bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Practical Calculation of Office Premiums
Authors: Moir Henry 
Published: April 2013

The Actuarial Society of Edinburgh was formed more particularly for the benefit of students, to assist them in their studies of actuarial and mathematical subjects; and it is therefore unnecessary to make any apology for submitting a paper of an elementary character, which makes no pretence at originality of thought, but which is designed simply to bring together some of those practical questions which have been dealt with by Actuaries of ripe experience, and to place them before students in a compact form. Those questions which do not appear to have been discussed by others, are well known to Actuaries who have had any considerable experience in the practical calculation of office premiums; but yet the following notes may be of service to students who, in many cases, have little opportunity for gathering such information.In order to deal clearly with the subject, it is desirable to state, in the first place, one or two of the fundamental principles which should regulate the calculation of office premiums. The premium payable by the policyholder forms the foundation upon which the whole structure of life assurance is built; and if the premiums be inadequate, as in the case of Assessment Companies, the structure must sooner or later collapse.
On a mode of graduating a Table of Mortality
Authors: Meikle James 
Published: April 2013

Graduation of all kinds is most attractive. The highest mathematical minds have apparently lingered upon it with delight, and when I glance down the weighty list, I feel that I, of all persons, should have shrunk from touching it. Most of these men have treated the subject in a highly theoretical manner, and have furnished formulæ that are extremely difficult to apply. A few, however, have followed in their footsteps and elaborated something that is practical. Other enthusiasts have searched for and have thought that they had found a ‘Law of Mortality.’ Some are still searching for it, and more will continue the search in all time coming. A Law of Mortality seems to me to be as illusive as the rainbow. The law found is only the law of some mathemathical process of summation.The method of graduation indeed should vary with the matter to be graduated. When applied to the probability curve, it is intensely fascinating, and there appears to me to be occasional opportunities in our business of so applying it. I do not profess to put forward any new scheme. I do not propose to electrify the subject. I possess no wizard's wand. All I propose to do is to elaborate a very simple exposition of the most elementary principles on the subject of differences, but I am bold enough to state that, in my opinion, it is all that is necessary in the graduation of a table of mortality.
Comparative Value of Fish Meal Alternatives as Protein Sources in Feeds for Hybrid Striped Bass
Authors: Trushenski Jesse , Gause Brian 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Numerous alternative proteins have been assessed and reported as adequate for fish meal (FM) sparing; however, few studies have directly compared the value of alternative proteins in side-by-side comparisons. Previous research also suggests that changes in dietary protein source may affect fillet quality, but comprehensive data on this subject are lacking. We assessed the production performance and consumer acceptance of hybrid Striped Bass (White Bass Morone chrysops × Striped Bass M. saxatilis; mean weight ± SE = 43.4 ± 0.2 g) reared on a control diet containing menhaden FM (30% FM) as the primary protein source or on experimental feeds containing approximately 10% menhaden FM and one of the following protein sources: soybean meal (10% FM–46% SBM), poultry byproduct meal (10% FM–21% PBM), grain distillers’ dried yeast (10% FM–36% GDDY), corn gluten meal (10% FM–21% CGM), or distillers’ dried grains with solubles (10% FM–33% DDGS). Weight gain (1,055–1,323%), specific growth rate (SGR; 1.29–1.40% of body weight [BW]/d), and feed intake (2.10–2.28% BW/d) were equivalent among groups, except that fish receiving the 10% FM–36% GDDY feed exhibited reduced performance (weight gain = 929%; SGR = 1.23% BW/d; feed intake = 1.95% BW/d) that appeared to be related to feed palatability. Feed conversion ratio was relatively consistent among the dietary treatments, with only the highest (1.39; for 10% FM–33% DDGS) and lowest (1.16; for 10% FM–21% PBM) values being significantly different. Dietary protein source had no effect on fillet color or consumer acceptance; consumers were unable to differentiate between control and experimental portions in 64% of comparisons. Each of the alternatives used in the present study appeared, to various degrees, to be suitable alternatives to FM. The results of this and other trials suggest that the FM content in feeds for hybrid Striped Bass can be significantly reduced beyond the current standard levels without negative effects on production performance or product acceptance.
Honda develops robotized FSW technology to weld steel and aluminum and applied it to a mass‐production vehicle
Authors: Kusuda Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the fundamental concept of Honda's robotized friction stir welding (FSW) technology, its implementation to mass produced vehicles and the future impact on the automobile industry.Design/methodology/approachBased on an interview with engineers who developed the new technology at Honda Automobile R&D Center, the report describes the secret of the new technology.FindingsThe robotized FSW technology is the world's first to weld dissimilar metals for mass produced vehicles, and makes it possible to use standard industrial robots in FSW process.Originality/valueThe report is the first one outside Japan that details the new technology.
Characterization of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from dogs and cats
Authors: Bardiau Marjorie , Yamazaki Kazuko , Ote Isabelle , Misawa Naoaki , Mainil Jacques G. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to explore the presence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) in a collection of S. pseudintermedius strains isolated from dogs and cats with dermatitis in Japan and to compare their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. Clonal relationships were determined by pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) typing, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Biofilm formation assay was performed using safranin staining in microplates. Three virulence genes coding for S. intermedius exfoliative toxin and Panton‐Valentine leukocidin (siet, lukS‐PV and lukF‐PV) were searched for in a collection of strains. Antimicrobial resistance against 15 antibiotics was studied by a disc diffusion method. Twenty‐seven MRSP were isolated. According to PFGE results the isolates were not closely related except for a few strains. MLST showed that the strains belonged to five groups, ST71 and ST26 being the two most prevalent. Three types of SCCmec (II, II–III and V) were identified. All isolates were siet‐positive but PVL‐negative. Most strains (except for two) produced strong biofilm in tryptic soy broth with glucose. Seventy‐eight percent of the isolates were resistant or intermediate to twelve or more antibiotics. Our study demonstrates that the ST71 lineage is widespread in Japan and that ST26 could represent an emerging lineage. Moreover, most of our strains are capable of forming strong biofilm and possess siet gene, two virulence characteristics that probably help the bacteria to persist and spread. Finally, our MRSP strains show a strong resistance profile to antibiotics commonly used in veterinary medicine.
Post‐marketing observational study on 5% intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in patients with secondary immunodeficiency and recurrent serious bacterial infections
Authors: Günther Georg , Dreger Bettina 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTSecondary hypogammaglobulinemia is one of the factors responsible for the increased susceptibility to infection in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study assessed the therapeutic results, concomitant medication and tolerance of administering 5% intravenous immunoglobulin, secondary immunodeficiency and recurrent serious bacterial infections. A single center, post‐marketing, observational clinical study was performed on 10 patients with a variety of hematological malignancies (CLL, follicular non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, IgM‐secreting immunocytoma, IgA plasmacytoma and myelodysplastic syndrome/non‐Hodgkin lymphoma) who had been infused with IVIG from June 1994 to May 2009. The clinical benefit of IVIG was assessed by comparing the incidence of bacterial infections before and after starting this therapy. Plasma immunoglobulin concentrations and relevant hematological variables were recorded. For safety assessment, adverse events were monitored. The standard IVIG dosage was approximately 0.35 g/kg body weight every 3–4 weeks. Most patients had normal IgG trough values of >600 mg/dL during the IVIG treatment period. The rate of bacterial infections was reduced from 2.4 per patient in the 3 months before IVIG to 0.7 (0–1.5) per patient per year during IVIG treatment. All patients received concomitant medication, mainly anticancer and anti‐anemia therapy (100%). No serious adverse events related to IVIG were observed. The frequency of at least one minor adverse reaction was 1.44% (8/556 infusions). In conclusion, the investigated IVIG preparation was well tolerated and clinically beneficial in reducing the long term rate of serious bacterial infections in patients receiving concomitant treatment for malignant diseases.
Who needs an artificial pancreas? (怎样的患者需要一个人工胰腺？)
Authors: Winikoff Janet , Drexler Andrew 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe development of a closed‐loop “artificial pancreas” would be a welcome advance for both endocrinologists and diabetic patients struggling to attain near normal glycemic control. While great strides in automatically controlling blood sugar in the fasting, sedentary state have been made through complex mathematical modeling, management of blood sugar excursions due to food and exercise have been more problematic. An artificial pancreas is not feasible at this time because of limitations inherent in the currently available technology.
Recent advances in urologic laparoscopic surgeries: laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, robotics and navigation
Authors: Matsuda Tadashi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLaparoscopic surgery was developed at the end of the 1980s and has been utilized in almost all urologic surgical procedures. It offers the benefits of less invasiveness and earlier recovery than open surgery. The introduction of laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery has offered reduced pain and improved cosmetic satisfaction to patients. Scarless nephrectomy has been realized with transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in women. The development of surgical robots has decreased the technical difficulty of complicated procedures, shortened the learning curve, and improved perioperative outcomes relative to laparoscopic surgery. Surgical navigation using real‐time sonography, augmented reality, fluorescence, or radioisotope images will improve the quality of these surgeries.
The Effect of Fenofibrate on Lymphocyte Release of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Systemic Inflammation in Simvastatin‐Treated Patients with Atherosclerosis and Early Glucose Metabolism Disturbances
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Gdula‐Dymek Anna , Okopien Boguslaw 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis study was designed to investigate whether fibrates produce lymphocyte‐suppressing and systemic anti‐inflammatory effects in statin‐treated pre‐diabetic patients. The study included 47 atherosclerotic patients with the concomitant presence of impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance already receiving simvastatin treatment (40 mg daily) who were allocated to one of two groups treated for 90 days with, respectively, fenofibrate (200 mg daily) or placebo. Plasma lipids, glucose homoeostasis markers, plasma high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein as well as lymphocyte release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were determined on the allocation day and after 90 days of therapy. Compared with placebo, fenofibrate reduced lymphocyte release of interleukin‐2, interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α, which was accompanied by a reduction in plasma C‐reactive protein levels. The results obtained indicate that fenofibrate inhibits lymphocyte secretory function and reduces low‐grade inflammation in patients with both impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance. Our findings suggest that the combined treatment with simvastatin and fenofibrate may be a better treatment option than simvastatin alone in this group of patients, particularly in those who are at high risk for cardiovascular events.
Evaluation of the In Vivo Anti‐Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity of a Highly Water‐Soluble Aspirin Conjugate
Authors: Jacob James N. , Badyal Dinesh K. , Bala Suman 
Published: April 2013

AbstractGlucose‐aspirin (GA) was synthesized by conjugating aspirin (ASA) to the 3‐carbon of glucose to produce a stable water‐soluble aspirin derivative. The in vivo activities were compared with those of aspirin. The mouse tail flick assay showed that at 120 min., both aspirin and GA showed the maximum possible effect, and the higher dose (200 mg/kg) generally had less of an effect than the lower dose (100 mg/kg). Per cent inhibition of paw oedema was 63% and 69% for ASA and GA at 100 mg/kg, respectively. In the tail immersion test, the increase in reaction time was significantly greater with GA as compared to aspirin (100 mg/kg) at 60 min. In conclusion, there was significant anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activity for GA at the doses studied under the experimental conditions.
The Effect of Genistein on the Content and Activity of α‐ and β‐Secretase and Protein Kinase C in Aβ‐Injured Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Liao Weiliang , Jin Guifang , Zhao Meishun , Yang Hong 
Published: April 2013

AbstractGenistein (Gen), a derivative of soy isoflavone aglycone, has been shown to exert significant protective effect on Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity and neuroinjury. However, its underlying mechanism remains elusive. The objective was to investigate the inhibitory effect of Gen on Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Primary rat hippocampal neurons were pre‐treated with Gen for 2 hr followed by incubation with Aβ 25–35 for an additional 24 hr. The cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. The content and activity of α‐, β‐secretase and protein kinase C (PKC) were measured, and the antagonistic effect of PKC inhibitor Myr was also analysed to clarify the molecular mechanism of Gen inhibition of Aβ‐induced toxicity to hippocampal neurons. The results showed that pre‐treatment with Gen significantly increased the cell viability and presented the best effect at the final concentration of 0.375 µg/mL. Gen increases the activity of α‐secretase but down‐regulates the β‐secretase activity. It also enhances the expression and activity of PKC. Myr, a PKC inhibitor, partially blocks the activation effect of Gen. Gen exerts protective effect on Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity via activating the PKC signalling pathway, which further regulates the activities of α‐ and β‐secretase and thereby inhibits the formation and toxicity of Aβ.
Bayesian Inference for Two‐Phase Studies with Categorical Covariates
Authors: Ross Michelle , Wakefield Jon 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSummaryIn this article, we consider two‐phase sampling in the situation in which all covariates are categorical. Two‐phase designs are appealing from an efficiency perspective since they allow sampling to be concentrated in informative cells. A number of likelihood‐based methods have been developed for the analysis of two‐phase data, but we describe a Bayesian approach which has previously been unavailable. The methods are first compared with existing approaches via a simulation study, and are then applied to data collected on Wilms tumor. The benefits of a Bayesian approach include relaxation of the reliance on asymptotic inference, particularly in sparse data situations, and the potential to model data with complex dependencies, for example, via the introduction of random effects. The sparse data situation is illustrated via a simulated example.
Joint High‐Dimensional Bayesian Variable and Covariance Selection with an Application to eQTL Analysis
Authors: Bhadra Anindya , Mallick Bani K. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSummaryWe describe a Bayesian technique to (a) perform a sparse joint selection of significant predictor variables and significant inverse covariance matrix elements of the response variables in a high‐dimensional linear Gaussian sparse seemingly unrelated regression (SSUR) setting and (b) perform an association analysis between the high‐dimensional sets of predictors and responses in such a setting. To search the high‐dimensional model space, where both the number of predictors and the number of possibly correlated responses can be larger than the sample size, we demonstrate that a marginalization‐based collapsed Gibbs sampler, in combination with spike and slab type of priors, offers a computationally feasible and efficient solution. As an example, we apply our method to an expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis on publicly available single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and gene expression data for humans where the primary interest lies in finding the significant associations between the sets of SNPs and possibly correlated genetic transcripts. Our method also allows for inference on the sparse interaction network of the transcripts (response variables) after accounting for the effect of the SNPs (predictor variables). We exploit properties of Gaussian graphical models to make statements concerning conditional independence of the responses. Our method compares favorably to existing Bayesian approaches developed for this purpose.
Maternal hypothyroxinemia and effects on cognitive functioning in childhood: how and why?
Authors: Henrichs Jens , Ghassabian Akhgar , Peeters Robin P. , Tiemeier Henning 
Published: April 2013

SummaryExposure to maternal hypothyroxinemia during pregnancy, which is characterized by low free T4 but normal thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, can negatively affect the foetus. This review provides an overview of present findings concerning the association between maternal hypothyroxinemia during pregnancy and childhood cognitive functioning. Possible causes of maternal hypothyroxinemia and potential mechanisms underlying this association are also discussed. Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that maternal hypothyroxinemia in the first half of pregnancy but not later in pregnancy impairs cognitive development in infancy and childhood. Animal models confirm that the first half of pregnancy may constitute a sensitive period in which maternal hypothyroxinemia alters neurogenesis and causes neuronal migration errors in the developing foetal brain. However, observational studies in humans cannot demonstrate causality of the association between hypothyroxinemia and neurodevelopment. In the only completed randomized trial of antenatal thyroid screening and subsequent levothyroxine treatment of mild maternal subclinical thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroxinemia, the interventions did not affect offspring intelligence quotient (IQ). More randomized trials are needed investigating whether screening for hypothyroxinemia and its treatment earlier in the first trimester of pregnancy can improve child cognitive functioning or prevent neurodevelopmental changes. Long‐term observational studies should identify molecular, neuroanatomical and neurophysiological factors involved in the association between maternal hypothyroxinemia and offspring cognitive functioning. Information on such mechanisms can be used for the development of innovative prevention and intervention studies that address maternal hypothyroxinemia and its potential consequences.
Cement‐associated peri‐implantitis: a retrospective clinical observational study of fixed implant‐supported restorations using a methacrylate cement
Authors: Korsch Michael , Obst Ursula , Walther Winfried 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundCement‐retained fixed implant‐supported restorations involve the risk of excess cement, which can associate peri‐implantitis. In connection with routine therapy using a methacrylate cement (Premier Implant Cement, Premier® Dental Products Company, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA) to retain fixed implant‐supported restorations, complications, that is, inflammations, were developed in some cases. After removing the suprastructure and the abutment, residual excessive cement was found. For this reason, all implant‐supported restorations that had been fixed with this type of methacrylate cement were reevaluated and retreated.MethodsIn a retrospective clinical observational study including 71 patients with 126 implants, the findings made during retreatment were documented. In all cases, the suprastructure and the abutment were removed. For recementation, Temp Bond (Kerr Sybron Dental Specialities, Washington, D.C., USA) was used. If an inflammation had developed, a follow‐up appointment was scheduled 3–4 weeks later.ResultsIn 59.5% of the implants, cement residues were identified. Bleeding on probing was diagnosed at 80% of the implants with excess cement and suppuration at 21.3% of the implants. After removal of the excess cement and recementation with Temp Bond, a 76.9% reduction in bleeding on probing was found at follow‐up. Suppuration was not found around any of the implants at follow‐up.ConclusionExcess cement left in the implant–mucosal interface caused bleeding on probing in most cases and suppuration in some. The removal of excess cement after cementation should be given high priority. In this retrospective observational study, an unusually high number of implants with excess cement after cementation was found with the methacrylate cement applied in the study.
Non‐organ donors' attitudes toward incentives
Authors: Tumin Makmor , Noh Abdillah , Chong Chin‐Sieng , Lim Soo‐Kun , Abdullah Nawi , Ng Kok‐Peng 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMalaysians indicating that they did not intend to become organ donors upon their death were surveyed regarding interest in non‐fungible financial incentives to be granted to surviving family members. Among the 730 (56% of the total sample of 1311) indicating unwillingness to be donors, 29.6% (216/730) subsequently indicated that they would be willing donors if the government introduced policies that, upon their death, “rewarded your (their) family with incentives for your (their) deeds.” Among the 69% (504/730) who insisted that they would not become organ donor even with incentive, nearly 80% (404/501) of them were able to identify relevant incentives they thought should be provided by the state to those who make organ donations upon death. The majority of both groups preferred the state provide medical benefits to a surviving family member, suggesting this may be an attractive policy option for the state to raise the deceased organ donation pool.