bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE LOCALLY LINEAR CAIRNS–BLAKE–DOWD MODEL: A NOTE ON DELTA–NUGA HEDGING OF LONGEVITY RISK
Authors: Liu Yanxin , Li Johnny Siu-Hang 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAlthough longevity risk arises from both the variation surrounding the trend in future mortality and the uncertainty about the trend itself, the latter is often left unmodeled. In this paper, we address this problem by introducing the locally linear CBD model, in which the drifts that govern the expected mortality trend are allowed to follow a stochastic process. This specification results in median forecasts that are more consistent with the recent trends and more robust relative to changes in the data sample period. It also yields wider prediction intervals that may better reflect the possibilities of future trend changes. The treatment of the drifts as a stochastic process naturally calls for nuga hedging, a method proposed by Cairns (2013) to hedge the risk associated with changes in drifts. To improve the existing nuga-hedging method, we propose a new hedging method which demands less stringent assumptions. The proposed method allows hedgers to extract more hedge effectiveness out of a hedging instrument, and is therefore useful when there are only a few traded longevity securities in the market.
Invasiveness Index as a Predictor of Surgical Site Infection after Spinal Fusion, Revision Fusion, or Laminectomy
Authors: Hollenbeck Brian L. , McGuire Kevin J. , White Andrew P. , Yassa David S. , Wright Sharon B. 
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVETo evaluate invasiveness index as a potential predictor of spine surgical site infection (SSI) after spinal fusion, revision fusion, or laminectomy.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.SETTINGSingle, large, academic medical center.PATIENTSAdults undergoing spinal fusion, revision fusion, or laminectomy.METHODSData were obtained from electronic hospital databases; cases of SSI were extracted from the infection control database using National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definitions. For each case, an invasiveness index, determined by surgical approach, procedure, and number of spine levels treated, was calculated using current procedural terminology (CPT) billing codes. Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.RESULTSIn total, 3,143 patients met inclusion criteria, and 43 of these developed SSI. Multivariate regression showed that advanced age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.005–1.05, for each year of life) and invasiveness index (medium invasiveness index OR, 5.36; 95% CI, 1.92–14.96; high invasiveness index OR, 14.1; 95% CI, 4.38–45.43) were significant predictors of infection. In subgroup analyses of spinal fusion patients, morbid obesity (OR, 2.542; 95% CI, 1.08–5.99), trauma (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.05–5.55), and invasiveness index (medium invasiveness index OR, 5.39; 95% CI, 1.56–18.61; high invasiveness index OR, 13.44; 95% CI, 3.28–55.01) were significant predictors of SSI. Models containing invasiveness index were compared to NHSN models and demonstrated similar performance.CONCLUSIONSInvasiveness index is a predictor of SSI after spinal fusion and performs similarly to NHSN models. Invasiveness index shows promise as a potential risk stratification tool that is easily calculated and is available preoperatively.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016:1–7
A multiscale method to calculate filter blockage
Authors: Dalwadi M. P. , Bruna M. , Griffiths I. M. 
Published: November 2016

Filters that act by adsorbing contaminant onto their pore walls will experience a decrease in porosity over time, and may eventually block. As adsorption will generally be greater towards the entrance of a filter, where the concentration of contaminant particles is higher, these effects can also result in a spatially varying porosity. We investigate this dynamic process using an extension of homogenization theory that accounts for a macroscale variation in microstructure. We formulate and homogenize the coupled problems of flow through a filter with a near-periodic time-dependent microstructure, solute transport due to advection, diffusion and filter adsorption, and filter structure evolution due to the adsorption of contaminant. We use the homogenized equations to investigate how the contaminant removal and filter lifespan depend on the initial porosity distribution for a unidirectional flow. We confirm a conjecture made by Dalwadi et al. (Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A, vol. 471 (2182), 2015, 20150464) that filters with an initially negative porosity gradient have a longer lifespan and remove more contaminant than filters with an initially constant porosity, or worse, an initially positive porosity gradient. In addition, we determine which initial porosity distributions result in a filter that will block everywhere at once by exploiting an asymptotic reduction of the homogenized equations. We show that these filters remove more contaminant than other filters with the same initial average porosity, but that filters which block everywhere at once are limited by how large their initial average porosity can be.
The Monotonicity and Log-Behaviour of Some Functions Related to the Euler Gamma Function
Authors: Zhu Bao-Xuan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to develop analytic techniques to deal with the monotonicity of certain combinatorial sequences. On the one hand, a criterion for the monotonicity of the function is given, which is a continuous analogue of a result of Wang and Zhu. On the other hand, the log-behaviour of the functionsis considered, where ζ(x) and Γ(x) are the Riemann zeta function and the Euler Gamma function, respectively. Consequently, the strict log-concavities of the function θ(x) (a conjecture of Chen et al.) and for some combinatorial sequences (including the Bernoulli numbers, the tangent numbers, the Catalan numbers, the Fuss–Catalan numbers, and the binomial coefficients are demonstrated. In particular, this contains some results of Chen et al., and Luca and Stănică. Finally, by researching the logarithmically complete monotonicity of some functions, the infinite log-monotonicity of the sequenceis proved. This generalizes two results of Chen et al. that both the Catalan numbers and the central binomial coefficients are infinitely log-monotonic, and strengthens one result of Su and Wang that is log-convex in n for positive integers d > δ. In addition, the asymptotically infinite log-monotonicity of derangement numbers is showed. In order to research the stronger properties of the above functions θ(x) and F(x), the logarithmically complete monotonicity of functionsis also obtained, which generalizes the results of Lee and Tepedelenlioǧlu, and Qi and Li.
SOCIOECONOMIC INEQUALITIES IN SELF-REPORTED HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING IN ARGENTINA: FINDINGS FROM THE NATIONAL SURVEY ON QUALITY OF LIFE OF OLDER ADULTS 2012 (ENCaViAM)
Authors: Rodríguez López Santiago , Colantonio Sonia E. , Celton Dora E. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate educational and income inequalities in self-reported health (SRH), and physical functioning (limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL)/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)), among 60-year-old and older adults in Argentina. Using cross-sectional data from the Argentinian National Survey on Quality of Life of Older Adults 2012 (Encuesta Nacional sobre Calidad de Vida de Adultos Mayores, ENCaViAM), gender-specific socioeconomic inequalities in SRH and ADL and IADL limitations were studied in relation to educational level and householdper capitaincome. The Relative Index of Inequality (RII) – an index of the relative size of socioeconomic inequalities in health – was used. Socioeconomic inequalities in the studied health indicators were found – except for limitations in ADL among women – favouring socially advantaged groups. The results remained largely significant after full adjustment, suggesting that educational and income inequalities, mainly in SRH and IADL, were robust and somehow independent of age, marital status, physical activity, the use of several medications, depression and the occurrence of falls. The findings add to the existing knowledge on the relative size of the socioeconomic inequalities in subjective health indicators among Argentinian older adults, which are to the detriment of lower socioeconomic groups. The results could be used to inform planning interventions aimed at decreasing socioeconomic inequalities in health, to the benefit of socially disadvantaged adults.
Introduction: exploring the comparative in socio-legal studies
Authors: Creutzfeldt Naomi , Kubal Agnieszka , Pirie Fernanda 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAmong the diverse approaches to comparison in socio-legal studies, those that employ qualitative research, richness of detail and attention to context are the focus of this special issue. The Introduction draws on comparative law and social science literature to argue that comparison amongst studies of laws in contexts can follow different trajectories: the comparison may start from an assumption of similarity – in form, purposes or context – in order to identify significant differences; or it may identify significant similarity across social and cultural divides. What unites many of the projects of comparison undertaken by qualitative empirical researchers is that the points of relevant comparison are identified within the complexity of the empirical studies at hand; and they are allowed to emerge, or change, as the researcher comes to understand the facts and issues more deeply.
Experimental verification of multipartite entanglement in quantum networks
Authors: McCutcheon W. , Pappa A. , Bell B. A. , McMillan A. , Chailloux A. , Lawson T. , Mafu M. , Markham D. , Diamanti E. , Kerenidis I. , Rarity J. G. , Tame M. S. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMultipartite entangled states are a fundamental resource for a wide range of quantum information processing tasks. In particular, in quantum networks, it is essential for the parties involved to be able to verify if entanglement is present before they carry out a given distributed task. Here we design and experimentally demonstrate a protocol that allows any party in a network to check if a source is distributing a genuinely multipartite entangled state, even in the presence of untrusted parties. The protocol remains secure against dishonest behaviour of the source and other parties, including the use of system imperfections to their advantage. We demonstrate the verification protocol in a three- and four-party setting using polarization-entangled photons, highlighting its potential for realistic photonic quantum communication and networking applications.
Unusually efficient photocurrent extraction in monolayer van der Waals heterostructure by tunnelling through discretized barriers
Authors: Yu Woo Jong , Vu Quoc An , Oh Hyemin , Nam Hong Gi , Zhou Hailong , Cha Soonyoung , Kim Joo-Youn , Carvalho Alexandra , Jeong Munseok , Choi Hyunyong , Castro Neto A. H. , Lee Young Hee , Duan Xiangfeng 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTwo-dimensional layered transition-metal dichalcogenides have attracted considerable interest for their unique layer-number-dependent properties. In particular, vertical integration of these two-dimensional crystals to form van der Waals heterostructures can open up a new dimension for the design of functional electronic and optoelectronic devices. Here we report the layer-number-dependent photocurrent generation in graphene/MoS2/graphene heterostructures by creating a device with two distinct regions containing one-layer and seven-layer MoS2 to exclude other extrinsic factors. Photoresponse studies reveal that photoresponsivity in one-layer MoS2 is surprisingly higher than that in seven-layer MoS2 by seven times. Spectral-dependent studies further show that the internal quantum efficiency in one-layer MoS2 can reach a maximum of 65%, far higher than the 7% in seven-layer MoS2. Our theoretical modelling shows that asymmetric potential barriers in the top and bottom interfaces of the graphene/one-layer MoS2/graphene heterojunction enable asymmetric carrier tunnelling, to generate usually high photoresponsivity in one-layer MoS2 device.
Decrease of SYNGAP1 in GABAergic cells impairs inhibitory synapse connectivity, synaptic inhibition and cognitive function
Authors: Berryer Martin H. , Chattopadhyaya Bidisha , Xing Paul , Riebe Ilse , Bosoi Ciprian , Sanon Nathalie , Antoine-Bertrand Judith , Lévesque Maxime , Avoli Massimo , Hamdan Fadi F. , Carmant Lionel , Lamarche-Vane Nathalie , Lacaille Jean-Claude , Michaud Jacques L. , Di Cristo Graziella 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHaploinsufficiency of the SYNGAP1 gene, which codes for a Ras GTPase-activating protein, impairs cognition both in humans and in mice. Decrease of Syngap1 in mice has been previously shown to cause cognitive deficits at least in part by inducing alterations in glutamatergic neurotransmission and premature maturation of excitatory connections. Whether Syngap1 plays a role in the development of cortical GABAergic connectivity and function remains unclear. Here, we show that Syngap1 haploinsufficiency significantly reduces the formation of perisomatic innervations by parvalbumin-positive basket cells, a major population of GABAergic neurons, in a cell-autonomous manner. We further show that Syngap1 haploinsufficiency in GABAergic cells derived from the medial ganglionic eminence impairs their connectivity, reduces inhibitory synaptic activity and cortical gamma oscillation power, and causes cognitive deficits. Our results indicate that Syngap1 plays a critical role in GABAergic circuit function and further suggest that Syngap1 haploinsufficiency in GABAergic circuits may contribute to cognitive deficits.
Obesity-induced kidney injury is attenuated by amelioration of aberrant PHD2 activation in proximal tubules
Authors: Futatsugi Koji , Tokuyama Hirobumi , Shibata Shinsuke , Naitoh Makiko , Kanda Takeshi , Minakuchi Hitoshi , Yamaguchi Shintaro , Hayashi Koichi , Minamishima Yoji Andrew , Yanagita Motoko , Wakino Shu , Itoh Hiroshi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe involvement of tissue ischemia in obesity-induced kidney injury remains to be elucidated. Compared with low fat diet (LFD)-mice, high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice became obese with tubular enlargement, glomerulomegaly and peritubular capillary rarefaction, and exhibited both tubular and glomerular damages. In HFD-fed mice, despite the increase in renal pimonidazole-positive areas, the expressions of the hypoxia-responsive genes such as Prolyl-hydroxylase PHD2, a dominant oxygen sensor, and VEGFA were unchanged indicating impaired hypoxic response. Tamoxifen inducible proximal tubules (PT)-specific Phd2 knockout (Phd2-cKO) mice and their littermate control mice (Control) were created and fed HFD or LFD. Control mice on HFD (Control HFD) exhibited renal damages and renal ischemia with impaired hypoxic response compared with those on LFD. After tamoxifen treatment, HFD-fed knockout mice (Phd2-cKO HFD) had increased peritubular capillaries and the increased expressions of hypoxia responsive genes compared to Control HFD mice. Phd2-cKO HFD also exhibited the mitigation of tubular damages, albuminuria and glomerulomegaly. In human PT cells, the increased expressions of hypoxia-inducible genes in hypoxic condition were attenuated by free fatty acids. Thus, aberrant hypoxic responses due to dysfunction of PHD2 caused both glomerular and tubular damages in HFD-induced obese mice. Phd2-inactivation provides a novel strategy against obesity-induced kidney injury.
Preservation of amorphous ultrafine material: A proposed proxy for slip during recent earthquakes on active faults
Authors: Hirono Tetsuro , Asayama Satoru , Kaneki Shunya , Ito Akihiro 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe criteria for designating an “Active Fault” not only are important for understanding regional tectonics, but also are a paramount issue for assessing the earthquake risk of faults that are near important structures such as nuclear power plants. Here we propose a proxy, based on the preservation of amorphous ultrafine particles, to assess fault activity within the last millennium. X-ray diffraction data and electron microscope observations of samples from an active fault demonstrated the preservation of large amounts of amorphous ultrafine particles in two slip zones that last ruptured in 1596 and 1999, respectively. A chemical kinetic evaluation of the dissolution process indicated that such particles could survive for centuries, which is consistent with the observations. Thus, preservation of amorphous ultrafine particles in a fault may be valuable for assessing the fault’s latest activity, aiding efforts to evaluate faults that may damage critical facilities in tectonically active zones.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community composition affected by original elevation rather than translocation along an altitudinal gradient on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Yang Wei , Zheng Yong , Gao Cheng , Duan Ji-Chuang , Wang Shi-Ping , Guo Liang-Dong 
Published: November 2016

AbstractElucidating arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal responses to elevation changes is critical to improve understanding of microbial function in ecosystems under global asymmetrical climate change scenarios. Here we examined AM fungal community in a two-year reciprocal translocation of vegetation-intact soil blocks along an altitudinal gradient (3,200 m to 3,800 m) in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. AM fungal spore density was significantly higher at lower elevation than at higher elevation regardless of translocation, except that this parameter was significantly increased by upward translocation from original 3,200 m to 3,400 m and 3,600 m. Seventy-three operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of AM fungi were recovered using 454-pyrosequencing of 18S rDNA sequences at a 97% sequence similarity. Original elevation, downward translocation and upward translocation did not significantly affect AM fungal OTU richness. However, with increasing altitude the OTU richness of Acaulosporaceae and Ambisporaceae increased, but the OTU richness of Gigasporaceae and Glomeraceae decreased generally. The AM fungal community composition was significantly structured by original elevation but not by downward translocation and upward translocation. Our findings highlight that compared with the short-term reciprocal translocation, original elevation is a stronger determinant in shaping AM fungal community in the Qinghai-Tibet alpine meadow.
Ocular toxoplasmosis: susceptibility in respect to the genes encoding the KIR receptors and their HLA class I ligands
Authors: Ayo Christiane Maria , Frederico Fábio Batista , Siqueira Rubens Camargo , Brandão de Mattos Cinara de Cássia , Previato Mariana , Barbosa Amanda Pires , Murata Fernando Henrique Antunes , Silveira-Carvalho Aparecida Perpétuo , de Mattos Luiz Carlos 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the genes encoding the KIR receptors and their HLA ligands in the susceptibility of ocular toxoplasmosis. A total of 297 patients serologically-diagnosed with toxoplasmosis were selected and stratified according to the presence (n = 148) or absence (n = 149) of ocular scars/lesions due to toxoplasmosis. The group of patients with scars/lesions was further subdivided into two groups according to the type of ocular manifestation observed: primary (n = 120) or recurrent (n = 28). Genotyping was performed by PCR-SSOP. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Chi-square test, and odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was also calculated to evaluate the risk association. The activating KIR3DS1 gene was associated with increased susceptibility for ocular toxoplasmosis. The activating KIR together with their HLA ligands (KIR3DS1-Bw4-80Ile and KIR2DS1+/C2++ KIR3DS1+/Bw4-80Ile+) were associated with increased susceptibility for ocular toxoplasmosis and its clinical manifestations. KIR-HLA inhibitory pairs -KIR2DL3/2DL3-C1/C1 and KIR2DL3/2DL3-C1- were associated with decreased susceptibility for ocular toxoplasmosis and its clinical forms, while the KIR3DS1−/KIR3DL1+/Bw4-80Ile+ combination was associated as a protective factor against the development of ocular toxoplasmosis and, in particular, against recurrent manifestations. Our data demonstrate that activating and inhibitory KIR genes may influence the development of ocular toxoplasmosis.
Flight behaviour of honey bee (Apis mellifera) workers is altered by initial infections of the fungal parasite Nosema apis
Authors: Dosselli Ryan , Grassl Julia , Carson Andrew , Simmons Leigh W. , Baer Boris 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHoney bees (Apis mellifera) host a wide range of parasites, some being known contributors towards dramatic colony losses as reported over recent years. To counter parasitic threats, honey bees possess effective immune systems. Because immune responses are predicted to cause substantial physiological costs for infected individuals, they are expected to trade off with other life history traits that ultimately affect the performance and fitness of the entire colony. Here, we tested whether the initial onset of an infection negatively impacts the flight behaviour of honey bee workers, which is an energetically demanding behaviour and a key component of foraging activities. To do this, we infected workers with the widespread fungal pathogen Nosema apis, which is recognised and killed by the honey bee immune system. We compared their survival and flight behaviour with non-infected individuals from the same cohort and colony using radio frequency identification tags (RFID). We found that over a time frame of four days post infection, Nosema did not increase mortality but workers quickly altered their flight behaviour and performed more flights of shorter duration. We conclude that parasitic infections influence foraging activities, which could reduce foraging ranges of colonies and impact their ability to provide pollination services.
Self-Supported Crack-Free Conducting Polymer Films with Stabilized Wrinkling Patterns and Their Applications
Authors: Xie Jixun , Han Xue , Ji Haipeng , Wang Juanjuan , Zhao Jingxin , Lu Conghua 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSelf-supported conducting polymer films with controlled microarchitectures are highly attractive from fundamental and applied points of view. Here a versatile strategy is demonstrated to fabricate thin free-standing crack-free polyaniline (PANI)-based films with stable wrinkling patterns. It is based on oxidization polymerization of pyrrole inside a pre-wrinkled PANI film, in which the wrinkled PANI film is used both as a template and oxidizing agent for the first time. The subsequently grown polypyrrole (PPy) and the formation of interpenetrated PANI/PPy networks play a decisive role in enhancing the film integrity and the stability of wrinkles. This enhancing effect is attributed to the modification of internal stresses by the interpenetrated PANI/PPy microstructures. Consequently, a crack-free film with stable controlled wrinkles such as the wavelength, orientation and spatial location has been achieved. Moreover, the wrinkling PANI/PPy film can be removed from the initially deposited substrate to become free-standing. It can be further transferred onto target substrates to fabricate hierarchical patterns and functional devices such as flexible electrodes, gas sensors, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates. This simple universal enhancing strategy has been extended to fabrication of other PANI-based composite systems with crack-free film integrity and stabilized surface patterns, irrespective of pattern types and film geometries.