bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triangle-free reserving
Authors: Parodi Pietro 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper argues that all reserving methods based on claims triangulations (the “triangle trick”), no matter how sophisticated the subsequent processing of the information contained in the triangle is, are inherently inadequate to accurately model the distribution of reserves, although they may be good enough to produce a point estimate of such reserves. The reason is that the triangle representation involves the compression (and ultimately the loss) of crucial information about the individual losses, which comes back to haunt us when we try to extract detailed information on the distribution of incurred but not reported (IBNR) and reported but not settled (RBNS) losses.This paper then argues that in order to avoid such loss of information it is necessary to adopt an approach which is similar to that used in pricing, where a separate frequency and severity model are developed and then combined by Monte Carlo simulation or other numerical techniques to produce the aggregate loss distribution.A specific implementation of this approach is described, whose core feature is a method to produce a frequency model for the incurred but not reported claim count based on the empirical distribution of delays (delay = the time between loss date and reporting date), after adjustments to make up for the bias towards smaller delays. The method also produces a kernel severity model for the individual losses, from which the severity distribution of each year of occurrence can be derived. By combining the frequency and severity model in the usual way (e.g. through Monte Carlo simulation), an aggregate model for IBNR and UPR losses can be produced.As for RBNS losses, we suggest using one of the many methods to analyse the distribution of IBNER (incurred but not enough reserved) factors to produce a possible distribution of outcomes.A case study based on real-world liability claims is used to illustrate how the method works in practice.Also, in a first step towards validating the method for calculating IBNR and comparing it with existing methods, a series of experiments with artificial data sets was undertaken, which show a drastic reduction in the prediction error of both the IBNR claim count and the IBNR total amount with respect to the standard chain ladder method. And what is perhaps most promising, the experiments show that the distribution of IBNR reserves is much closer (in terms of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance) to the “true” one than that based on Mack's method in the way it is normally applied. The method promises therefore a more accurate assessment of the uncertainty around reserves.
Clinical management and burden of bipolar disorder: results from a multinational longitudinal study (WAVE-bd)
Authors: Vieta Eduard , Langosch Jens M. , Figueira Maria Luisa , Souery Daniel , Blasco-Colmenares Elena , Medina Esteban , Moreno-Manzanaro Miriam , Gonzalez Miguel Angel , Bellivier Frank 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder which requires complex treatment. Current treatment guidelines are based on the results of published randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses which may not accurately reflect everyday clinical practice. This multi-national, multi-centre, observational cohort study describes clinical management and clinical outcomes related to bipolar disorder in real-life settings, assesses between-country variability and identifies factors associated with clinical outcomes. Adults from 10 countries in Europe and South America who experienced at least one mood episode in the preceding 12 months were included. Overall, 2896 patients were included in the analyses and followed for at least 9 months across a retrospective and prospective study phase. Main outcome measures were the number and incidence rate of mood episodes (relapses and recurrences) and healthcare resource use including pharmacological treatments. Relapses and recurrences were reported in 18.2 and 40.5% of patients, respectively; however, the reported incidence rate of relapses was higher than that of recurrences [1.562 per person-year (95% CI 1.465–1.664) vs. 0.691 per person-year (95% CI 0.657–0.726)]. Medication use was high during all episode types and euthymia; the percentage of patients receiving no medication ranged from 11.0% in mania to 6.1% in euthymia. Antipsychotics were the most commonly prescribed drug class in all disease phases except for patients with depression, where antidepressants were more frequently prescribed. Visits to the psychiatrist were the most frequently used healthcare resource. These results provide a description of treatment patterns for bipolar disorder across different countries and indicate factors related to relapse and recurrence.
Equivalent beneficial effects of unilateral and bilateral prefrontal cortex transcranial magnetic stimulation in a large randomized trial in treatment-resistant major depression
Authors: Fitzgerald Paul B. , Hoy Kate E. , Singh Ajeet , Gunewardene Ranil , Slack Christopher , Ibrahim Samir , Hall Phillip J. , Daskalakis Z. Jeff 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment (rTMS) is an effective treatment for depression but the optimal methods of administration have yet to be determined. Recent studies have produced conflicting results as to whether unilateral rTMS is more or less effective than sequentially applied bilateral rTMS. To address this we conducted a trial comparing sequential bilateral rTMS to right-sided unilateral rTMS using a priming protocol. Patients with treatment-resistant depression (n = 179) were enrolled in a two-arm randomized controlled trial across a 4-wk time period. The primary outcome assessment was the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Overall, there was a substantial response rate of >50% (and a 40% remission rate); however, there were no significant differences in clinical response between the two treatment groups. rTMS was well tolerated with a very low discontinuation rate. There was no relationship between response in the current trial and previous response, or non-response, to electroconvulsive therapy. We found no significant differences in clinical response between sequential bilateral rTMS and right-sided unilateral rTMS applied with a priming protocol. The results of this study do not support superior efficacy of bilateral rTMS and instead suggest that other approaches should be explored to increase treatment efficacy.
Medical orders for life-sustaining treatment: Is it time yet?
Authors: Araw Anna Clarissa , Araw Anna Marissa , Pekmezaris Renee , Nouryan Christian N. , Sison Cristina , Tommasulo Barbara , Wolf-Klein Gisele P. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjective:As the aging population faces complex end-of-life issues, we studied the intervals between long-term care admission and advance directive completion, and between completion and death. We also sought to determine the interdisciplinary team's compliance with documented wishes.Method:A cross-sectional study of 182 long-term care residents in two facilities with and without completed medical orders for life-sustaining treatment (MOLST) in the New York Metropolitan area was conducted. Demographic variables included: gender, age, ethnicity, and diagnosis. Measures included: admission date, MOLST execution date, and date of death. Resident advance directive documentation was compared with clinical intervention at time of death, including intubation and mechanical ventilation.Results:Of the residents studied, 68.7% were female, 91% were Caucasian and 91.8% were ≥ 65 years of age (mean age: 83). The median time from admission to MOLST signing was 48 days. Median time from admission to MOLST signing for Caucasians was 21 days; for non-Caucasians was 229 days. Fifty-two percent of MOLST were signed by children, and 24% by residents. Of those with signed forms, 25% signed on day of admission, 37% signed within 7 days, and 47% signed within 21 days. Only 3% of residents died the day their MOLST was signed, whereas 12% died within a week, and 22% died within 30 days. Finally, among the 68 subjects who signed a MOLST and died, 87% had their wishes met.Significance of results:In this era of growing time constraints and increased regulations, medical directors of long-term care facilities and those team members caring for residents urgently need a clear and simple approach to the goals of care for their residents. The MOLST is an ideal tool in caring for older adults at the end of life, providing concrete guidance, not only with regard to do not resuscitate (DNR) and do not intubate (DNI) orders, but also for practical approaches to daily care for the interdisciplinary team.
Anglican Ecclesiology and the Anglican Covenant
Authors: Avis Paul 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHow can we explain the fact that the Anglican Covenant divides people of equal integrity and comparable wisdom around the world? We need to ask whether we have correctly understood both the ecclesiology of the Anglican Communion and the terms of the Covenant. What is implied in being a Communion of Churches, where the churches are the subjects of the relationship of communion (koinonia)? What does the Covenant commit its signatories to and, in particular, what does it say about doctrinal and ethical criteria for communion? Is it legitimate to apply biblical covenant language, in which the covenant relationship is between God and Israel, to relations between churches? By addressing some of the concerns of those who oppose it, a case is made in favour of the Covenant and some reassurances are offered. In conclusion, the mystical dimension of being in communion is affirmed.
EPISTEMIC ENTRENCHMENT-BASED MULTIPLE CONTRACTIONS
Authors: FERMÉ EDUARDO , REIS MAURÍCIO D. L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this article we present a new class of multiple contraction functions—theepistemic entrenchment-based multiple contractions—which are a generalization of the epistemic entrenchment-based contractions (Gärdenfors, 1988; Gärdenfors & Makinson, 1988) to the case of contractions by (possibly nonsingleton) sets of sentences and provide an axiomatic characterization for that class of functions. Moreover, we show that the class ofepistemic entrenchment-based multiple contractionscoincides with the class ofsystem of spheres-based multiple contractionsintroduced in Fermé & Reis (2012).
Preventive Potential of the International Criminal Court
Authors: Sang-Hyun SONG 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article discusses the transition of international criminal justice from a predominantlyex post factopunitive concept of post World War II efforts—and thead hoctribunals set up in the 1990s—towards a more comprehensive concept of justice centred around the International Criminal Court established by the Rome Statute, with significant potential for the prevention of future atrocities. Four sources of preventive effect are examined: deterrence, timely intervention, stabilization, and norm setting. Significant challenges remain for the Rome Statute system, notably strengthening the principle of complementarity, enhancing the co-operation of states with the ICC, securing sufficient resources for international justice, and furthering universal acceptance of the Rome Statute, especially in the Asia-Pacific. The author argues that the ultimate value of the Rome Statute system lies in entrenching legal and social norms that will help human compassion prevail over cruelty.
Green oxidation catalysis with metal complexes: from bulk to nano recyclable hybrid catalysts
Authors: Freire Cristina , Pereira Clara , Rebelo Susana 
Published: May 2013

Transition metal complexes are efficient homogeneous catalysts for a plethora of liquid-phase reactions, but their low stability, high cost and difficult recovery from the reaction medium limit their implementation in industrial processes. Their immobilization onto solid supports emerged as a potential strategy to overcome these issues, giving rise to recyclable hybrid catalysts which have been conquering new horizons in Green Catalysis.
This report reviews the progress on the design and catalytic activity of recyclable hybrid catalysts based on metallosalen, metal acetylacetonate and metalloporphyrin complexes for oxidation reactions, starting from metal complexes supported onto bulk supports – carbon materials, mesoporous silicas, clay based materials and metal-organic frameworks – and progressively scaling down to nanosupports – carbon nanotubes, nanosilicas, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and colloidal gold.
An overview of the general methodologies developed for metal complex immobilization onto solid supports is presented as a function of the type of interaction between the complex and the support – covalent bonding, non-covalent interactions and encapsulation. For each type of support, the most common immobilization strategies are also delineated.
Special emphasis is given to literature examples in which the immobilization strategy and catalytic performance of the hybrid catalysts, including activity and reusability, were analyzed; the influence of the support dimensions on the performance of the hybrid catalysts is also addressed.
Identification of Gender in Yellow Perch by External Morphology: Validation in Four Geographic Strains and Effects of Estradiol
Authors: Shepherd Brian S , Rees Christopher B , Sepulveda-Villet Osvaldo J , Palmquist Debra E , Binkowski Fred P 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
External morphological criteria that enable the rapid determination of gender have been developed for Yellow Perch Perca flavescens. Criteria are based upon (1) shape of the urogenital papilla (UGP), (2) size of the UGP relative to the anal (AN) opening, and (3) coloration of the UGP. In females, the UGP appeared (1) rounded at the anterior margin, (2) pointed at the posterior margin and had a V or U shape (crescent shaped in mature animals), (3) generally lacked reddish coloration, and (4) narrower relative to the AN. In males, the UGP (1) appeared circular or oval around the entire margin, (2) typically displayed reddish coloration, and (3) was generally wider relative to the AN. To verify accuracy of these criteria, gender was verified internally in perch of various sizes, sex, and maturity from four domesticated geographic strains (n = 1,389). For all perch tested, accuracy was 97.3% for both sexes, 98.8% for females, and 95.9% for males. To experimentally verify accuracy of these criteria, juvenile Yellow Perch (n = 913) were treated with dietary 17β-estradiol (E2; 15 mg/kg diet) or a control diet. Accuracy was 97.7% for control females and 95.1% for control males, which diminished to 63.9% for the E2-treated females and 57.6% for E2-treated males. We developed a gender identification algorithm that will enable sorting of sexes for many uses including (1) collection of broodstock by new aquaculture producers, (2) management of broodstocks for existing producers, (3) improved selection criteria for genetic selection programs, (4) studies on gender-specific differences in Yellow Perch physiology, and (5) the unharmed release of fish in field and aquaculture settings. Uncoupling of external UGP morphology from actual gender in E2-treated perch can enable producers and biologists to detect exposure to estrogenic compounds in areas where endocrine disruption is suspected.
Reconciling theories for metabolic scaling
Authors: Maino James L. , Kearney Michael R. , Nisbet Roger M. , Kooijman Sebastiaan A. L. M. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Metabolic theory specifies constraints on the metabolic organisation of individual organisms. These constraints have important implications for biological processes ranging from the scale of molecules all the way to the level of populations, communities and ecosystems, with their application to the latter emerging as the field of metabolic ecology. While ecologists continue to use individual metabolism to identify constraints in ecological processes, the topic of metabolic scaling remains controversial.

Much of the current interest and controversy in metabolic theory relates to recent ideas about the role of supply networks in constraining energy supply to cells. We show that an alternative explanation for physicochemical constraints on individual metabolism, as formalised by dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory, can contribute to the theoretical underpinning of metabolic ecology, while increasing coherence between intra‐ and interspecific scaling relationships.

In particular, we emphasise how the DEB theory considers constraints on the storage and use of assimilated nutrients and derive an equation for the scaling of metabolic rate for adult heterotrophs without relying on optimisation arguments or implying cellular nutrient supply limitation. Using realistic data on growth and reproduction from the literature, we parameterise the curve for respiration and compare the a priori prediction against a mammalian data set for respiration.

Because the DEB theory mechanism for metabolic scaling is based on the universal process of acquiring and using pools of stored metabolites (a basal feature of life), it applies to all organisms irrespective of the nature of metabolic transport to cells. Although the DEB mechanism does not necessarily contradict insight from transport‐based models, the mechanism offers an explanation for differences between the intra‐ and interspecific scaling of biological rates with mass, suggesting novel tests of the respective hypotheses.
Microbial community adaptation to quaternary ammonium biocides as revealed by metagenomics
Authors: Oh Seungdae , Tandukar Madan , Pavlostathis Spyros G. , Chain Patrick S. G. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryQuaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) represent widely used cationic biocides that persist in natural environments. Although microbial degradation, sensitivity and resistance to QACs have been extensively documented, a quantitative understanding of how whole communities adapt to QAC exposure remain elusive. To gain insights into these issues, we exposed a microbial community from a contaminated river sediment to varied levels of benzalkonium chlorides (BACs, a family of QACs) for 3 years. Comparative metagenomic analysis showed that the BAC‐fed communities were dramatically decreased in phylogenetic diversity compared with the control (no BAC exposure), resulting presumably from BAC toxicity, and dominated by Pseudomonas species (> 50% of the total). Time‐course metagenomics revealed that community adaptation occurred primarily via selective enrichment of BAC‐degrading Pseudomonas populations, particularly P. nitroreducens, and secondarily via amino acid substitutions and horizontal transfer of a few selected genes in the Pseudomonas populations, including a gene encoding a PAS/PAC sensor protein and ring‐hydroxylating dioxygenase genes. P. nitroreducens isolates were reproducibly recoverable from communities after prolonged periods of no‐BAC exposure, suggesting that they are robust BAC‐degraders. Our study provides new insights into the mechanisms and tempo of microbial community adaptation to QAC exposure and has implications for treating QACs in biological engineered systems.
The extracellular matrix protects Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms by limiting the penetration of tobramycin
Authors: Tseng Boo Shan , Zhang Wei , Harrison Joe J. , Quach Tam P. , Song Jisun Lee , Penterman Jon , Singh Pradeep K. , Chopp David L. , Packman Aaron I. , Parsek Matthew R. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryBiofilm cells are less susceptible to antimicrobials than their planktonic counterparts. While this phenomenon is multifactorial, the ability of the matrix to reduce antibiotic penetration into the biofilm is thought to be of limited importance studies suggest that antibiotics move fairly rapidly through biofilms. In this study, we monitored the transport of two clinically relevant antibiotics, tobramycin and ciprofloxacin, into non‐mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. To our surprise, we found that the positively charged antibiotic tobramycin is sequestered to the biofilm periphery, while the neutral antibiotic ciprofloxacin readily penetrated. We provide evidence that tobramycin in the biofilm periphery both stimulated a localized stress response and killed bacteria in these regions but not in the underlying biofilm. Although it is unclear which matrix component binds tobramycin, its penetration was increased by the addition of cations in a dose‐dependent manner, which led to increased biofilm death. These data suggest that ionic interactions of tobramycin with the biofilm matrix limit its penetration. We propose that tobramycin sequestration at the biofilm periphery is an important mechanism in protecting metabolically active cells that lie just below the zone of sequestration.
Financial Trilemma in China and a Comparative Analysis with India
Authors: Aizenman Joshua , Sengupta Rajeswari 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA key challenge facing most emerging market economies today is how to simultaneously maintain monetary independence, exchange rate stability and financial integration subject to the constraints imposed by the trilemma, in an era of widespread globalization. In this paper we review and contrast the trilemma policy choices and trade‐offs faced by the two key drivers of global economic growth: China and India. China's trilemma configurations are unique relative to other emerging markets in terms of the predominance of exchange rate stability, and in the failure of the trilemma regression to capture a consistently significant role for financial integration. In contrast, the trilemma configurations of India are in line with choices made by other emerging countries. Over time, India, like other emerging economies, has converged towards a middle ground among the three policy objectives, and has achieved comparable levels of exchange rate stability and financial integration buffered by sizeable international reserves.
Inflation Targeting and Regional Inflation Persistence: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Tillmann Peter 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe adoption of a credible monetary policy regime such as inflation targeting is known to reduce the persistence of inflation fluctuations. This conclusion, however, is typically derived from aggregate inflation or sectoral inflation rates, not from regional inflation data. This paper studies the regional dimension of inflation targeting; that is, the consequences of inflation targeting for regional inflation persistence. Based on data for Korean cities and provinces it is shown that the adoption of inflation targeting leads: (i) to a fall in inflation persistence at the regional level; and (ii) to a reduction in the cross‐regional heterogeneity in inflation persistence. A factor model lends further support to the role of the common component, and, hence, monetary policy, for regional inflation persistence.
Effect of Short‐sale Constraints on Stock Price Manipulation
Authors: Qiu Junfeng , Zhang Yongli 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the effect of short‐sale constraints on the stock price manipulation of an insider, who is subject to mandatory disclosure rules. We show that the privately informed insider may manipulate by trading against his or her information when short selling is banned. We find that stock price movement is asymmetric in the sense that prices fall by a larger percentage than they rise. In addition, we prove that removing short‐sale constraints increases price volatility. Finally, we explore the welfare implications of short‐sale constraints.