2 expression at both protein and mRNA levels upon the induction of p21 and cellular senescence. LDM also selectively inhibits EZH2 expression as compared with other histone lysine methyltransferases. Knockdown of p21 with siRNAs abolishes LDM-induced senescence, whereas EZH2 knockdown markedly increases p21 expression and causes senescent phenotype. Enrichment of both EZH2 and H3K27me3 levels in the p21 promoter region is reduced by LDM. Moreover, EZH2 overexpression reduces cellular senescence, p21 expression and DNA damage response upon LDM exposure. LDM also demonstrates potent antitumor efficacy in xenografted animal models. Collectively, our work provides first demonstration that EZH2 may mediate, at least partially, the senescence-inducing effects of LDM by regulating p21 expression and DNA damage effect. Thus, EZH2 may serve as a potential target and biomarker to indicate the clinical efficacy of the potent enediyne antitumor drug.