bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining Financial Results
Authors: Hamscher Walter
Published: March 2014

CROSBY III automatically constructs explanations for financial results. The key elements of the program are (1) a body of raw financial data to be explained, (2) an extensible knowledge base of financial relations expressed as algebraic constraints, (3) a selection of possible explanatory variables and information about the relative likelihoods of individual hypotheses, (4) an algorithm for generating consistent, adequate, plausible and parsimonious interpretations of the data, (5) a facility for explaining how a particular interpretation supports the data and (6) a facility for explaining why one interpretation is preferred over another. This paper focuses on facilites (5) and (6). CROSBY III is an implemented but undeployed prototype that has been tested on historical data and financial models of a small high‐technology company along with its closest competitors, on more than ten divisions of a large company and on a collection of large banks.
Certainty Factor Algebras: Comparing Conventional Mappings and Experimental Results
Authors: Holsapple Clyde W. , Wu Jen‐Her
Published: March 2014

Among the various means that have been advanced for handling uncertainty in expert systems, certainty factor (CF) approaches have been widely adopted in both individual expert system applications and shells for building such systems. Nevertheless, CF approaches have been challenged on analytical grounds. This paper examines the descriptive efficacy of CF approaches from an empirical standpoint. Specifically, it compares conventional CF methods for certainty‐combining situations in a rule's premise with experimentally observed behaviors. The experimental data are subjected to ‘hit’ analyses that present the percentages of experts adhering to conventional algebraic means for combining CFs. The findings indicate that anywhere from about one‐fourth up to nine‐tenths of subjects combine certainties in a way consistent with CF algebras conventionally mapped into various certainty‐combining situations. Put another way, conventional CF algebra mappings are inadequate for describing anywhere from 10% to 75% of human behaviors across the situations studied here. This empirical evidence suggests that knowledge engineers should be cautious about adopting conventional CF algebras, particularly under certain circumstances identified in this study. It also suggests the prudence of considering uncertainty treatments other than conventional certainty factor algebras.
Integrating Logical Inference with Numeric Optimization
Authors: Lee Ho Geun , Lee Ronald M.
Published: March 2014

OR and AI techniques have progressed separately without adequate interactions although they can benefit from each other's complementary strengths: OR in efficient mathematical computation and AI in domain‐specific knowledge representation. Constraint Logic Programming (CLP) is introduced as a problem‐ solving tool which combines these complementary strengths. CLP uses predicate logic for knowledge representation, thus providing stronger expressive powers than prepositional logic, which is employed by mathematical programming. In addition, CLP allows numeric optimization with a computational efficiency comparable to OR approaches. This integration of logical inference and mathematical computation fits well into a special class of decision problems that requires not only logical inference on domain‐specific knowledge but also numeric optimization through mathematical formulation. A production planning problem is introduced and solved by CLP. The results are compared with an implementation by mixed integer programming to show the advantages of the integration of OR and AI approaches over either one used alone.
An Evaluation of the Corporate Takeover Model Using Neural Networks
Authors: Sen Tarun K. , Gibbs Andrew M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Neural networks have been found to be promising in financial prediction tasks like bankruptcy and loan defaults. Their use in the capital markets is relatively new, although they have been used with some success in picking undervalued stocks. Accurate prediction of corporate takeover targets results in high financial payoffs. Researchers have used statistical procedures like logistic regression with little success in predicting corporate takeover targets. We use neural networks that are capable of producing complex mapping functions to predict mergers. We develop several neural network models carefully controlling for overfitting. Our results indicate that although neural networks map the data very well, they do not predict merger targets significantly better than logistic regression. This strongly suggests that the financial models used to predict mergers are inadequate. Firms should approach the development of merger prediction models cautiously and identify other factors that are more likely to predict mergers. Attempts to apply better analysis techniques to existing models will most likely produce similar results.
A Computational Model of Coordination for the Design of Organizational Decision Support Systems
Authors: Howorka Gary V. , Anderson Lorien A. , Goul K. Michael , Hine Michael
Published: March 2014

Abstract

The Information Technology (IT) for realizing Organizational Decision Support Systems (ODSS) is in a nascent stage of development. This is particularly true in the area of coordination, which is a critical element of ODSS, and which distinguishes ODSS research from earlier research in Group DSS and individually oriented DSS. As a first step in ODSS coordination research, alternative representation schemes need to be examined in terms of both their match with the prevailing needs of organizations and of existing IT approaches that can be brought to bear. Matching ODSS needs with coordination representation requirements is examined by using several supporting reference disciplines including foundational DSS and recent ODSS research frameworks/architectures. Existing IT approaches are adapted from the reference disciplines of Active DSS, Distributed Artificial Intelligence (DAI), and Mathematical/Computational Organization Theory (MCOT) to operationalize a computational model of coordination that: (1) embodies the philosophies of Active DSS—including the idea that automated intelligent agents can play a significant role in supporting decision makers by independently carrying out rudimentary tasks to support the various phases of a decision making process; (2) adapts DAI and IT approaches to reflect practical human organizational realities including what we refer to as the ‘Open‐Ended Knowledge World‘, and the evolutionary nature of organizations—whereby ODSS coordination representations will be subjected to almost constant revision due to both external environment disruptions and internal events that require adjustments to a preliminary plan; and (3) reflects the fact that organizational goals are often vague, which implies that a coordination representation should be sufficiently robust to reflect ad hoc analysis accommodating of strategy changes.
A Hybrid‐Based Expert System for Personal Pension Planning in the UK
Authors: Lymer Andrew , Richards Ken
Published: March 2014

Abstract

While advanced computing technology, and particularly the use of artificial intelligence in the form of expert systems, could not necessarily be said to be common in the US financial planning domain, it is certainly not unheard of. This situation is significantly different from that found in the comparable UK domain. This paper is based on a project to look at the use of computing technology to support the role of the personal financial adviser in the UK—a domain in which little published research work has been undertaken. It briefly describes the current UK marketplace and details the construction of a small hybrid‐based expert system, built to support the selection of personal pension plans, to illustrate the inherent value in developing such technology in this domain. The paper discusses the benefits of using hybrid representational techniques as opposed to single representations in creating an expert system in a financial planning domain.
Detection of Management Fraud: A Neural Network Approach
Authors: Fanning Kurt , Cogger Kenneth O. , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: March 2014

Abstract

The detection of management fraud is an important issue facing the auditing profession. A major contributor to this issue is the Loebbecke and Willingham (1988) conceptual model for the detection of management fraud. A cascaded Logit approach using the Loebbecke and Willingham model was developed in Bell et al. (1993). The present study offers an alternative approach using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). This paper develops a successful discriminator of management fraud using both the generalized adaptive neural network architectures (GANNA) and the Adaptive Logic Network (ALN) approaches to designing neural networks. The discriminant functions can distinguish between fraudulent and non‐fraudulent companies with superior accuracy to the cascaded Logit results of Bell et al. (1993). Finally, the discriminant function provides a parsimonious set of questions useful for detecting management fraud.
Case‐Based Reasoning: Application Techniques for Decision Support
Authors: Hansen James V. , Meservy Rayman D. , Wood Larry E.
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Decision‐support systems can be improved by enabling them to use past decisions to assist in making present ones. Reasoning from relevant past cases is appealing because it corresponds to some of the processes an expert uses to solve problems quickly and accurately. All this depends on an effective method of organizing cases for retrieval. This paper investigates the use of inductive networks as a means for case organization and outlines an approach to determining the desired number of cases—or assessing the reliability of a given number. Our method is demonstrated by application to decision making on corporate tax audits.
The application of a thermoresponsive chitosan/β‐GP gel to enhance cell repopulation of decellularized vascular scaffolds
Authors: Sheridan William S. , Grant Orna B. , Duffy Garry P. , Murphy Bruce P.
Published: March 2014

Decellularized arterial scaffolds have achieved success in advancing towards clinical use for small diameter vascular graft applications. Issues remain with effectively cell seeding these scaffolds, which may result in slow remodeling in vivo and reduced patency rates. This study aims to efficiently bulk load decellularized arterial scaffolds with cells and/or growth factors to promote cell migration within the scaffold. A chitosan/β‐glycerophosphate (β‐GP) hydrogel was used as a delivery vehicle for scaffold repopulation with rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) and/or murine hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The thermoresponsivity of the chitosan/β‐GP HGF gel was determined by rheological analysis and the release of HGF by ELISA. The chitosan/β‐GP gel was fully injectable with gelation at 30°C in ∼30 min and demonstrated sustained controlled HGF release up to 28 days. Encapsulation of rMSCs allowed for consistent efficient cell delivery within the scaffold. Directional migration toward the released HGF was demonstrated within the medial layer of the scaffold up to a distance of 3 mm. The gel/cell/growth factor combination demonstrates a means of accelerating scaffold repopulation, without costly excessive in vitro maturation times. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1700–1710, 2014.
Topical microbicides and HIV prevention in the female genital tract
Authors: Cottrell Mackenzie L. , Kashuba Angela D.M.
Published: March 2014

Worldwide, HIV disproportionately affects women who are often unable to negotiate traditional HIV preventive strategies such as condoms. In the absence of an effective vaccine or cure, chemoprophylaxis may be a valuable self‐initiated alternative. Topical microbicides have been investigated as one such option. The first generation topical microbicides were non‐specific, broad‐spectrum antimicrobial agents, including surfactants, polyanions, and acid buffering gels, that generally exhibited contraceptive properties. After extensive clinical study, none prevented HIV infection, and their development was abandoned. Second generation topical microbicides include agents with selective mechanisms of antiviral activity. Most are currently being used for, or have previously been explored as, drugs for treatment of HIV. The most advanced of these is tenofovir 1% gel: the first topical agent shown to significantly reduce HIV infection by 39% compared to placebo. This review summarizes the evolution of topical microbicides for HIV chemoprophylaxis, highlights important concepts learned, and offers current and future considerations for this area of research.
Polycyclic N‐Heterocyclic Compounds. Part 81: Synthesis and Evaluation of Pentacyclic 1,2,4,5‐Tetrahydro[1]benzothieno[2′,3′:6,7]thiepino[4,5‐e]imidazo[1,2‐c]pyrimidine and Related Compounds as Potential Antiplatelet Aggregators
Authors: Okuda Kensuke , Itzuji Yutaka , Hirota Takashi
Published: March 2014

Dehydrative ring closure reactions were carried out on fused 4‐(2‐hydroxyethylamino) (or 2‐hydroxyethoxy or 2‐hydroxyethylthio)pyrimidines (2a, 2b, 2c) to give fused 2,3‐dihydroimidazo[1,2‐c] (or 2,3‐dihydrooxazolo[3,2‐c] or 2,3‐dihydrothiazolo[3,2‐c])pyrimidines. This reaction produced the pentacyclic 1,2,4,5‐tetrahydro[1]benzothieno[2′,3′:6,7]thiepino[4,5‐e]imidazo[1,2‐c]pyrimidine (3a) and 1,2,4,5‐tetrahydro[1]benzothieno[2′,3′:6,7]thiepino[4,5‐e]thiazolo[3,2‐c]pyrimidinium chloride (3c) from the 2‐hydroxyethylamino‐derivative and 2‐hydroxyethylthio‐derivative, respectively. In contrast, 2‐hydroxyethoxy‐derivative (2b) gave the rearrangement product, 3‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐5,6‐dihydro[1]benzothieno[3′,2′:2,3]thiepino[4,5‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one (4). Effects of the synthesized compounds on collagen‐induced platelet aggregation were also evaluated.
A Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of Chloropyridines from Chalcones
Authors: Menon Prasanth K. , Krishnaraj K. U. , George Sholly C. , Devaky K. S. , Anabha E. R.
Published: March 2014

Malononitrile undergoes Michael addition to iminoalkylated chalcones under Vilsmeier–Haack reaction condition. In situ intramolecular cyclization followed by aromatization of the adduct resulted in the formation of 4,6‐bis(aryl)‐2‐chloropyridines in good yields.
A Green Synthesis of Pyrido[1,2‐a]quinazoline‐1,6‐dione Derivatives in Ionic Liquid Catalyzed by Iodine
Authors: Lu Lian , Zhang Mei‐Mei , Wang Xiang‐Shan
Published: March 2014

A mild, green, and facile route to the synthesis of 3,4,4a,5‐tetrahydro‐4a‐methyl‐2H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]quinazoline‐1,6‐dione derivatives has been developed. In the presence of iodine, a variety of 2‐aminobenzamides underwent a tandem reaction with 6‐chlorohexan‐2‐one to afford the corresponding pyridoquinazolines in good to high yields.
1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions Leading to the Synthesis of New 2,3,5‐Triaryl‐4H,2,3,3a,5,6,6a‐hexahydropyrrolo[3,4‐d]isoxazole‐4,6‐diones
Authors: Kaur Anjandeep , Singh Baldev
Published: March 2014

Cycloaddition of C,N‐diphenylnitrones 1 to N‐aryl maleimides 2 afforded two diastereomeric isoxazolidines with high selectivity. The structure and steric configuration of the adducts have been assigned on the basis of 1H NMR, 1H NMR COSY, 13C NMR and IR spectroscopy. The π–π stacking interactions between maleimide's and nitrone's aromatic rings during the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition were assumed to control the exo–endo selectivity of the reaction. Thus, the exo–endo ratio depends upon the position of the substituent present on the C‐phenyl ring of the C,N‐diphenylnitrones.
Application of Dimethylaminomethylene Ketone in Heterocycles Synthesis: Synthesis of 2‐(Isoxazolo, Pyrazolo, and Pyrimido) Substituted Analogs of 1,4‐Benzodiazepin‐5‐carboxamides Linked through an Oxyphenyl Bridge
Authors: Kaur Navjeet , Tyagi Ruchi , Srivastava Manish , Kishore D.
Published: March 2014

Versatility of dimethylaminomethylene ketone derivative of 2‐(4′‐acetyl)‐phenoxyl‐5‐carboxamido‐1,4‐benzodiazepin‐5‐(4′‐methylpiperazinyl)‐carboxamide (6) was explored to provide an easy one‐pot access to its 2‐(isoxazolo, pyrazolo, and pyrimido) substituted analogs 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, respectively.
Studies on Synthesis and Biological Activity of Oxidative Aglafolin Derivatives
Authors: Wang Xianyou , Xie Zhuoqun , Fu Bin , Li Nan , Wang Mingan , Ma Yongqiang , Du Fengpei , Xu Yanjun , Qin Zhaohai
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of the key intermediate of rocaglamide, oxidative aglafolin, was studied, and its diastereoisomers were obtained. The amination of oxidative aglafolin was also investigated, affording amino derivatives. The preliminary bioassay results indicate that these new aglafolin derivatives showed certain degree of insecticidal and repellent activity against Plutella xylostella and Laphygma exigua.
The effects of passive leadership on workplace incivility
Authors: Harold Crystal M. , Holtz Brian C.
Published: March 2014

In this article, we examine the effects of passive leadership on workplace incivility across two studies. Study 1 examines passive leadership–incivility relationships in a sample of employee–supervisor dyads, and Study 2 examines these relationships in a sample of employee–coworker dyads. Results from these studies suggest that passive leadership has a significant direct effect on behavioral incivility and an indirect effect through experienced incivility. Moreover, our results suggest that the relationship between experienced incivility and behavioral incivility is conditional on the level of passive leadership, such that the effect of experienced incivility on behavioral incivility is stronger at higher levels of passive leadership. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The extent of ligament injury and its influence on pelvic stability following type II anteroposterior compression pelvic injuries––A computer study to gain insight into open book trauma
Authors: Böhme Jörg , Lingslebe Uwe , Steinke Hanno , Werner Michael , Slowik Volker , Josten Christoph , Hammer Niels
Published: March 2014

Surgical stabilization of the pelvis following type II anteroposterior compression pelvic injuries (APCII) is based on the assumption that the anterior sacroiliac, sacrospinous, and sacrotuberous ligaments disrupt simultaneously. Recent data on the ligaments contradict this concept. We aimed at determining the mechanisms of ligament failure in APCII computationally. In an individual osteoligamentous computer model of the pelvis, ligament load, and strain were observed for the two‐leg stance, APCII with 100‐mm symphyseal widening and for two‐leg stance with APCII‐related ligament failure, and validated with body donors. The anterior sacroiliac and sacrotuberous ligaments had the greatest load with 80% and 17% of the total load, respectively. APCII causes partial failure of the anterior sacroiliac ligament and the pelvis to become horizontally instable. The other ligaments remained intact. The sacrospinous ligament was negligibly loaded but stabilized the pelvis vertically. The interosseous sacroiliac and sacrotuberous ligaments are likely responsible for reducing the symphysis and might serve as an indicator of vertical stability. The sacrospinous ligament appears to be of minor significance in APCII but plays an important role in vertical stabilization. Further research is necessary to determine the influence of alterations in ligament and bone material properties. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:873–879, 2014.
Encouraging Employees to Be More Active: Taking “Steps” Toward Personal Goals
Authors: Narayan Anupama , Mazzola Joseph
Published: March 2014

The present study examines the effectiveness of a low‐cost organizational wellness program focused on integration of physical activity into employee work routines using core principles of goal‐setting theory. Participants were 223 employees (167 women and 56 men) of a small private southwestern university. The program consisted of participants selecting an overall step goal for a 7‐ or 15‐week period (henceforth referred to as a session) from a set of predetermined goals. They used pedometers to track their weekly progress on steps taken toward that overall goal and reported those steps to the program coordinator. Participants who selected a higher goal (more steps per session) achieved more steps on average during the session. Lack of baseline data and the small number of male participants limit the generalizability of the results. This research contributes to the nascent literature on the incorporation of basic physical activity into the daily routine of employees and the promotion of organizational health.
Non‐Work‐Related Computing and Job Characteristics: Literature Review and Future Research Directions
Authors: Fichtner J. Royce , Strader Troy J.
Published: March 2014

Non‐work‐related computing (NWRC) represents a broad research area that attempts to understand the psychology of employee misuse of information resources. In this article, we review studies that have addressed NWRC issues in relation to job dimensions and work outcomes. Current research is matched with the job characteristics model to identify areas that have been studied and those that have not. We find that current research has addressed the interrelationship among NWRC and six job dimensions and three work outcomes. Job feedback and employee motivation, performance, and turnover provide opportunities for future research.
Job and Life Attitudes of Managers and Professionals
Authors: Beutell Nicholas J. , Schneer Joy A.
Published: March 2014

We examine the enduring psychological question of the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction among managers and professionals in relation to demographic (age and income), health (self‐rated and mental health), and work–family conflict and synergy. Job satisfaction and life satisfaction were significantly and positively related when controlling for demographic, health, and work–family variables. Mental health and work–family variables were the strongest predictors of both job satisfaction and life satisfaction, although the demographic variables were not statistically significant. Results indicated that 60% of the sample was described by the spillover (positive association between job satisfaction and life satisfaction) model, 32% by the compensatory (inverse association) model, and 8% by the segmentation (weak or no relationship) model. Findings highlight the importance of studying the association of job and life satisfaction among particular occupational groups such as managers and professionals.
Physical properties of sugar cookies containing chia–oat composites
Authors: Inglett George E , Chen Diejun , Liu Sean
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Omega‐3 fatty acids of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) and soluble β‐glucan of oat products are known for lowering blood cholesterol and preventing coronary heart disease. Nutrim, oat bran concentrate (OBC), and whole oat flour (WOF) were composited with finely ground chia, and used in cookies at 20% replacement of wheat flour for improved nutritional and physical quality. The objective was to evaluate physical properties of chia–oat composites, dough, and cookies.

RESULTS

These composites had improved water‐holding capacities compared to the starting materials. The geometrical properties and texture properties of the cookies were not greatly influenced by a 20% flour replacement using chia–OBC or chia–WOF composites. There was a decrease in the cookie diameter, and increases in the height of cookies and dough hardness using 20% Chia‐ Nutrim composite.

CONCLUSION

These fine‐particle chia–oat composites were prepared by a feasible procedure for improved nutritional value and physical properties of foods. The cookies containing chia–oat composites can be considered a health‐promoting functional food. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Changes in Implementation of Two Evidence‐Based Psychotherapies for PTSD in VA Residential Treatment Programs: A National Investigation
Authors: Cook Joan M. , Dinnen Stephanie , Thompson Richard , Simiola Vanessa , Schnurr Paula P.
Published: March 2014

There has been little investigation of the natural course of evidence‐based treatments (EBTs) over time following the draw‐down of initial implementation efforts. Thus, we undertook qualitative interviews with the providers at 38 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ residential treatment programs for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to understand implementation and adaptation of 2 EBTs, prolonged exposure (PE), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), at 2 time points over a 4‐year period. The number of providers trained in the therapies and level of training improved over time. At baseline, of the 179 providers eligible per VA training requirements, 65 (36.4%) had received VA training in PE and 111 (62.0%) in CPT with 17 (9.5%) completing case consultation or becoming national trainers in both PE and CPT. By follow‐up, of the increased number of 190 eligible providers, 87 (45.8%) had received VA training in PE and 135 (71.1%) in CPT, with 69 (36.3%) and 81 (42.6%) achieving certification, respectively. Twenty‐two programs (57.9%) reported no change in PE use between baseline and follow‐up, whereas 16 (42.1%) reported an increase. Twenty‐four (63.2%) programs reported no change in their use of CPT between baseline and follow‐up, 12 (31.6%) programs experienced an increase, and 2 (5.2%) programs experienced a decrease in use. A significant number of providers indicated that they made modifications to the manuals (e.g., tailoring, lengthening). Reasons for adaptations are discussed. The need to dedicate time and resources toward the implementation of EBTs is noted.
A Pilot Study of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Yoga as an Intervention for PTSD Symptoms in Women
Authors: Mitchell Karen S. , Dick Alexandra M. , DiMartino Dawn M. , Smith Brian N. , Niles Barbara , Koenen Karestan C. , Street Amy
Published: March 2014

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that affects approximately 10% of women in the United States. Although effective psychotherapeutic treatments for PTSD exist, clients with PTSD report additional benefits of complementary and alternative approaches such as yoga. In particular, yoga may downregulate the stress response and positively impact PTSD and comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms. We conducted a pilot study of a randomized controlled trial comparing a 12‐session Kripalu‐based yoga intervention with an assessment control group. Participants included 38 women with current full or subthreshold PTSD symptoms. During the intervention, yoga participants showed decreases in reexperiencing and hyperarousal symptoms. The assessment control group, however, showed decreases in reexperiencing and anxiety symptoms as well, which may be a result of the positive effect of self‐monitoring on PTSD and associated symptoms. Between‐groups effect sizes were small to moderate (0.08–0.31). Although more research is needed, yoga may be an effective adjunctive treatment for PTSD. Participants responded positively to the intervention, suggesting that it was tolerable for this sample. Findings underscore the need for future research investigating mechanisms by which yoga may impact mental health symptoms, gender comparisons, and the long‐term effects of yoga practice.
Glasgow Coma Scores, Early Opioids, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Combat Amputees
Authors: Melcer Ted , Walker Jay , Sechriest V. Franklin , Lebedda Martin , Quinn Kimberly , Galarneau Michael
Published: March 2014

A recent study found that combat amputees had a reduced prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared with nonamputees with serious extremity injuries. We hypothesized that an extended period of impaired consciousness or early treatment with morphine could prevent consolidation of traumatic memory and the development of PTSD. To examine this hypothesis, we retrospectively reviewed 258 combat casualty records from the Iraq or Afghanistan conflicts from 2001–2008 in the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database, including medications and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores recorded at in‐theater facilities within hours of the index injury. All patients sustained amputations from injuries. Psychological diagnoses were extracted from medical records for 24 months postinjury. None of 20 patients (0%) with GCS scores of 12 or lower had PTSD compared to 20% of patients with GCS scores of 12 or greater who did have PTSD. For patients with traumatic brain injury, those treated with intravenous morphine within hours of injury had a significantly lower prevalence of PTSD (6.3%) and mood disorders (15.6%) compared to patients treated with fentanyl only (prevalence of PTSD = 41.2%, prevalence of mood disorder = 47.1%). GCS scores and morphine and fentanyl treatments were not significantly associated with adjustment, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders.
Synthesis and Characterization of Comb‐Like Copolymers Based on Poly(ε‐caprolactone) and Poly(α‐olefin)
Authors: Kinder Sabina , Komber Hartmut , Jehnichen Dieter , Häussler Liane , Böhme Frank , Garaleh Mazen , Pospiech Doris , Voit Brigitte , Schulze Ulrich
Published: March 2014

Comb‐like copolymers based on a polyolefin backbone of poly(10‐undecene‐1‐ol) (PUol) with poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) side chains are synthesized in two steps. After synthesis of PUol by metallocene‐catalyzed polymerization, the side‐chain hydroxyl functionalities of this polar polyolefin are used as an initiator for the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ε‐caprolactone (CL). In this context, copolymers with different lengths of PCL grafts are prepared. The chemical structure and the composition of the synthesized copolymers are characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. It is shown that the hydroxyl end groups of PUol act effectively as initiating sites for the CL ROP. Size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) measurements confirm the absence of non‐attached PCL and the expected increase in molar mass after grafting. The thermal and decomposition behaviors are investigated by DSC and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of the length of the PCL grafts on the crystallization behavior of the comb‐like copolymers is investigated by DSC and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS).

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Polystyrene‐block‐Polyisoprene Diblock‐Copolymer Micelles: Coupled Pressure and Temperature Effects
Authors: Cheng Gang , Hammouda Boualem , Perahia Dvora
Published: March 2014

The structural changes of diblock‐copolymer micelles under pressures from 200 to 16 000 psi are investigated using small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS). Asymmetric polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene (PS–PI) diblock copolymers are dissolved in decane, a selective solvent for PI, to form spherical micelles with a core of PS and a corona of PI. The micellar solutions are put under pressure at temperatures of 25 to 60 °C. At room temperature, elevating the pressure from 200 to 16 000 psi has no effect on the size of the micelles. While the micellar solutions remain stable, instantaneous association of micelles is detected. In contrast to micelles at atmospheric pressure, increasing the temperature at elevated pressures does not lead to dissociation of micelles; instead, the micelles aggregate and evolve into sheet‐like structures, reminiscent of a macroscopic phase separation. Furthermore, higher pressures lead to a smaller temperature range in which shape transitions take place.

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Spectroscopic localization by simultaneous acquisition of the double‐spin and stimulated echoes
Authors: Tal Assaf , Gonen Oded
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To design a proton MR spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) localization sequence that combines the signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (SNR) benefits of point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) with the high pulse bandwidths, low chemical shift displacements (CSD), low specific absorption rates (SAR), short echo times (TE), and superior radiofrequency transmit field (B1+) immunity of stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM), by simultaneously refocusing and acquiring both the double‐spin and stimulated echo coherence pathways from the volume of interest.

Theory and Methods

We propose a family of 1H‐MRS sequences comprising three orthogonal spatially selective pulses with flip angles 90° < α, β, γ < 128°. The stimulated and double‐spin echo are refocused in‐phase simultaneously by altering the pulses' phases, flip angles and timing, as well as the interpulse gradient spoiling moments. The ≈ 90° nutations of α, β, γ provide STEAM‐like advantages (lower SAR, in‐plane CSD and TE; greater B1+ immunity), but with SNRs comparable with PRESS.

Results

Phantom and in vivo brain experiments show that 83–100% of the PRESS SNR (metabolite‐dependent) is achieved at under 75% of the SAR and 66% lower in‐plane CSD.

Conclusion

The advantages of STEAM can be augmented with the higher SNR of PRESS by combining the spin and stimulated echoes. Quantification, especially of J‐coupled resonances and intermediate and long TEs, must be carefully considered. Magn Reson Med 73:31–43, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exposure to Cadmium and Lead in an Agropastoral Iron Age Population
Authors: Pastorelli A. A. , Campanella L. , Coppa A. , Stacchini P.
Published: March 2014

Metals present in the environment (soil, water and atmosphere) can affect food safety and human health through bio‐accumulation and bio‐magnification phenomena. Human exposure to the metals may take place through the environment and by ingesting contaminated food (including water), determining harmful effects usually detectable over the long term. Starting with the Industrial Revolution, local occurrence and concentration of metallic contaminants in the environment have been exponentially increasing: it has been assessed that, nowadays, daily absorption of lead, by North American people, is noticeably greater than that during prehistoric times.

In this study, we measured concentrations of cadmium, lead and zinc in 153 bone samples (femurs) of Iron Age inhabitants of Central Italy (Abruzzo): the Samnites from the Alfedena Necropolis (2600–2400 bp). The data found are in agreement with the results of similar published studies. Heavy metal concentrations varied widely among samples with the exception of zinc. A significant difference (p same Mann–Whitney test <0.05) in cadmium bone levels was found between male (0.08–1.8 mg/kg, median 0.31 mg/kg) and female samples (0.05–1.3 mg/kg, median 0.53 mg/kg). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initial testing (stage 1) of the notch inhibitor PF‐03084014, by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Carol Hernan , Maris John M. , Kang Min H. , Reynolds C. Patrick , Kolb E. Anders , Gorlick Richard , Keir Stephen T. , Wu Jianrong , Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Houghton Peter J. , Smith Malcolm A. , Lock Richard B.
Published: March 2014

PF‐03084014, a γ‐secretase inhibitor, was tested against the PPTP in vitro cell line panel (1.0 nM to 10 μM) and against the in vivo xenograft panels (administered orally twice daily on Days 1–7 and 15–21). PF‐03084014 demonstrated limited in vitro activity, with no cell line achieving ≥50% inhibition. PF‐03084014 induced significant differences in EFS distribution in 14 of 35 (40%) solid tumor xenografts, and 1 of 9 ALL xenografts (which lacked a NOTCH1 mutation), but objective responses were not observed. PF‐03084014 demonstrated limited single agent activity in vitro and in vivo against the pediatric preclinical models studied. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1493–1496. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using fractional polynomials to model the effect of cumulative duration of exposure on outcomes: applications to cohort and nested case‐control designs
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Park‐Wyllie Laura Y. , Juurlink David N.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Determining the nature of the relationship between cumulative duration of exposure to an agent and the hazard of an adverse outcome is an important issue in environmental and occupational epidemiology, public health and clinical medicine. The Cox proportional hazards regression model can incorporate time‐dependent covariates. An important class of continuous time‐dependent covariates is that denoting cumulative duration of exposure.

Methods

We used fractional polynomial methods to describe the association between cumulative duration of exposure and adverse outcomes. We applied these methods in a cohort study to examine the relationship between cumulative duration of use of the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone and the risk of thyroid dysfunction. We also used these methods with a conditional logistic regression model in a nested case‐control study to examine the relationship between cumulative duration of use of bisphosphonate medication and the risk of atypical femur fracture.

Results

Using a cohort design and a Cox proportional hazards model, we found a non‐linear relationship between cumulative duration of use of the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone and the risk of thyroid dysfunction. The risk initially increased rapidly with increasing cumulative use. However, as cumulative duration of use increased, the rate of increase in risk attenuated and eventually levelled off. Using a nested case‐control design and a conditional logistic regression model, we found evidence of a linear relationship between duration of use of bisphosphonate medication and risk of atypical femur fractures.

Conclusions

Fractional polynomials allow one to model the relationship between cumulative duration of medication use and adverse outcomes. © 2014 The Authors.Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safetypublished by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Healthcare databases in Europe for studying medicine use and safety during pregnancy
Authors: Charlton Rachel A. , Neville Amanda J. , Jordan Sue , Pierini Anna , Damase‐Michel Christine , Klungsøyr Kari , Andersen Anne‐Marie Nybo , Hansen Anne Vinkel , Gini Rosa , Bos Jens H. J. , Puccini Aurora , Hurault‐Delarue Caroline , Brooks Caroline J. , de Jong‐van den Berg Lolkje T. W. , de Vries Corinne S.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe a number of electronic healthcare databases in Europe in terms of the population covered, the source of the data captured and the availability of data on key variables required for evaluating medicine use and medicine safety during pregnancy.

Methods

A sample of electronic healthcare databases that captured pregnancies and prescription data was selected on the basis of contacts within the EUROCAT network. For each participating database, a database inventory was completed.

Results

Eight databases were included, and the total population covered was 25 million. All databases recorded live births, seven captured stillbirths and five had full data available on spontaneous pregnancy losses and induced terminations. In six databases, data were usually available to determine the date of the woman's last menstrual period, whereas in the remainder, algorithms were needed to establish a best estimate for at least some pregnancies. In seven databases, it was possible to use data recorded in the databases to identify pregnancies where the offspring had a congenital anomaly. Information on confounding variables was more commonly available in databases capturing data recorded by primary‐care practitioners. All databases captured maternal co‐prescribing and a measure of socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

This study suggests that within Europe, electronic healthcare databases may be valuable sources of data for evaluating medicine use and safety during pregnancy. The suitability of a particular database, however, will depend on the research question, the type of medicine to be evaluated, the prevalence of its use and any adverse outcomes of interest. © 2014 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapidly maturing field of proteomics: A gateway to studying diseases
Authors: Schutzer Steven E.
Published: March 2014

The proteomics work reported by Smith et al. represents a giant step forward in characterizing the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome in mouse models of human diseases. Whereas prior studies were limited to analysis of CSF pools, Smith et al. (Proteomics 2014, 14, 1102–1106) base their conclusions on data derived from individual mice, thereby capturing a fuller range of the biological diversity present. These results underscore how far proteomics has come in the past few years, developing into a modern tool with the capacity to remove bottlenecks in the study of neuropsychiatric diseases. Past efforts with mass spectrometry (MS) have been hampered by limitations in access to CSF samples, and small volumes when available. These barriers have been overcome with newer MS platforms and advances in sample preparation. We are far closer than before to producing the production of clinically useful proteomic data for biomarker discovery and for deriving insights into pathogenesis that can lead to more effective treatments for many diseases.
New Evaluations of Simple Models for Small Area Population Forecasts
Authors: Wilson Tom
Published: March 2014

At the small area scale simple methods for forecasting total populations are often employed because of a lack of data for cohort‐component models, concerns about the reliability of these models for forecasting small population totals, and resource constraints. To date, a select number of authors have assessed the forecast accuracy of several individual, averaged, and composite models. This paper extends this stream of work by evaluating a large number of models on new datasets. The aims of the paper are to examine the performance of (a) 10 individual forecasting models (some of which are well known; others less so); (b) averages of every combination of 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the individual models (627 in total); and (c) composite models based on population size and growth rates (200,000 in total). Do averaged and composite models outperform individual models? Using new small area population datasets, forecasts from 2001 to 2031 were produced for three case study countries, Australia, New Zealand, and England & Wales. Both forecast accuracy and credibility (avoidance of negatives; degree of constraining to state populations) were assessed in 2011; for 2031, just credibility was evaluated. Of the individual models, constant share of growth (positive shares only) and constant share of population performed the best. A small proportion of averaged and composite models outperformed the best individual models in forecast accuracy. Several recommendations for the practice of small area population forecasting are made. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Nozoe Autograph Books: Why Sign Them? Why Publish Them? Why Read Them? Why Treasure Them? Personal and Professional Reflections
Authors: Wille Eva E.
Published: March 2014

Note from the Editor:

The Nozoe Autograph Books project involves the publication of the entire 1179 pages of Tetsuo Nozoe's autograph books in 15 consecutive issues of The Chemical Record. In the design of this project, three of us—Eva Wille, Brian Johnson and I—had a vision of bringing a wide range of experiences to our communities of readers. We also had an eye to the archival future. The final design included, with each of these issues of The Chemical Record, an essay that would provide context, novel content and especially enjoyable reading, to round out the project. In the 10 issues published to date, and in the others that will follow, the essays range from personal stories to perspectives in the areas of chemistry near and dear to the heart of Tetsuo Nozoe. Eva Wille's essay is particularly special. The daughter of a professor of chemistry of Nozoe's generation at the Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität München (Franz Wille, 1909—1986), Wille is a Ph.D. chemist herself, and for many years, has been and is a major figure in the world of scientific publishing. Thus, she has a unique perspective to share. Indeed, all of the authors of these essays have shared their very personal and professional perspectives, and we are thankful for all of them—and for Tetsuo Nozoe and the thousands of our friends and colleagues who signed his books.

—Jeffrey I. Seeman

Guest Editor

University of Richmond

Richmond, Virginia 23173, USA

E‐mail: jseeman@richmond.edu
Tessellation
Authors: Phillips Daisy
Published: March 2014

This article provides a brief introduction to the definition, properties, and use of Voronoi diagrams, including the special cases of the Poisson–Voronoi and centroidal Voronoi diagrams. It highlights applications to problems in spatial statistics, probability, and large‐scale simultaneous hypothesis testing. Generalizations of the Voronoi diagram and computational considerations are also discussed. These diagrams have been widely used in the fields of statistics, mathematics, computational geometry, and various applied sciences, making them an important topic of study.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Statistical Graphics and Visualization

Data: Types and Structure > Image and Spatial Data

Data: Types and Structure > Graph and Network Data

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification
Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoluminescence of Lanthanide‐containing Coordination Polymers Constructed from 4,4′‐Biphenyldicarboxylate and 2,4,6‐Tris(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine Ligands
Authors: Liao Ju‐Hsiou , Hwang Wen‐Shan , Chen Guan‐Yu
Published: March 2014

Six isomorphous metal‐organic frameworks: Ln2(bpdc)3(tptz)2(H2O)·3DMA·7H2O [Ln3+ = Nd3+ (1), Sm3+ (2), Eu3+ (3), Gd3+ (4), Tb3+ (5), Dy3+ (6)] [bpdc2– = 4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylate, tptz = 2,4,6‐tris(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine, DMA = N,N‐dimethylacetamide], were synthesized by the self‐assembly of lanthanide ions, bpdc2–, tptz, DMA, and H2O. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals that all compounds are 1D coordination polymers with π–π interactions via tptz among adjacent chains, forming a 3D supramolecular network. Compounds 2, 5, and 6 exhibit mainly ligand luminescence, whereas 3 exhibits intense characteristic Eu3+ emissions at room temperature.
Vitamin E Deficiency Begins within 6 Months after Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Rino Yasushi , Yukawa Norio , Sato Tsutomu , Yamamoto Naoto , Tamagawa Hiroshi , Hasegawa Shinichi , Hayashi Tsutomu , Atsumi Yosuke , Oshima Takashi , Yoshikawa Takaki , Masuda Munetaka , Imada Toshio
Published: March 2014

Background

To clarify factors related to vitamin E malabsorption after gastric surgery, we evaluated serum vitamin E levels in patients who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

We studied 39 patients (26 men, 13 women; mean age, 61.7 years) who underwent gastrectomy for early gastric cancer. Surgical procedures included 24 subtotal gastrectomies and 15 total gastrectomies. We measured serum levels of vitamin E before and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after gastrectomy. A level of less than 0.75 mg/dl was defined as a low vitamin E level.

Results

Serum vitamin E levels decreased to less than 0.75 mg/dl in 6 (15.4 %) of the 39 patients within 6 months after gastrectomy and in 7 (17.9 %) of the 39 patients within 1 year after gastrectomy. The proportion of patients with a low serum vitamin E level was significantly higher in the total gastrectomy group (p = 0.002). A low vitamin E level was significantly associated with a low total cholesterol level. Total cholesterol levels in low vitamin E levels patients were lower than normal vitamin E levels patients. None of the patients with a low vitamin E level had neuropathy.

Conclusions

The type of operation performed (total vs. subtotal gastrectomy) may be the major cause of vitamin E malabsorption after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Vitamin E deficiency probably begins within 6 months after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.