bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple and improved method for [11C]phosgene production with iron(III) oxide
Authors: Kuge Y. , Nishijima K. , Seki K. , Ohkura K. , Tsukamoto E. , Nagatsu K. , Tanaka A. , Tamaki N.
Published: April 2012

[11C]COCl2 is a precursor for several useful radiopharmaceuticals. [11C]COCl2 is generally produced by catalytic oxidation of [11C]CCl4 produced from [11C]CH4. In order to develop a simplified method for [11C]COCl2 production; we examined effects of oxidizing agents (Fe2O3, CuO) on the [11C]COCl2 yields. The yields of [11C]COCl2, assessed by the yields of [11C]diphenylurea, was increased by using Fe2O3 powder mixed with iron granule, compared with those by Fe alone or CuO alone. Yields of [11C]CGP‐12177 were also significantly higher with Fe2O3 than without Fe2O3. The present results show that Fe2O3 mixed with iron granule improve the conversion of [11C]CCl4 to [11C]COCl2 and the yields of [11C]CGP‐12177. Thus, we have developed a simple and improved method for [11C]COCl2 production with iron oxide (Fe2O3).
Metabolism of [11C‐methyl]choline in tumour bearing mice and synthesis and isolation of its catabolite [11C‐methyl]betaine
Authors: Brown G. D. , Osman S. , Wilson H. K. , Aboagye E. , Price P. M. , Luthra S. K. , Brady F.
Published: April 2012

The uptake and metabolism of [11C‐methyl]choline was examined in tumour bearing mice. Tumours showed [11C‐methyl]choline, [11C‐methyl]betaine and [11C‐methyl]phosphocholine, whereas in plasma only [11C‐methyl]choline and [11C‐ methyl]betaine were observed. To correct for the contribution of [11C‐methyl]betaine to [11C‐methyl]choline derived radioactivity in tissues, [11C‐methyl]betaine has been prepared from [11C‐methyl]choline, isolated by HPLC and the position of incorporation of C‐11 label confirmed by [11/13C]co‐labelling and NMR.
Production of ultra high quantities of 18F‐fluoride Via 18O2 gas target: A progress report
Authors: Becker D. , Buckley K. R. , Chun K. S. , Hurtado E. T. , Jivan S. , Zeisler S. , Ruth T. J.
Published: April 2012

There is a real need to develop a superior high yield target system for the production of large quantities of 18F‐fluoride with the increasing numbers of clinical PET centers worldwide. Therefore we have investigated a route to higher yield target system for 18F‐fluoride production which relies on gas target designs. (1)
3′‐End‐labeling procedure for phosphorothioate oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide‐conjugates
Authors: Mier W. , Rossmann M. , Mohammed A. , Haberkorn U. , Eisenhut M.
Published: April 2012

Oligonucleotides offer an enormous potential for therapeutical and diagnostic applications. Unfortunately the cellular uptake is a fundamental problem for the application of antisense oligonucleotides. Oligonucleotides are large charged molecules which are unable to penetrate the cellular membrane by diffusion. The resulting low cellular uptake can be circumvented by employing derivatized oligonucleotides. For this purpose we have recently developed oligonucleotide derivatives which are conjugated to octreotate, a cyclic octapeptide (1). Upon binding to somatostatin receptors (known to be overexpressed in various tumors), these conjugates can be internalized by receptor mediated endocytosis. Therefore the new conjugates consist of the oligonucleotide, which is linked via the 5′‐end to the N‐terminus of octreotate. The oligonucleotide sequence is complementary to the sequence of the protooncogene bcl‐2, which is known to be overexpressed in lymphoma. To monitor the fate of modified oligonucleotides in vivo as well as to enable the use of modified oligonucleotides for the scintigraphic imaging, labeling procedures had to be developed. This procedure also had to be suitable for the labeling of phosphorothioate‐modified oligonucleotides. Due to pharmacological advantages as compared to unmodified phosphodiester oligonucleotides, these synthetic oligonucleotides are utilized for in vivo applications. Using [γ‐32P]‐ATP and T4 polynucleotide kinase, oligonucleotides can be conveniently labeled at the 5′‐end. In order to enable the labeling of 5′‐conjugated oligonucleotides at the 3′‐end, the labeling with calf thymus terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (terminal transferase) and dideoxyadenosine‐5′‐[α‐32P]triphosphate ([α‐32P]‐ddATP) was investigated.
Synthesis and evaluation of a radioiodinated benzothiazole derivative as a radioligand for in vivo quantitation of β‐amyloid deposits in aging and alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Y. , Klunk W. E. , Huang G.‐F. , Debnath M. L. , Holt D. P. , Mathis C. A.
Published: April 2012

Amyloid deposits in the form of senile plaques and fibrillary tangles have been targeted as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and evaluation of the efficacy of therapeutic treatments (1–3). For in vivo quantitation of amyloid deposits in AD, efforts have been made to develop radiopharmaceuticals for PET and/or SPECT imaging that readily penetrate the blood brain barrier and selectively localize in the area of beta‐amyloid deposits in AD brain. To date, these agents such as radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies (4), plaque‐related proteins (5, 6), analogues of Congo red (7–11), and membrane dyes (12) have found limited use due to either marginal brain uptake or high non‐specific binding.
Effect of thermal sterilization on ferulic, coumaric and cinnamic acids: dimerization and antioxidant activity
Authors: Arrieta‐Baez Daniel , Dorantes‐Álvarez Lidia , Martinez‐Torres Rocio , Zepeda‐Vallejo Gerardo , Jaramillo‐Flores Maria Eugenia , Ortiz‐Moreno Alicia , Aparicio‐Ozores Gerardo
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Some phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid, exist in the form of free acids, in fruits, rice, corn and other grains. Thermal treatment (121 °C at 15–17 psi) for different times on ferulic, p‐coumaric and cinnamic acids as well as equimolar mixtures of these acids was investigated.

RESULTS: Ferulic and p‐coumaric acids underwent decarboxylation, yielding dimeric products formed through their corresponding radical intermediates, while cinnamic acid was recovered unreacted. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis showed no cross‐dimerization when equimolar mixtures of pairs of hydroxycinnamic acids were treated under the same conditions. Dimers were characterized as (E)‐4′,4″‐(but‐1‐ene‐1,3‐diyl)bis(2′‐methoxyphenol)) (dimer of 4‐vinylguaiacol) and (E)‐4,4′‐(but‐1‐ene‐1,3‐diyl)diphenol) (dimer of 4‐vinylphenol) by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSION: Sterilization by thermal processing produced dimers of ferulic and coumaric acid. The antioxidant activity of these dimers was greater than that of the respective hydroxycinnamic acids. These results may be relevant for fruits and grains that contain hydroxycinnamic acids and undergo sterilization processes such as canning. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of plant biomass and nitrogen nutrition with plant height in early‐to mid‐season corn
Authors: Yin Xinhua , Hayes Robert M , McClure M Angela , Savoy Hubert J
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: The physiological basis for using non‐destructive high‐resolution measurements of plant height through plant height sensing to guide variable‐rate nitrogen (N) applications on corn (Zea mays L.) during early (six‐leaf growth stage, V6) to mid (V12) season is largely unknown. This study was conducted to assess the relationships of plant biomass and leaf N with plant height in early‐ to mid‐season corn under six different N rate treatments.

RESULTS: Corn plant biomass was significantly and positively related to plant height under an exponential model when both were measured at V6. This relationship explained 62–78% of the variations in corn biomass production. Leaf N concentration was, in general, significantly and positively related to plant height when both were measured at V6, V8, V10 and V12. This relationship became stronger as the growing season progressed from V6 to V12. The relationship of leaf N with plant height in early‐ to mid‐season corn was affected by initial soil N fertility and abnormal weather conditions.

CONCLUSION: The relationship of leaf N concentration with plant height may provide a physiological basis for using plant height sensing to guide variable‐rate N applications on corn. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 and alternative splicing in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Elliott David A. , Kim Woojin S. , Gorissen Sarsha , Halliday Glenda M. , Kwok John B.J.
Published: April 2012

Mutations of the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD) and are associated with pleiomorphic neuropathology. We hypothesize that LRRK2 mediates its pathogenic effect through alternative splicing of neurodegeneration genes. Methods used in this study included western blotting analysis of subcellular protein fractions, exon‐array analysis of RNA from cultured neuroblastoma cells transfected with LRRK2 expression vectors, and reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) of RNA from cultured cells and postmortem tissue. Overexpression of the LRRK2 G2019S mutant resulted in a significant (2.6‐fold; P = 0.020) decrease in nuclear transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 levels. Exon‐array analyses revealed that wild‐type LRRK2 had a significant effect on the expression of genes with nuclear (P < 10−22) and cell‐cycle functions (P < 10−15). We replicated changes in gene expression in 30% of selected genes by quantitative RT‐PCR. Overexpression of LRRK2 resulted in the altered splicing of two genes associated with PD, with an increased inclusion of exon 10 of microtubule‐associated protein tau (1.7‐fold; P = 0.001) and exon 5 of the alpha‐synuclein (SNCA) gene (1.6‐fold; P =0.005). Moreover, overexpression of LRRK2 (G2019S) and two mutant genes associated with neurodegeneration, TARDBP (M337V) and FUS (R521H), were associated with decreased inclusion out of the dystonin (DST) 1e precursor exons in SK‐N‐MC cells. Altered splicing of SNCA (1.9‐fold; P < 0.001) and DST genes (log2 2.3‐fold; P = 0.005) was observed in a cohort of PD, compared with neurologically healthy, brains. This suggests that aberrant RNA metabolism is an important contributor to idiopathic PD. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Solution of perturbed Schrödinger system with critical nonlinearity and electromagnetic fields
Authors: Zhang Huixing , Liu Wenbin
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we consider the following perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger system with electromagnetic fields
urn:x-wiley:01704214:media:mma2550:mma2550-math-0001 where N ≥ 3, 2 蜧  = 2N ∕ (N − 2) is the Sobolev critical exponent; A is the real vector magnetic potential; and V (x), K(x), and H(s,t) are continuous functions. Under certain conditions on V, H, and K, we establish some new results on the existence of the least‐energy solutions (uϵ,vϵ) for small ϵ by using variational method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and anti‐icing property of a lotus‐leaf‐like superhydrophobic low‐density polyethylene coating with low sliding angle
Authors: Yuan Zhiqing , Bin Jiping , Wang Xian , Liu Qilong , Zhao Dejian , Chen Hong , Jiang Haiyun
Published: April 2012

A lotus‐leaf‐like superhydrophobic low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) coating with low sliding angle was prepared by a facile method. The water contact angle and sliding angle of the as‐prepared superhydrophobic LDPE coating were 156 ± 1.7° and 1°, respectively. The anti‐icing property of the as‐prepared LDPE coating with low sliding angle was investigated in a climatic chamber with a working temperature of −5°C. The results showed that the superhydrophobic LDPE coating with low sliding angle can largely prevent ice formation on the surface, showing excellent anti‐icing property. The as‐prepared superhydrophobic LDPE coating with good anti‐icing property will be perfectly desirable for outdoor equipments to reduce ice formation on their surfaces in cold seasons. This work will provide a new way to fabricate anti‐icing coating and thus find applications in a variety of fields. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with alkylated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Heo Gun‐Young , Park Soo‐Jin
Published: April 2012

The effects of functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on thermal and chemorheological behaviors of an epoxy‐based nanocomposite system were investigated. Chemical functionalization of MWCNTs by acid modification (A‐MWCNTs) and chemical amidation (D‐MWCNTs) was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the D‐MWCNTs had a significant effect on the chemorheological behaviors of the epoxy‐based nanocomposite. Compared to the epoxy/A‐MWCNT nanocomposite, the epoxy/D‐MWCNTs nanocomposite showed a significant increase in gel time, as obtained from isothermal rheology measurements. Also, the storage modulus of the diglycidylether of bisphenol F (DGEBF)/D‐MWCNTs nanocomposite was higher than that of the DGEBF/D‐MWCNTs nanocomposite and gradually increased with an increase of frequency. This could be interpreted by the relatively strongly interconnected structure of the D‐MWCNTs in the DGEBF epoxy resin, which arises from the functionalized alkyl groups of the D‐MWCNTs in dispersion phases with the DGEBF epoxy resin. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Action principle for non‐abelian twisted self‐duality
Authors: Samtleben H.
Published: April 2012

The dynamics of abelian vector and antisymmetric tensor gauge fields can be described in terms of twisted self‐duality equations. The latter play an important role in exposing the duality symmetries of the theory. In this contribution I review recent progress in the construction of action principles for these equations and in particular their non‐abelian generalizations.
Graphene oxide/PEDOT:PSS and reduced graphene oxide/PEDOT:PSS hole extraction layers in organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Park Yensil , Soon Choi Kyoung , Young Kim Soo
Published: April 2012

A comparison was made between the use of graphene oxide (GO)/poly(ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/PEDOT:PSS as a hole extraction layer (HEL) in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. Hydrazine hydrate (HYD) and the thermal method were adopted to change the GO to rGO. The OPV cell with the GO (∼2 nm)/PEDOT:PSS HEL exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 3.53% under 100 mW/cm2 illumination and air mass conditions, which is higher than that of the OPV cell without the HEL, viz. 1.78%. The device with the PEDOT:PSS/GO HEL shows a similar PCE of 3.48%. However, the PCE of the OPV cell with the rGO/PEDOT:PSS HEL is not high as those of the cells with the HYD‐rGO/PEDOT:PSS and T‐rGO/PEDOT:PSS, viz. 3.3 and 3.37%, respectively. The work function of GO was 4.7 eV, but those of HYD‐rGO and T‐rGO were 4.2 and 4.5 eV, respectively, suggesting that the decrease of the barrier height between GO and active materials is higher than that in rGO case.
Second harmonic generation in periodically poled LiNbO3 waveguides formed by oxygen‐ion implantation
Authors: Huang Qing , Liu Peng , Liu Tao , Zhang Lian , Zhou Yu‐Fan , Wang Xue‐Lin
Published: April 2012

Planar and channel waveguides were fabricatied in periodically poled lithium niobate crystals by 6 MeV O‐ion implantation. Single‐pass second harmonic generation was carried out. A conversion efficiency of 34.5%/(W · cm2) was achieved in the channel waveguide, and 1.11 mW second harmonic light at 492.5 nm was generated. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of precipitation size distributions in km‐scale NWP simulations of intense precipitation: evaluation of cloud properties and surface precipitation
Authors: Van Weverberg Kwinten , van Lipzig Nicole P.M , Delobbe Laurent , Vogelmann Andrew M.
Published: April 2012

We investigate the sensitivity of simulated cloud properties and surface precipitation to assumptions regarding the size distributions of the precipitating hydrometeors in a one‐moment bulk microphysics scheme. Three sensitivity experiments were applied to two composites of 15 convective and 15 frontal stratiform intense precipitation events observed in a coastal midlatitude region (Belgium), which were evaluated against satellite‐retrieved cloud properties and radar‐rain‐gauge derived surface precipitation. It is found that the cloud optical thickness distribution was well captured by all experiments, although a significant underestimation of cloudiness occurred in the convective composite. The cloud‐top‐pressure distribution was improved most by more realistic snow size distributions (including a temperature‐dependent intercept parameter and non‐spherical snow for the calculation of the slope parameter), due to increased snow depositional growth at high altitudes. Surface precipitation was far less sensitive to whether graupel or hail was chosen as the rimed ice species, as compared to previous idealized experiments. This smaller difference in sensitivity could be explained by the stronger updraught velocities and higher freezing levels in the idealized experiments compared to typical coastal midlatitude environmental conditions. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Reduction of FeO in EAF Steelmaking Slag by Blends of Metallurgical Coke and End‐of‐Life Tyre
Authors: Dankwah James R. , Koshy Pramod , O'Kane Paul , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: April 2012

The reduction of FeO‐containing slag by blends of metallurgical coke and end‐of‐life tyres (RT) have been investigated through experiments conducted in a laboratory‐scale horizontal tube furnace. Composite pellets of EAF slag (47.1% FeO) with coke, RT, and blends of coke/RT (in four different proportions) were rapidly heated at 1550°C under high purity argon gas and the off gas was continuously analyzed for CO and CO2using an online infrared (IR) gas analyzer. The extent of reduction after 10 min, level of carburization and desulfurization, and the total amount of CO2 emissions were determined for each carbonaceous reductant. The results indicate that the extent of reduction, level of carburization and desulfurization of the reduced metal are significantly improved when coke is blended with RT. Blending of coke with RT resulted in a decrease in direct CO2 emissions from the reduction reactions.
The Effects of Strain Rate and Temperature on the Deformation Behavior of Cold‐Rolled TRIP800 Steel
Authors: Polat Aytekin
Published: April 2012

In the present study, the influences of temperature and strain rate on the deformation behavior of cold‐rolled TRIP800 steel were investigated. Microstructural observation and tensile tests were performed and volume fractions of retained austenite were measured at various temperatures and strain rates. The results reveal that both temperature and strain rate affect the volume fractions of retained austenite that transforms into martensite. The strain‐induced transformation of retained austenite is retarded with increasing temperature and the retained austenite becomes more stable against straining. The amount of retained austenite that transforms into martensite is not influenced significantly by strain rate. The variation in mechanical properties with temperature and strain rate was related to the effects of dynamic strain aging, tempering of banite, high temperature softening, and the volume fractions of retained austenite.
6‐Gingerol inhibits fungal alpha amylase: Enzyme kinetic and molecular modeling studies
Authors: Tintu Ignatius , Dileep Kalarickal Vijayan , Remya Chandran , Augustine Anu , Sadasivan Chittalakkottu
Published: April 2012

Alpha amylases are hydrolytic enzymes that are widespread in nature, being found in animals, microorganisms, and plants. These enzymes hydrolyze starch molecules into reducing sugars. Alpha amylases from microbial sources have several applications in industrial sectors. This enzyme is an effective target for the development of anti‐fungal agents. The binding affinity and enzyme inhibitory properties of 6‐gingerol toward alpha amylase have been determined. Molecular modeling and docking has been carried out, in order to get the molecular level interactions. Enzyme inhibition studies proved that 6‐gingerol is a competitive inhibitor of fungal alpha amylase. It was inferred that 6‐gingerol is a potent natural inhibitor of alpha amylase.
Comparative Study of Ruthenium(II) and Ruthenium(III) Complexes with the Ligand dmbpy (dmbpy = 4, 4′‐Dimethyl‐2, 2′‐bipyridine)
Authors: Seok Won K. , Ran Jo Myeong , Kim Nayeon , Yun Hoseop
Published: April 2012

The complex cis‐[RuIII(dmbpy)2Cl2](PF6) (2) (dmbpy = 4, 4′‐dimethyl‐2, 2′‐bipyridine) was obtained from the reaction of cis‐[RuII(dmbpy)2Cl2] (1) with ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate followed by precipitation with saturated ammonium hexafluoridophosphate. The 1H NMR spectrum of the RuIII complex confirms the presence of paramagnetic metal atoms, whereas that of the RuII complex displays diamagnetism. The 31P NMR spectrum of the RuIII complex shows one signal for the phosphorus atom of the PF6– ion. The perspective view of each [RuII/III(dmbpy)2Cl2]0/+ unit manifests that the ruthenium atom is in hexacoordinate arrangement with two dmbpy ligands and two chlorido ligands in cis position. As the oxidation state of the central ruthenium metal atom becomes higher, the average Ru–Cl bond length decreases whereas the Ru–N (dmbpy) bond length increases. The cis‐positioned dichloro angle in RuIII is 1.3° wider than that in the RuII. The dihedral angles between pair of planar six‐membered pyridyl ring in the dmbpy ligand for the RuII are 4.7(5)° and 5.7(4)°. The observed inter‐planar angle between two dmbpy ligands in the RuII is 89.08(15)°, whereas the value for the RuIII is 85.46(20)°.
Heavy quarks in a magnetic field
Authors: Kiritsis Elias , Pavlopoulos George
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The motion of a heavy charged quark in a magnetic field is analyzed in the vacuum of strongly coupled CFT. The motion of the quark is dissipative. It moves in spiral until it eventually comes to rest. The world-sheet geometry is locally AdS2 but has a time dependent horizon. The string profile in the static gauge extends from the boundary till a point where an embedding singularity exists. Connections with other circular string motions are established.
Does Obesity Affect Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Esophagectomy for Cancer? A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Kayani Babar , Okabayashi Koji , Ashrafian Hutan , Harling Leanne , Rao Christopher , Darzi Ara , Kitagawa Yuko , Athanasiou Thanos , Zacharakis Emmanouil
Published: April 2012

Background

The incidence of esophageal carcinoma and the global prevalence of obesity are both increasing. As a result, there is an increased number of esophagectomies being performed on obese patients. The identification of specific complications in obese patients undergoing esophagectomy may allow improved risk assessment and postoperative management to reduce morbidity and mortality. This meta‐analysis aimed to determine whether obese patients are at increased risk of postoperative complications, mortality, and compromised survival compared to non‐obese patients following esophageal resection.

Methods

A Medline, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane database search was performed on all articles between January 1980 and January 2012 comparing post‐esophagectomy outcomes between obese and non‐obese patients. This study was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration and the Quality of Reporting of Meta‐Analyses guidelines.

Results

There was no significant difference between obese and non‐obese patients with respect to extent of tumor resection, cardiorespiratory complications, anastomotic leakage, reoperation rates, wound infection, or postoperative mortality. Meta‐regression analysis showed that diabetes in obese patients was associated with a significant impact on the risk of anastomotic leakage (coefficient = −7.94 [−15.24–0.65, P = 0.03) and atrial fibrillation (coefficient = −6.94 [−12.79–1.10], P = 0.02). Overall, obese patients had significantly better long‐term survival than non‐obese patients (Hazard Ratio = 0.78 [0.64–0.96], P = 0.02).

Conclusions

In patients who are eligible for surgery, obesity alone does not increase risk of postoperative complications or mortality and should not be an independent contraindication for esophagectomy. However, the presence of diabetes mellitus in conjunction with obesity may be associated with increased risk of anastomotic leakage and atrial fibrillation. Because of the adverse physiological remodeling in obesity, surgeons should maintain a low threshold for the investigation and management of complications and ensure meticulous management of co‐morbidities. Obesity may also improve long‐term postoperative survival after esophageal surgery, although further studies with higher levels of evidence are necessary to fully determine any advantageous effects of obesity following oncological esophageal surgery.
Brief Report: Insight into Illness and Social Attributional Style in Asperger’s Syndrome
Authors: Didehbani Nyaz , Shad Mujeeb U. , Kandalaft Michelle R. , Allen Tandra T. , Tamminga Carol A. , Krawczyk Daniel C. , Chapman Sandra B.
Published: April 2012

A number of psychiatric illnesses have been recognized to have some level of insight deficits, including developmental disorders, such as Asperger’s Syndrome (ASP). However insight into illness has not been empirically investigated in ASP and little research has examined how individuals with ASP view their deficits. This is the first study to assess insight and the relationship between insight and externalizing bias (EB) in ASP. Participants with ASP (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 24) were recruited. Attributional style was assessed with the internal, personal, and situational attribution questionnaire. Insight was assessed with both a clinician-administered and a self-administered measure. Results revealed that EB was negatively correlated with insight as assessed with the clinician-administered but not the self-administered measure of insight.
Immobilization of Gelatin onto Poly(Glycidyl Methacrylate)-Grafted Polycaprolactone Substrates for Improved Cell–Material Interactions
Authors: Yuan Shaojun , Xiong Gordon , Roguin Ariel , Choong Cleo
Published: April 2012

To enhance the cytocompatibility of polycaprolactone (PCL), cell-adhesive gelatin is covalently immobilized onto the PCL film surface via two surface-modified approaches: a conventional chemical immobilization process and a surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) process. Kinetics studies reveal that the polymer chain growth from the PCL film using the ATRP process is formed in a controlled manner, and that the amount of immobilized gelatin increases with an increasing concentration of epoxide groups on the grafted P(GMA) brushes. In vitro cell adhesion and proliferation studies demonstrate that cell affinity and growth are significantly improved by the immobilization of gelatin on PCL film surfaces, and that this improvement is positively correlated to the amount of covalently immobilized gelatin. With the versatility of the ATRP process and tunable grafting efficacy of gelatin, this study offers a suitable methodology for the functionalization of biodegradable polyesters scaffolds to improve cell–material interactions.
,,Großstadt - Stadt (nur) der Großen?!‘‘ - Stadtplanung und das schwierige Leben von Eltern und Kindern in der Großstadt
Authors: Süßmeier Herbert J.
Published: April 2012

Einleitung

Moderne Großstädte bieten viele Attraktionen. Für Kinder und Familien beinhalten die heutigen Großstädte allerdings eine Reihe von Nachteilen, die sie in ihrer gesunden Entwicklung und lebendigen Entfaltung behindern. Offenbar haben diese Nachteile bisher noch nicht genügend Publizität erreicht, um entscheidende Korrekturen der Städteplanung zu erwirken. Am Beispiel des im Rahmen des „Gesunde-Städte-Projekts“ entstandenen Films „Großstadt - Stadt der Großen“ wird gezeigt, wo aus der Sicht der Betroffenen in München der ’Weltstadt mit Herz’ bei Kindern „der Schuh drückt“
Unit-linked assurance policies: category B
Authors: Fine A. E. M.
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this note is to summarize and draw attention to the references in the actuarial literature to Category B unit-linked assurance policies.

2. The designation ‘Category B’ was first used by A. T. Grant and G. A. Kingsnorth. In paragraph 53 of their paper the authors define this type of unit-linked policy as one where the policy is linked to a unit trust and dividends distributed by the unit trust are retained for the benefit of the life office and corresponding adjustments are made in the premium scale and in the form of benefit. It is stated that the more usual type of contract in this category takes the form of an endowment assurance under which the sum assured is payable in the units of a unit trust, the amount deemed invested in units each year being equal to the sum assured divided by the original term of the policy. At maturity the policy-holder receives the units (or their cash value) subject to any deduction for capital gains tax.
Proposals for the statutory basis of valuation of the liabilities of long-term insurance business
Authors: Bews R. P. , Seymour P. A. C. , Shaw A. N. D. , Wales F. R.
Published: April 2012

1.1. Section 78 of the Insurance Companies Act 1974 makes provision for Regulations to be made for the valuation of assets and liabilities. Regulations relating to the valuation of assets, although not published at the time of writing, are expected to be laid before Parliament in the near future.

It is expected that the corresponding Regulations for the valuation of liabilities will be issued later in 1975.

1.2. The Department of Trade has consulted interested bodies, including the Faculty and the Institute, with regard to proposals for the content of the Valuation of Liabilities Regulations and with its permission part of the relevant Consultative Note is reproduced in Appendix I.
A theory of monetary economics and its application to the United Kingdom
Authors: Jenkins P. T.
Published: April 2012

This paper is based on ideas originally developed in a paper in 1957 (J.S.S., 15, 1). In seeking to reintroduce and expand these principles at the present time the author has a variety of motives, some of which, it is hoped, will commend themselves to the Institute. Although attracting little attention at the time, and indeed essentially repudiated by the 1959 Radcliffe Report, the monetarist approach which it adopted has since become more respectable, so that (especially since one of its central contentions, as to the causes and likelihood of inflation, has been verified by subsequent events) it is hoped that there may now be a greater measure of general agreement with the principles put forward. Perhaps more important, the conduct of the United Kingdom's financial affairs is still, it may be judged, based on methods little changed from the time of Radcliffe, though an advance has recently been made in the administrative control of money supply.
Bonus distribution with high equity backing
Authors: Kennedy S. P. L. , Froggatt H. W. , Hodge P. E. T. , King A. S.
Published: April 2012

1.1. This paper is based on the report of a working party set up by the Institute Research Committee and which met for two years from December 1972. The original objectives of the working party were:

(a) to identify current philosophies of bonus distribution in a fund with a high equity content.

(b) to review the methods used for valuing assets and liabilities and the inter-relationship between the respective methods; and to consider the effect of the current philosophies of bonus distribution on those methods.

(c) to investigate methods of valuing assets and liabilities and to carry out research into methods appropriate to modern conditions.

1.2. The working party was not satisfied that it had satisfactorily achieved its objectives but, nevertheless, felt that it should report the progress it had made. The full report is available from the Institute Library together with synopses of some forty papers that were considered relevant. This paper omits the two sections of the report which reviewed current methods of valuation for publication of assets and liabilities and expands other sections in the light of recent events.
Immunization under stochastic models of the term structure
Authors: Boyle P. P.
Published: April 2012

1.1. The purpose of this paper is to survey some new results concerning the term structure of interest rates and discuss actuarial applications. The term structure of interest rates exhibits the relationship among the yields on default free debt instruments of different maturities. Although there is a considerable volume of literature dealing with the determinants of the term structure the analysis has until recently been presented for the most part in a deterministic (i.e. non-stochastic) framework. This constrasts with the treatment of capital assets where equilibrium prices have been obtained under the assumption that returns on these assets are random variables.
On the derivation of approximate actuarial formulae
Authors: Drastik V. C. P.
Published: April 2012

This paper has been written to present a new approach to the determination of approximate actuarial formulae. The method employed involves using certain desirable conditions to find the values of arbitrary parameters in a general formula. It is considered that the best way to introduce the new method is by example, consisting of applications of the new technique to some practical problems in the theory of compound interest.
A mathematical model for the gilt-edged market
Authors: Clarkson R. S.
Published: April 2012

1.1. The market in British Government stocks in many ways resembles what might be called a perfect market. In particular, very large amounts can be dealt in, dealing expenses are low, powerful statistical techniques are used to identify price anomalies, and frequent switching operations take place to exploit these anomalies. Given these features, prices of stocks will vary in a highly regular manner, and it should be possible, by the application of graduation methods, to represent the price structure in mathematical terms. If such a descriptive framework can be developed solely from the principle that prices are in equilibrium under the switching action of all participants in the market, it will provide the basis for a mathematical model that could be used for many functions of portfolio management.
An option pricing approach to bonus policy. In memoriam Anthony P. Limb
Authors: Wilkie A. D.
Published: April 2012

In this paper I discuss a simple application of option pricing theory to bonuses on with-profits life assurance policies. The approach is a new one and I have been able to make only an introductory exploration of its possible applications. Nevertheless it seems to me to give actuaries some sort of a handle for gripping the rather intractable problem of the relationship between reversionary bonus, terminal bonus and the proceeds of comparable unit-linked policies. I look at the problem very much from the policyholder's side, and I am not concerned here with aspects of valuation or solvency. These require further investigation.
A linear approach to loan and valuation problems
Authors: Brace A.
Published: April 2012

An approach to loan and valuation problems through linear algebra is used to cast commonly applied rules into a general form suitable for routine use under complex conditions. An illustrative example is included.
Long-term sickness and invalidity benefits: Forecasting and other actuarial problems
Authors: Haberman S.
Published: April 2012

It is proposed to discuss the actuarial problems associated with the management of long-term sickness and invalidity benefits. The emphasis is on benefits provided by social security schemes (with particular reference to National Insurance benefit in the UK), but the main points are relevant to private sector benefits including permanent health insurance (PHI).

The plan of the paper is as follows. We describe in Section 2 the nature of long-term invalidity benefit provided by the British social security system and then consider in Section 3 the problems associated with defining disability. A discussion of the differences between the incidence of morbidity and the making of an insurance claim leads to consideration of selection and moral hazard (Section 4). We then examine in Section 5 the methodology for analysing costs and estimating future costs with particular reference to the development within the Government Actuary's Department (GAD) of a model based on an incidence and survivorship approach to invalidity benefit and the debate aroused by CMI Report No. 7 on the same topic5. The paper then presents an analysis of recent trends in disability claim rates (Section 6) and incidence and termination rates (Sections 7 and 8) based on invalidity benefit within the British social security system, as well as PHI and the experience of other countries. Attempts are then made in Section 9 to explain these trends and the upward trend in financial costs for disability benefits experienced by many social security systems. The paper concludes with an examination of two areas of current interest, viz. sex differences in morbidity rates and claim rates (Section 10) and the relationship between claim rates and the prevailing level of unemployment (Section 11).
A short note on the construction of life tables and multiple decrement tables
Authors: Waters H. R. , Wilkie A. D.
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this short note is to explain a simple method of constructing a life table, given an explicit function for the force of mortality, μx, for all x. A similar method can be applied to the construction of multiple decrement tables, given explicit functions for the separate forces of transition, μbx, μcx, etc, from one ‘active’ status (a) to various ‘dead’ statuses (b, c, etc) for all x.

Although numerical results for the examples discussed in this note could be calculated equally well by more direct methods than the ones described herein, results for more complicated examples involving multiple status tables, in which transition back and forth between statuses is possible, cannot in general be calculated by such direct methods, and our methods provide a practical way by means of which numerical results for these more complicated cases can be calculated.
Notes on the Financial Times-Actuaries Equity Share Indices in 1990
Authors: Brumwell J. C. H.
Published: April 2012

Continuing process of updating company classifications.

Ninety-six constituents deleted during 1990—many as a result of strengthened casualty rule. Only 74 replaced—reflecting difficulty in finding suitable new non-industrial constituents.

Agencies, Overseas Traders and Publishing & Printing groups discontinued at the end of the year, but Business Services, Electricity and Media introduced. Leisure renamed Hotels & Leisure.
A marketing audit of the actuarial profession
Authors: Milne R. J. H. , Bagot G. M. , Buchanan A. C. , Goodman A. R. , Gupta A. K. , Horn I. G. , Lee S. F. , Porch R. , Thomson I. J.
Published: April 2012

This paper presents the results of research into the marketing of the actuarial profession including a SWOT analysis, public awareness and image of the profession amongst target groups (general public, undergraduates, journalists, company directors, pension scheme trustees and insurance intermediaries), and the desire to allocate more resources to the profession's public awareness and image. The paper also contains an analysis of the national press coverage achieved by the profession and reports on developments in North America where a task force on strengthening the actuarial profession has been set up.
Systems, data and the actuary
Authors: Roberts J. , Greenwood N. J. , Harsant J. D. , Sturmey M. G.
Published: April 2012

The paper was prepared by an informal working party as an introduction to an open forum discussion. It considers from several viewpoints the relationship between the actuary and the computer, both in its function as a calculating tool and as a data processing and storage medium. The paper considers in detail the requirements of the Appointed Actuary for adequate data, the problems of allocating and pricing for computer costs and the increasing uses of computer modelling in financial reporting. The place of computer literacy in actuarial education, future developments and standards are also considered.
Notes on the Financial Times—Actuaries United Kingdom Share Indices in 1991
Authors: Brumwell J. C. H.
Published: April 2012

Continuing process of updating company classifications.

Sixty constituents deleted during 1991—more as a result of casualty rule than those taken over.

Only forty eight replaced—reflecting difficulty in finding suitable new non-industrial constituents.

No end of the year group changes at the end of the year—for the first time since end-1988.
A realistic approach to pension funding
Authors: Thornton P. N. , Wilson A. F.
Published: April 2012

Recent developments which affect the financing of occupational pension schemes in the U.K. arc reviewed. These point to the need for realistic bases, and an approach to finding a ‘best estimate’ is described. It is suggested that typical bases contain significant margins and the long-term dangers of using bases which contain margins are illustrated using a model fund. A review of funding methods suggests that the projected unit and entry age methods should be used for normal purposes in conjunction with a discounted income approach to the valuation of assets. Suggestions are made as to the degree of prudence appropriate for funding purposes.
Investment — assessing a manager's skill and monitoring the risks
Authors: Day N. , Green S. J. , Plymen J.
Published: April 2012

The paper proposes a new way of assessing an investment manager's skill in the day-to-day management of portfolios. The authors argue that traditional investment performance measurement techniques, whilst appropriate for many purposes, do not provide the insights necessary to judge the skill of investment managers. To judge manager skill, it is necessary to consider the activity within the portfolio in terms of the purchases, sales and trades, and to determine the value added by that activity. The paper sets out a framework by which this analysis can be carried out and, by means of examples, indicates how the results can be interpreted. The paper also explores briefly a number of other issues such as the qualitative aspects of performance monitoring. In writing the paper, the concept of risk in various guises was never far from the authors' minds, and it is true to say that the meaning of risk in the context of assessing manager skill lies at the very heart of the paper.
The recent trend of mortality in United Kingdom
Authors: Daykin C. D.
Published: April 2012

This note continues a regular series on mortality rates, previously relating to Great Britain, but now to the whole of the United Kingdom. Mortality experienced in the years 1990 to 1992 is shown by five-year age groups, and comparisons are made for broad age groups, on a standardised basis, with mortality in earlier years.
Techniques of project management
Authors: Williams A.J.
Published: April 2012

This paper addresses certain aspects of management practice. As such, it is unusual if not unique in the catalogue of topics discussed by the Institute, and it is instructive to examine briefly why this may be.

Firstly, management and the skills associated with its successful practice are not specifically actuarial concerns. There are numerous platforms from which one may advance theories of management practice and, because management skills are of general application, those platforms are generally broader than the technical disciplines which draw us together as members of one profession.

Secondly, the opportunities for and the consequences of good management are necessarily imprecise, relating as they do to the enhancement of ventures of all kinds through the intelligent use of that most indispensable resource available to managers: the individuals on whom they can call to execute the consequences of their decision-making. The degree of imprecision is so great that the practice of management is frequently termed an art rather than a science. The net of actuarial science has a mesh of a shape to catch a number of philosophies (such as the concept of Equity) which are not purely value-based—but the philosophy of human-resource management has never been one of these, escaping from the sweep of our professional scrutiny to be caught (if at all) in the trawl of the behavioural sciences. It is certainly possible to succeed in the written examinations leading to an actuarial qualification without any consideration of the aptitudes, skills and resources needed for good management.
A single European market for actuaries
Authors: Ferguson D. G. R. , Croucher P. E. , Franklin N. A. M. , Henty J. M. , Parmee D. S. , Saunders A. , Shaw G. J. M.
Published: April 2012

1.1 1992 has become a symbol. A symbol of change in a Europe which feels itself threatened by the economic might of America in the West and Japan in the East. 1992 really does mean that millions of people, despite wide gulfs of language and culture, and a history of often bloody conflict between them, are making one more effort of collective will to club together in the belief that the one thing they have in common, geography, is sufficient reason to disguise differences and create a powerful economic union for the greater benefit of European suppliers and consumers.
Matching
Authors: Wise A. J.
Published: April 2012

1.1 The basic task of actuarial valuation is to compare the quantity of assets with the quantity of liabilities. A refinement is to compare qualities as well as quantities.

1.2 The qualities of assets and liabilities are their characteristics of cash flow, duration, growth, price volatility, etc. This note considers a conceptual and mathematical framework for matching in the most general terms.

1.3 Insurance work in the United Kingdom uses the notion of reserves for mismatching. Pension fund valuations in the U.K. also tend to use a notion of matching when considering the actuarial value placed on the fund.
Using APL for financial calculations
Authors: Forfar D. O.
Published: April 2012

The computer language APL is not as well known in the financial field as it might be and yet its structure and syntax make it very well suited to financial and actuarial calculations (as well as to mathematical and statistical calculations)—indeed it might almost be called a natural language for financial calculations.

In a contribution to the XVI ASTIN Colloquium in Liège, 1982, entitled ‘Description and Comparison of various Programming Languages and their Suitability for Non-Life Actuaries’, J. A. Bartola concluded that APL was a very attractive programming language for actuaries.
Address by the President. Actuarial highways
Authors: Martin Leonard John
Published: April 2012

The Address is a journey in three parts. The first part describes the world scene in the last century when the Institute was founded and traces the development of actuarial work to the present day. The current U.K. pension scene is then broadly reviewed and the journey ends with vistas of the future. The concentration of actuarial work towards life assurance and pensions is attributed to meeting the needs of the past and encouragement is given to the urgent extension of the work of the profession into wider fields.

The U.K. pension scene is described as being complex, confused and filled with uncertainty. The profession is urged to assist government actively and positively, to examine the expected future growth of pension funds, and to compare the financing of retirement benefits in the U.K. with other methods adopted in Europe.

Work in wider fields is envisaged as embracing general insurance, the health and care of the aged, banking and finance, and the appraisal of capital projects.