bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of FoxO1, 3, and 4 in Osteoblast Progenitors Attenuates the Loss of Cancellous Bone Mass in a Mouse Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Iyer Srividhya , Han Li , Ambrogini Elena , Yavropoulou Maria , Fowlkes John , Manolagas Stavros C , Almeida Maria 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Type 1 diabetes is associated with osteopenia and increased fragility fractures, attributed to reduced bone formation. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating these effects remain unknown. Insulin promotes osteoblast formation and inhibits the activity of the FoxO transcription factors. FoxOs, on the other hand, inhibit osteoprogenitor proliferation and bone formation. Here, we investigated whether FoxOs play a role in the low bone mass associated with type 1 diabetes, using mice lacking FoxO1, 3, and 4 in osteoprogenitor cells (FoxO1,3,4ΔOsx1-Cre). Streptozotocin-induced diabetes caused a reduction in bone mass and strength in FoxO-intact mice. In contrast, cancellous bone was unaffected in diabetic FoxO1,3,4ΔOsx1-Cre mice. The low bone mass in the FoxO-intact diabetic mice was associated with decreased osteoblast number and bone formation, as well as decreased expression of the anti-osteoclastogenic cytokine osteoprotegerin (OPG) and increased osteoclast number. FoxO deficiency did not alter the effects of diabetes on bone formation; however, it did prevent the decrease in OPG and the increase in osteoclast number. Addition of high glucose to osteoblastic cell cultures decreased OPG mRNA, indicating that hyperglycemia in and of itself contributes to diabetic bone loss. Taken together, these results suggest that FoxOs exacerbate the loss of cancellous bone mass associated with type 1 diabetes and that inactivation of FoxOs might ameliorate the adverse effects of insulin deficiency. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
DNA fragments assembled on polyamidoamine‐grafted core‐shell magnetic silica nanoparticles for removal of mercury(II) and methylmercury(I)
Authors: Liang Xiao , Ge Ying , Wu Zhenglong , Qin Weidong 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDHg(II) and MeHg(I) are toxic pollutants causing wide concerns. Polyamidoamine‐grafted magnetic silica nanoparticles (Fe3O4‐SiO2‐PAMAMs) were synthesized as beads, on which herring sperm DNA fragments were immobilized as reacting moieties for removal of Hg(II) and MeHg(I) from water matrices. The factors influencing the removal, such as DNA fragments, generation of the polyamidoamine spacers and pH, were studied. Further, the adsorption mechanisms were explored by means of adsorption kinetics and isotherms.RESULTSAssembling DNA fragments on the polyamidoamine‐grafted beads promoted sharply the removal of both Hg(II) and MeHg(I). Adsorptions of Hg(II) and MeHg(I) followed pseudo‐second‐order kinetics; but their adsorption isotherms obeyed Langmuir and Freundlich models, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the adsorption equilibrium time was approximately 5 min for Hg(II) and 5 s for MeHg(I) with maximum percentage removals of ∼95% and ∼90%, respectively. The adsorbent could be regenerated easily without significant decrease in removal efficiencies.CONCLUSIONThe Fe3O4‐SiO2‐PAMAM beads could bind DNA steadily, and the DNA fragments interacted strongly with mercury species. The strategy enabled the water‐soluble DNAs to work as efficient removing reagents for rapid and cost‐effective removal of Hg(II) and MeHg(I). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
What are the appropriate indicators of surgical difficulty during laparoscopic cholecystectomy? Results from a Japan‐Korea‐Taiwan multinational survey
Authors: Iwashita Yukio , Ohyama Tetsuji , Honda Goro , Hibi Taizo , Yoshida Masahiro , Miura Fumihiko , Takada Tadahiro , Han Ho‐Seong , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Shinya Satoshi , Suzuki Kenji , Umezawa Akiko , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Choi In‐Seok , Huang Wayne Shih‐Wei , Chen Kuo‐Hsin , Watanabe Manabu , Abe Yuta , Misawa Takeyuki , Nagakawa Yuichi , Yoon Dong‐Sup , Jang Jin‐Young , Yu Hee Chul , Ahn Keun Soo , Kim Song Cheol , Song In Sang , Kim Ji Hoon , Yun Sung Su , Choi Seong Ho , Jan Yi‐Yin , Sheen‐Chen Shyr‐Ming , Shan Yan‐Shen , Ker Chen‐Guo , Chan De‐Chuan , Lee King‐Teh , Toyota Naoyuki , Higuchi Ryota , Nakamura Yoshiharu , Mizuguchi Yoshiaki , Takeda Yutaka , Ito Masahiro , Norimizu Shinji , Yamada Shigetoshi , Matsumura Naoki , Shindoh Junichi , Sunagawa Hiroki , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Rikiyama Toshiki , Sata Naohiro , Kano Nobuyasu , Kitano Seigo , Tokumura Hiromi , Yamashita Yuichi , Watanabe Goro , Nakagawa Kunitoshi , Kimura Taizo , Yamakawa Tatsuo , Wakabayashi Go , Endo Itaru , Miyazaki Masaru , Yamamoto Masakazu 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundSerious complications continue to occur in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The commonly used indicators of surgical difficulty such as the duration of surgery are insufficient because they are surgeon and institution dependent. We aimed to identify appropriate indicators of surgical difficulty during LC.MethodsA total of 26 Japanese expert LC surgeons discussed using the nominal group technique (NGT) to generate a list of intraoperative findings that contribute to surgical difficulty. Thereafter, a survey was circulated to 61 experts in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The questionnaire addressed LC experience, surgical strategy, and perceptions of 30 intraoperative findings listed by the NGT.ResultsThe response rate of the survey was 100%. There was a statistically significant difference among nations regarding the duration of surgery and adoption rate of safety measures and recognition of landmarks. The criteria for conversion to an open or subtotal cholecystectomy were at the discretion of each surgeon. In contrast, perceptions of the impact of 30 intraoperative findings on surgical difficulty (categorized by factors related to inflammation and additional findings of the gallbladder and other intra‐abdominal factors) were consistent among surgeons.ConclusionsIntraoperative findings are objective and considered to be appropriate indicators of surgical difficulty during LC.
A novel automated method for the adjustment of ionic metal concentrations in soil extracts
Authors: Rosen Vasiliy , Chen Yona 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA novel method is proposed for correcting metal fraction concentrations remaining within the sediment containing the solid residue of the sequentially extracted fraction. An easy‐to‐use Excel spreadsheet was prepared to assist adjustment of concentration in each fraction and demonstrate the difference between adjusted and non‐adjusted metal concentration of the fraction. The demonstration of a calculation of the modified BCR protocol data showed that this difference may reach 10–15% of the result value. The spreadsheet is available to download at: http://departments.agri.huji.ac.il/zabam/Rosen_Chen_Fraction_Adjustment_Formulae.xls
Non‐insulated smooth motion, micro‐needles RF fractional treatment for wrinkle reduction and lifting of the lower face: International study
Authors: Gold Michael , Taylor Mark , Rothaus Kenneth , Tanaka Yohei 
Published: August 2016

IntroductionSkin aging occurs through both intrinsic and extrinsic processes. Fractional radiofrequency (RF) with a microneedling array is the newest form of fractional therapy to be useful in treating aging skin. The current study utilized a noninsulated fractional RF microneedling system.MethodsThis multicenter clinical trial saw 49 patients complete 3 monthly treatments with the new fractional RF microneedling treatments and be followed for 3 months following their last treatment. Pain during treatment was recorded as well as overall improvement using a GAIS scale. Adverse events were also noted.ResultsForty‐nine patients completed all of the treatments and follow‐ups. Mild to moderate erythema were reported immediately after treatment which lasted up to 12 hours after the treatment. Pain, as measured on a 1–10 VAS, was noted to 4, on average. The average Fitzpatrick's wrinkle scale score at baseline was 5.04 ± 1.22, 1 month after 3 treatments 3.829 ± 1.69 and 3 months after 3 treatments 3.5 ± 1.66. These results are statistically highly significant (correlated T‐test, P < 0.001). Improvement was shown in 100% of patients while 65% of patients had significant improvement (GAIS levels 3–5). Significant skin tightening and skin lifting were also observed. No unusual adverse events were noted throughout the course of the study.ConclusionThis multicenter study showed significant wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, and lifting of the mid and lower face with the noninsulated fractional RF microneedling system. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:727–733, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Saturated Heavier Group 14 Compounds as ‐Electron‐Acceptor (Z‐Type) Ligands
Authors: Kameo Hajime , Nakazawa Hiroshi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis review article describes the chemistry of transition‐metal complexes containing heavier group 14 elements (Si, Ge, and Sn) as the σ‐electron‐acceptor (Z‐type) ligands and discusses the characteristics of bonds between the transition metal and Z‐type ligand. Moreover, we review the iridium hydride mediated cleavage of E–X bonds (E=Si, Ge; X=F, Cl), where the key intermediates are pentacoordinate silicon or germanium compounds bearing a dative M→E bond.
Comparative outcomes of face-to-face and virtual review meetings
Authors: Vo Nghia M. , Quiggle Gabrielle M. , Wadhwani Kishena 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Background:
The present study proposes to evaluate the effects of face-to-face (FF) and virtual review (VR) sessions on peer reviewers' scores and consistency of peer review.

Methods:
Retrieved review sessions conducted between 2012 and 2014 yielded 119 and 51 discussed applications for the FF and VR groups, respectively. Changes between preliminary scores, post discussion scores and final matrix scores were analyzed. Consistency between the two meeting modalities was measured by percentage and increments of score changes.

Results:
Discussion changed the preliminary scores in 37% of applications reviewed in the FF group and 24% of applications reviewed in the VR group (no difference between groups). Applications that received a preliminary score in the 10 to 30 point-range were more positively than negatively impacted by discussion in both modalities. FF discussion led to a wider range of scoring changes (−10 points to 17 points) than VR (−7 points to 10 points), but discussion was not found to differentially improve or worsen scores between the two modalities. When comparing post-discussion and final matrix scores, 27 (23%) applications' scores changed in the FF meetings compared to 13 (25%) in the VR meetings (no difference between groups).

Conclusions:
FF and VR sessions result in (1) minimal differences in preliminary scores, (2) non-significant percentage changes in scoring, and (3) non-significant change in the percentage of magnitude of scoring. The two review methods appear to be similar in evaluating grant applications.

Highlights
The Analysis of the Annuity Experience 1900–1920.
Authors: Elderton W. Palin 
Published: August 2016

It is usual to begin a sermon with a text and if I were making a sermon to-night my text would be from a favourite poet who, unconsciously and unsuspectingly, I fear, described the ideal actuarial department when its total staff is three and by implication described the ideal methods of examining actuarial problems.The first of them could things to come foreseeThe next could of things present best adviseThe third things past could keep in memorySo that no time nor reason could ariseBut that the same could one of these comprise.(Spenser,Faerie Queene, II, ix. 49.)
The A B C of a Friendly Society Valuation
Authors: Blake W. T. C. 
Published: August 2016

The following notes are for the most part based upon the actual valuation of a registered friendly society and an attempt is made to describe the various operations involved and the points which arise for consideration, from the time the actuary (or valuer as he is commonly known in friendly society circles) is approached, to the time he signs his report and presents it to the society. I have, however, digressed occasionally from the main subject of these notes in order to express my views on certain general points which frequently arise in the valuations of friendly societies. It should be understood that these notes do not necessarily embody official opinion.The specimen society is a typical “centralised” rural society (i.e. without branches) of about 1,000 members, their occupations being described as domestic, horticultural and agricultural.
Analysis of Surplus with Particular Reference to a Bonus Reserve Valuation.
Authors: Overy D. D. , Palmer G. B. 
Published: August 2016

The widespread practice of making bonus reserve valuations for publication or internal purposes has brought to light a number of points which do not arise when surplus is being analysed following a net premium valuation. The following notes have been prepared with a view to their elucidation and are based on a slightly different method of treatment of the problem from that usually employed. The revenue account and corresponding valuation account are brought side by side, and it is shown that in the main surplus is the difference between the corresponding items. The surplus is analysed symbolically, and finally the whole operation in symbols is shown to give a complete reconciliation. The symbols which are not defined by their context are explained in Appendix A.A particular method of analysis has been followed but it is not claimed as the ideal; the individual may choose to vary the method, but so long as correct principles are maintained the surplus will be traced—which is the object sought.
Notes on transacting new business in reversions and life interests
Authors: Benz N. 
Published: August 2016

Only a small proportion of examination candidates have practical experience of reversions and life interests, and the purpose of this paper is to indicate some of the practical points which arise in transacting this class of business; the selection of appropriate bases for mortality, interest, valuation of funds and Estate Duties do not fall within the scope of this paper. Reference to strictly legal aspects are no more than incidental.Since 1945 there has been, on the basis of new business figures, a marked revival in reversionary business defined as covering purchased reversions and life interests, and loans secured thereon. On balance-sheet values the reversionary business of British life offices in force at 31 December 1948 was rather more than £15m. There was approximately the same volume at 31 December 1943, but at 31 December 1938 there was about £2m. more in force. Over the 10-year period loans have decreased by about £3½m. to only little more than £5m., but purchases have increased by about £1½m. to more than £10m. These figures can give no more than an approximate picture of market value through the different methods of arriving at balance-sheet values, but they serve to show that reversions and life interests continue to form an important part of the assets of certain British life offices.
Note on annuity certain contracts
Authors: Hamilton-Jones J. 
Published: August 2016

The contracts discussed in this note are annuities certain provided by Life Offices. A schedule for income-tax purposes dividing payments into capital and interest determines the variable net sum paid by the office from year to year to the payee under each contract; it is the effect of this arrangement on the office to which attention will be drawn.To comply with the Assurance Companies Acts, 1909–46, and the Finance Act, 1938, section 27, the office must pay the considerations for such contracts into a fund which is separate from the life assurance and life annuity funds, and which must not relate to business effected before 1 January 1938. This fund is taxed on an interest less expenses basis (subject to certain limitations), and the full standard rate of tax is applied. However, the office is permitted to withhold tax on the interest portion of each annuity payment from the payee, and to retain this tax provided its amount is exceeded by the tax suffered on interest credited to the fund, adjusted for the relief on expenses. Profits tax will be ignored in this note; the tax position of the office as a whole has such an intimate bearing on the problem that further discussion would be outside the intended scope of the present analysis.
Some consequences of the continuity of life offices
Authors: Day J. G. 
Published: August 2016

Life offices are now, in the main, large and well-established institutions, with assets which, at market values, would show a substantial margin over balance sheet values. This margin is known as the ‘inner reserve’ or ‘hidden reserve’ because details of it are rarely disclosed, in fact its very existence is seldom brought before the public gaze; this secrecy is specifically allowed by the Companies Act 1948.The backing given by these large inner reserves and the advantages deriving from the continuity of the office are two of the most important factors in formulating life office policy, and in the choice of actuarial bases of calculation; and yet these factors are almost always taken for granted, a tribute perhaps to the length and strength of the offices' past history.
The Application of Constrained Maxima and Minima to some Actuarial Problems
Authors: Kennedy S. P. L. , Howroyd R. C. 
Published: August 2016

A tool that is missing from the standard equipment of the actuarial student is the technique of maximizing, or minimizing, a function of several variables which are subject to certain constraints. The conception of an extreme value of a function, subject to constraints, is, we feel, as important as the mathematical technique of evaluating such a value in a particular instance.We shall first deal with the technique and its mathematical development and then demonstrate some applications. It is as if we were demonstrating a new car, how it works and how to drive it. The first example is simple and is in the nature of a trial run to show how the car handles. Succeeding examples go further and we hope that the actuarial countryside into which we go will prove as interesting as the mechanical means of getting there. To many the vehicle itself will be familiar, but perhaps some of our byroads may lead to unfamiliar places or to familiar places by unfamiliar routes.
Some Practical Points of Investment Procedure
Authors: Critchley D. 
Published: August 2016

This paper is not intended either to be an exhaustive treatise on investment department practice, or to give the student any assistance in examinations on investment policy. It is hoped, however, that it might engender an interesting discussion of points which a newcomer to an investment department will find useful, and it may give some background to examination reading. The paper is concerned only with investment in securities dealt in on the Stock Exchange.The prime purpose of the Stock Exchange is to bring together buyer and seller of stocks and shares. In most Exchanges, including the provincial ones in this country, this meeting is made directly by the broker of the buyer finding the broker of the seller, or vice versa. In London a shop-keeping system exists with a number of firms of jobbers making prices in specialized sections of the market. For instance, three firms of jobbers will buy or sell insurance shares, and those same firms operate in three or four other sections of the market—one of them operates in bank, shipping, tea and hire-purchase shares.
Computers and Actuarial Science
Authors: Benjamin S. 
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this article is to explore the application of computers to actuarial science. It is frankly a propaganda attempt to counterbalance the emphasis on data-processing applications which there has been in the past.I think that this emphasis has been an unfortunate mistake. Computers can be regarded as glorified desk calculators or high-speed punched-card machinery but this misses the real potential of the qualitative difference between computers and earlier machinery. This potential can only be realized when we learn to look at jobs ‘computer-wise’. There is only one way to learn this and that is to learn how to programme and then to get down to some hard detail.
In Search of a Formula
Authors: Barnett H. A. R. 
Published: August 2016

In October 1961, the author wrote the editors a letter which was subsequently published (J.S.S.16, 481) urging the submission of articles which were only germs of ideas. Part of what follows has arisen out of earlier research, and part falls into the ‘germ’ category in the hope that it might give rise to future development.Ever since the days when Makeham‘s formula appeared to have ceased to fit most mortality experiences, some actuaries have striven to find an ideal formula to take its place, and perhaps others have been interested. Even if such a formula were found, it might only be a matter of a short time before the shape of the mortality curve changes in such a way as to render that formula out-of-date too; but that is no reason for not continuing to strive.
Life Assurance and the European Organizations
Authors: Isles I. 
Published: August 2016

British life offices transacting life assurance outside the United Kingdom have until now confined themselves almost entirely to the countries of the British Commonwealth—because among the countries with stable currencies the members of the Commonwealth have in the main been the ones with which we have had the largest numbers of other business contacts. Another influence has been the absence of a language barrier. Before the 1914–18 War some offices transacted business on the Continent of Europe but thereafter most of them pulled out; today as far as I know only one British office transacts life assurance in France, one in Germany and none in Italy.One might be forgiven therefore for thinking that actuaries handling life office affairs need not concern themselves with life business on the Continent of Europe—particularly as, at the beginning of last year, the negotiations for Britain's entry into the European Common Market broke down.
I Sequential Sampling
Authors: Harding V. 
Published: August 2016

Most statistical techniques are based on a sample of fixed sizen. This may be becausenis chosen beforehand or because it is dictated by the circumstances. Sometimes, however, the members of the sample occur one after the other and we can then use sequential methods.A sequential sampling scheme gives us a ‘stopping rule’ for deciding, after observing each successive member of the sample, whether we can stop sampling and reach a decision or whether we must examine another member.As an example take the problem of deciding between hypotheses H0and H1that a parameterθtakes one of two valuesθ0andθ1respectively, using Wald's Sequential Probability Ratio (SPR) test.