bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain metastases associated with germ cell tumors may be treated with chemotherapy alone
Authors: Hardt Anna , Krell Jonathan , Wilson Peter D. , Harding Victoria , Chowdhury Simon , Mazhar Danish , Berney Dan , Stebbing Justin , Shamash Jonathan
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

The management of brain metastases in patients with germ cell tumors remains controversial. The authors assessed the outcome in this patient group after the introduction of GAMEC chemotherapy (14‐day cisplatin, high‐dose methotrexate, etoposide, and actinomycin‐D with filgrastim support) and cessation of the routine use of cranial irradiation.

METHODS

Data were recorded prospectively from 39 patients with germ cell tumors and concurrent brain metastases who received treatment before and after the advent of GAMEC after they relapsed on conventional cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Neurosurgery was offered to selected patients. Radiotherapy generally was used only as a salvage therapy after chemotherapy failure. The primary outcome measure was overall survival and was depicted using a Kaplan‐Meier plot.

RESULTS

The 3‐year overall survival rates were 38% for the whole cohort, 69% for those who presented with brain metastases at diagnosis (group 1), and 21% and 0% for those who developed metastases after initial chemotherapy (group 2) and while receiving chemotherapy (group 3), respectively. For the whole cohort, the median overall survival was 10.6 months (range, 5.5 months to not evaluable); and, for groups 1, 2, and 3 individually, the overall survival was not yet reached (range, from 7.4 months to not evaluable), 6.2 months (range, 2.1‐15.3 months), and 2.7 months (range, from 0.6 months to not evaluable), respectively. The 3‐year survival rate for those who received GAMEC chemotherapy was 56% compared with 27% for those who received chemotherapy pre‐GAMEC.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis for patients with germ cell tumors and brain metastases seems less bleak than previously thought. It is possible to achieve long‐term survival with chemotherapy alone. Cancer 2014;120:1639–1646. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Aggressive variants of follicular cell‐derived thyroid carcinomas: A cytopathologist's perspective
Authors: Lastra Ricardo R. , LiVolsi Virginia A. , Baloch Zubair W.
Published: March 2014

Follicular cell‐derived carcinomas of the thyroid gland comprise a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland with varied histologic appearance and molecular profiles. In most patients, these tumors represent relatively indolent neoplasms; however, certain subtypes/variants behave in an aggressive manner, and the recognition of this subset of tumors is essential because of their variable response to therapy and significant morbidity and mortality. Fine‐needle aspiration is considered an essential tool for the diagnosis of suspicious thyroid nodules. In this review, the authors discuss the clinical, histologic, and molecular findings and the prognostic implications of aggressive thyroid neoplasms with emphasis on the characteristic cytomorphologic features on fine‐needle aspiration smears. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:484–503. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Sample Preparation of Energy Materials for X‐ray Nanotomography with Micromanipulation
Authors: Chen‐Wiegart Yu‐chen Karen , Camino Fernando E. , Wang Jun
Published: March 2014

X‐ray nanotomography presents an unprecedented opportunity to study energy storage/conversion materials at nanometer scales in three dimensions, with both elemental and chemical sensitivity. A critical step in obtaining high‐quality X‐ray nanotomography data is reliable sample preparation to ensure that the entire sample fits within the field of view of the X‐ray microscope. Although focused‐ion‐beam lift‐out has previously been used for large sample (few to tens of microns) preparation, a difficult undercut and lift‐out procedure results in a time‐consuming sample preparation process. Herein, we propose a much simpler and direct sample preparation method to resolve the issues that block the view of the sample base after milling and during the lift‐out process. This method is applied on a solid‐oxide fuel cell and a lithium‐ion battery electrode, before numerous critical 3D morphological parameters are extracted, which are highly relevant to their electrochemical performance. A broad application of this method for microstructure study with X‐ray nanotomography is discussed and presented.
Sub‐critical InAs layers on metamorphic InGaAs for single quantum dot emission at telecom wavelengths
Authors: Seravalli Luca , Trevisi Giovanna , Muñoz‐Matutano Guillermo , Rivas David , Martinez‐Pastor Juan , Frigeri Paola
Published: March 2014

We report on the design, the growth by MBE and the optical and morphological characterization of metamorphic InAs/InGaAs quantum dots (QD) with a density low enough to allow single dot characterization without the need of complex litographic steps to isolate single QDs. InAs sub‐critical coverages were deposited on InxGa1‐xAs metamorphic buffers (MBs) and the transition from 2D growth to 3D island nucleation was monitored by reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED). We discuss the fundamental differences of the sub‐critical growth method compared with the Stranski‐Krastanow one, also by considering available theoretical models. AFM confirmed that the density of QDs can be controlled down to 108 cm−2 and showed that InGaAs surfaces have an effect on QD positioning uniformity. Optical properties were studied by ensemble PL at 10 K and by μ‐PL at 4 K and single dot emission was detected in the whole range from 1000 to 1315 nm for structures grown on In0.15Ga0.85As MBs, allowing to identify most of the excitonic species at the ground state. In conclusion, our results show that the sub‐critical QD growth technique can be successfully used to prepare low‐density InAs QD structures on InxGa1‐xAs (x ≥ 0.15) metamorphic buffers and that, based on advanced μPL characterization, these nanostructures can be effective single photon sources emitting at 1300 nm, with the potential of emission extension towards 1550 nm.
Cycloaddition of Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides using Pentaerythritol and Halides as Dual Catalyst System
Authors: Wilhelm Michael E. , Anthofer Michael H. , Cokoja Mirza , Markovits Iulius I. E. , Herrmann Wolfgang A. , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: March 2014

The combination of pentaerythritol with nucleophilic halide salts such as nBu4NI is used as a dual catalyst system for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide (CO2) with a broad range of organic epoxides yielding the respective cyclic carbonates. Due to synergistic effects of the organocatalysts, excellent yields and selectivities could be achieved under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the nontoxic, cost‐efficient, and readily available system is easily recyclable without significant loss of reactivity, representing an exceptional sustainable approach for the fixation of CO2.
Production of human metabolites by gastrointestinal bacteria as a potential source of post‐mortem alteration of antemortem drug/metabolite concentrations
Authors: Martindale Stephanie M. , Powers Robert H. , Bell Suzanne C.
Published: March 2014

Previous studies have demonstrated that bacterial species are capable of transforming complex chemical substances. Several of these species, native to the human gastrointestinal tract, are active in postmortem decomposition. They have potential to cause biotransformations affecting compound‐to‐metabolite ratios within the human body, especially after death. Investigation of postmortem effects could supply valuable information, especially concerning compound identification and confirmation. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and Clostridium perfringens on diazepam and flunitrazepam in Reinforced Clostridial Medium, and to compare bacterial biotransformation products to those of human metabolism. A decrease in diazepam concentration between pre‐ and post‐incubation was observed for samples inoculated with Escherichia coli (14.7–20.2%) as well as Bacteroides fragilis (13.9–25.7%); however there was no corresponding increase in concentration for the monitored human metabolites. Flunitrazepam demonstrated a greater concentration loss when incubated with individual bacterial species as well as mixed culture (79.2–100.0%). Samples incubated with Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium perfringens, and mixed culture resulted in nearly complete conversion of flunitrazepam. Increased 7‐aminoflunitrazepam concentrations accounted for the majority of the conversion; however discrepancies in the mass balance of the reaction suggested the possibility of a minor metabolite that was not monitored in the current analysis. These experiments served as a pilot study and proof of concept that can be adapted and applied to a realm of possibilities. Ultimately, this methodology would be ideal to study compounds that are too toxic or lethal for animal and human metabolic investigations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pro‐inflammatory signalome is constitutively activated by C33Y mutant TNF receptor 1 in TNF receptor‐associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS)
Authors: Negm Ola H. , Mannsperger Heiko A. , McDermott Elizabeth M. , Drewe Elizabeth , Powell Richard J. , Todd Ian , Fairclough Lucy C. , Tighe Patrick J.
Published: March 2014

Mutations in TNFRSF1A encoding TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) cause the autosomal dominant TNF receptor‐associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS): a systemic autoinflammatory disorder. Misfolding, intracellular aggregation, and ligand‐independent signaling by mutant TNFR1 are central to disease pathophysiology. Our aim was to understand the extent of signaling pathway perturbation in TRAPS. A prototypic mutant TNFR1 (C33Y), and wild‐type TNFR1 (WT), were expressed at near physiological levels in an SK‐Hep‐1 cell model. TNFR1‐associated signaling pathway intermediates were examined in this model, and in PBMCs from C33Y TRAPS patients and healthy controls. In C33Y‐TNFR1‐expressing SK‐Hep‐1 cells and TRAPS patients’ PBMCs, a subtle, constitutive upregulation of a wide spectrum of signaling intermediates and their phosphorylated forms was observed; these were associated with a proinflammatory/antiapoptotic phenotype. In TRAPS patients’ PBMCs, this upregulation of proinflammatory signaling pathways was observed irrespective of concurrent treatment with glucocorticoids, anakinra or etanercept, and the absence of overt clinical symptoms at the time that the blood samples were taken. This study reveals the pleiotropic effect of a TRAPS‐associated mutant form of TNFR1 on inflammatory signaling pathways (a proinflammatory signalome), which is consistent with the variable and limited efficacy of cytokine‐blocking therapies in TRAPS. It highlights new potential target pathways for therapeutic intervention.
Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Activity of Tridentate, Base‐Functionalized β‐Ketiminate Zinc Complexes in Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Lactide
Authors: Scheiper Christoph , Dittrich Dennis , Wölper Christoph , Bläser Dieter , Roll Joachim , Schulz Stephan
Published: March 2014

Zinc complexes [LZnR] containing tridentate β‐ketiminate ligands with an additional side‐arm donor {referred to as [NNO] ligands; L = L1 = OC(Me)C(H)C(Me)NCH2CH2CH2NMe2, R = Me (1), Et (2), Cl (3); L = L2 = OC(Me)C(H)C(Me)NCH2CH2NMe2, R = Me (6), Et (7), Cl (9)} as well as cationic derivatives with a weakly coordinating anion [LZn][Al(OC(CF3)3)4] [L = L1 (4), L = L2 = (10)], a base‐stabilized complex [L2Zn(dmap)Et] (8; dmap = 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine), and a base‐free complex without a side‐arm donor [L3ZnEt] [12, L3 = OC(Me)C(H)C(Me)N‐2,6‐iPr2C6H3] were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, and 12). The ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of rac‐lactide was studied with the zinc complexes 1–4, 6–10 and 12, mixtures of 7 and Lewis bases [7/1,8‐diazabicycloundec‐7‐ene (7/DBU; 15), 7/tBuPy (16)], and 12/DBU (17). Lithium‐β‐ketiminates L1Li (5), L2Li (11), DBU (13), and a mixture of L2Li/DBU (14) were also investigated. All compounds except for 3, 4, 10, and 12 are active rac‐lactide polymerization catalysts by a slightly modified activated‐monomer mechanism. The catalytic activity of the complexes in rac‐lactide polymerization reactions at ambient temperature increases with the addition of Lewis bases to the β‐ketiminate zinc compounds. The highest activity was found for the mixture 7/DBU (15), which converted 200 equiv. of rac‐lactide into polylactide within 1.5 min at ambient temperature.
Photophysical Properties of a Series of Rhenium Selenide Cluster Complexes Containing Nitrogen‐Donor Ligands
Authors: Wilson Wade B. , Stark Kevin , Johnson Dean B. , Ren YiXin , Ishida Hitoshi , Cedeño David L. , Szczepura Lisa F.
Published: March 2014

The photophysical properties of rhenium selenide cluster complexes containing various nitrogen‐donor ligands (nitrile, azide, tetrazolate, and triazolate) are reported. These octahedral clusters are all based on the site‐differentiated [Re6Se8]2+ core and have the general formula [Re6Se8(PEt3)5L]n+ (L = nitrogen‐donor ligand). The excited‐state lifetimes, emission quantum yields, the rates of radiative and nonradiative decay, and the rate of quenching with O2 are reported for thirteen different cluster complexes. The longest excited‐state lifetime was found for [Re6Se8(PEt3)5(p‐aminobenzonitrile)][BF4]2. The series of benzonitrile and phenyl‐substituted tetrazolate complexes allowed us to investigate the electronic impact of the para substituent; electrochemical and computational studies support metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer character in the excited‐state wave function for the p‐nitrobenzonitrile complex. Notably, the substituents of the benzonitrile ligands have a greater effect on the photophysical properties than the substituents of the phenyltetrazolate ring.
Mitochondria‐Targeted Photoinduced Anticancer Activity of Oxidovanadium(IV) Complexes of Curcumin in Visible Light
Authors: Prasad Puja , Pant Ila , Khan Imran , Kondaiah Paturu , Chakravarty Akhil R.
Published: March 2014

Oxidovanadium(IV) complexes [VO(py‐aebmz)(B)]Cl (1, 2) and [VO(napth‐py‐aebmz)(cur)]Cl [3; py‐aebmz = 2‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐N‐(pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene)ethanamine, HB = acetylacetone (Hacac, 1) and curcumin (Hcur, 2), napth‐py‐aebmz = naphthalimide conjugated to py‐aebmz ] have been prepared, characterized and their photoinduced DNA cleavage activities and photocytotoxicities studied. Complexes 1–3 each exhibited an irreversible cyclic voltammetric response of the VIV/VIII redox couple at around –0.85 V versus SCE in dmf/0.1 M tbap. The complexes showed DNA photocleavage activity in visible light of 454, 530 and 647 nm through hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen pathways. Fluorescence microscopy data suggest mitochondrial localization of complex 3 bearing a naphthalimide with a two‐fold increase in photocytotoxicity in HaCaT cells with an IC50 value of 6.3 μM and a three‐fold increase in MCF‐7 cells with an IC50 of 5.4 μM compared with complex 2. Both 2 and 3 were non‐toxic in the dark.
Recent advances in low‐cost microfluidic platforms for diagnostic applications
Authors: Tomazelli Coltro Wendell Karlos , Cheng Chao‐Min , Carrilho Emanuel , de Jesus Dosil Pereira
Published: March 2014

The use of inexpensive materials and cost‐effective manufacturing processes for mass production of microfluidic devices is very attractive and has spurred a variety of approaches. Such devices are particularly suited for diagnostic applications in limited resource settings. This review describes the recent and remarkable advances in the use of low‐cost substrates for the development of microfluidic devices for diagnostics and clinical assays. Thus, a plethora of new and improved fabrication methods, designs, capabilities, detections, and applications of microfluidic devices fabricated with paper, plastic, and threads are covered.
Development of a multiplex PCR system of 59 mitochondrial SNPs and genetic analysis in Chinese population
Authors: Nie Yanchai , Zhang Chen , Jiao Haitao , Zhao Ziqin , Zhou Huaigu
Published: March 2014

The analysis of SNPs located on the mitochondrial DNA can provide information on maternal genetics. In the present study, a set of 59 SNPs were detected simultaneously using three multiplex allele‐specific PCR and subsequent CE. Allele‐specific primers were designed with different sizes to allow for specifically amplified paired alleles in the same reaction. An allelic ladder based on reference alleles was also created to maintain high‐quality analysis standard. Samples from 400 unrelated individuals (200 of Han population and 200 of Uyghur population, China) were successfully analyzed and assigned into 106 relevant haplotypes, resulting in a discrimination power of 98.5%. The haplotype diversity was 0.978 for Han and 0.972 for Uyghur, respectively. Pairwise comparison of haplotype frequency distributions showed significant difference across ethnicities. These results suggest that the 59‐SNP PCR system is a reliable, rapid, and economical method for large‐scale screening of mitochondrial DNA variation, adding a new aspect for forensic individual identification.
Effect of hydrothermal carbonization reaction parameters on the properties of hydrochar and pellets
Authors: Yan Wei , Hoekman S. Kent , Broch Amber , Coronella Charles J.
Published: March 2014

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising upgrading process to convert various low energy‐density lignocellulosic biomass materials to homogeneous, energy‐dense HTC biochar, known as hydrochar. A novel two‐chamber reactor was designed and built to investigate the effects of HTC reaction parameters on the resulting hydrochar produced from woody biomass. Reaction parameters investigated included temperature (200–230°C), feedstock particle size (0.60–2.38 mm), and reaction time (1–5 min). Mass yield and higher heating value (HHV) of the hydrochar products were determined as two important measures. Reaction temperature was found to have a much stronger influence on mass yield and HHV than particle size or reaction time. Hydrochar can be formed readily into robust, dense pellets, without requiring any additional binding agent. Pellet density ranged from 1260 to 1320 kg m−3, while volumetric energy density ranged from 27.3 to 29.5 GJ m−3. Several analyses were performed on hydrochar pellets, including ultimate analysis, proximate analysis, and water immersion tests. Results are presented and discussed to illustrate the chemical composition, energy density, and water resistance of hydrochar pellets. This study confirmed that the HTC process can transform lignocellulosic biomass into a solid fuel with favorable properties, and provides insightful guidance regarding optimum reaction parameters for producing hydrochar and pellets in a continuous, industrial process. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 676–680, 2014
Isotope labelling experiments on the formation pathway of 3‐hydroxy‐4,5‐dimethyl‐2(5H)‐furanone from l‐isoleucine in cultures of Laetiporus sulphureus
Authors: Lanfermann Isabel , Krings Ulrich , Schopp Silke , Berger Ralf G.
Published: March 2014

Sotolon (3‐hydroxy‐4,5‐dimethyl‐2(5H)‐furanone) imparts a strong seasoning odour reminiscent of meat broth. Previous work indicated a formation via l‐4‐hydroxyisoleucine in surface cultures of the basidiomycete Laetiporus sulphureus grown on wheat gluten, but an enzymatic hydroxylation of l‐isoleucine was not proven. 13C‐Labelled l‐leucine, l‐isoleucine and 18O‐water were used to elucidate the metabolism of the amino acids and proved the existence of an oxygenase activity in the pathway to sotolon. l‐Isoleucine was converted into the corresponding α‐keto acid and then oxygenated in the C4‐position to give 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐2‐oxopentanoic acid, the direct precursor of sotolon. A similar biotransformation was not observed for l‐leucine. The results provide insight into the cold formation of a potent flavour compound previously associated with the thermal processing of food. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐esteem mediates the relationship between spirituality and subjective well‐being in Iran
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen , Daemi Fatemeh
Published: March 2014

Self‐esteem appears to play a central role in the spiritual life and ethical behaviour of the typical Iranian. For example, for many Iranians, humankind is believed to be the crown of creation, and each person is believed to be individually valued by God. Previous empirical studies also indicate that in Iran spirituality is positively associated with self‐esteem. On this basis, it was hypothesised that self‐esteem would be one of the mechanisms through which spirituality leads to increased mental well‐being. Mediation analysis showed that self‐esteem was a partial mediator of the spirituality–well‐being relationship. Moreover, results of moderated mediation analysis revealed that this mediation was not significantly moderated by gender, and that the indirect path through self‐esteem was significant in both genders. Implications of the results and their relevance to other western and eastern religions (e.g. Christianity and Buddhism) are discussed.
MANAGEMENT OF DROUGHT IN THE SOUTHERN MURRAY‐DARLING BASIN, AUSTRALIA, FROM 1996/1997 TO THE PRESENT
Authors: Ballard Clarke , Garland Neville , Foreman Jim
Published: March 2014

The southern part of the Murray‐Darling Basin covers parts of three States and all of the Australian Capital Territory. It supplies water to irrigators, towns and cities.

Water sharing agreements between States have become more complex over time.

1997/1998 to 2009/2010 was dry, with average inflows about half the long term average.

The drought led to examination of management policies, in particular:

water allocation policies based on any design drought break down in a drought more severe than the design drought;

it may not be possible to safeguard urban supplies under unprecedented conditions;

water trade fails when 'river losses' to support the delivery of traded water cannot be met.

In short the management policies required during severe drought may differ from those that are adequate in more normal times.

The paper examines responses to drought at three levels:

National – the National Government saw a need for a greater say in water resource management, constitutionally a State responsibility. Environmental versus irrigation demands became a hot topic;

Regional – water sharing rules between States and individuals within States came under scrutiny;

Local – irrigation practices, both delivering water to farms and efficiency on‐farm can be improved, at a cost.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining Expert Systems and Hypertext: Opportunities and Obstacles
Authors: Gray Glen L.
Published: March 2014

Hypertext discussions are occurring more frequently at expert systems conferences. Hypertext is not an expert system language or expert system shell, but instead it is simultaneously a method of storing and retrieving data. The growing interest in hypertext in the expert system domain is because the combination of hypertext capabilities and expert systems creates a compelling synergistic relationship (Oren, 1987). During a panel discussion at the Second International Symposium on Expert Systems in Business, Finance and Accounting, Bill Swartout compared traditional expert systems to hypertext by saying that the knowledge base (e.g. the production rules) of an expert system can be thought of as formal knowledge and hypertext can be thought of as informal knowledge. This article will demonstrate how this informal knowledge can add power to traditional expert systems by increasing the flexibility of the explanation facilities and thereby the appeal of the system to a broader range of users. The article also will discuss how expert systems can improve the functionality of hypertext systems by adding intelligence to traditional hypertext systems.

This article is divided into three sections. The first describes basic hypertext concepts. The second section shows how hypertext can enhance expert systems and, conversely, how expert systems can enhance hypertext systems. The final section discusses some potential problems and concerns that must be considered when designing a hypertext system.
Rewrites of an Expert System—Lessons Learned
Authors: Archer Claude O. , Peer Peter
Published: March 2014

One component of the 1986 Tax Law was to require taxpayers to file information returns on magnetic media if the quantity to be filed was sufficiently large. A waiver from this filing requirement was possible under hardship and other criteria, and could be obtained by filing a form with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Initially, the processing of waiver requests was accomplished manually by several relatively high‐level analytical personnel. The IRS's Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (AI Lab) created an Expert System to automate the process. An initial prototype was developed in OPS5+, an AI language, and the system was used on all waiver requests for Forms 1099 for Tax Year 1987, demonstrating feasibility and capability. The system was expanded in the following year, and used on waiver requests for all form types. For Tax Year 1989 the system was rewritten in LEVEL5, so that it could be more easily maintained by in‐house personnel. However, implementation problems forced a rapid rewrite, using CLIPPER, a dBase III+ compiler language. This version was subsequently used for all waiver requests for Tax Years 1989 and 1990. Presently, one clerical person can handle all of the waivers. This paper deals with the reasons and ramifications of this language‐shell‐language transition.
An Exploratory Analysis of Accounting Expert System Abstracts
Authors: Shanker Gopal , Nilakanta Sree , Norris Dan
Published: March 2014

A classification scheme was developed to show trends and categorize articles on accounting expert systems (AES) which were written during the period 1977 to 1989 and abstracted in Brown (1989). The analysis shows that the number of articles on AES has been burgeoning since 1985. The number of introductory articles has declined, as authors have assumed reader familiarity with expert systems concepts. Research in all areas of accounting has been increasing and a wide range of issues in AES has been covered, but with an increasing emphasis on tax and auditing, perhaps due to the influence of large management consulting/accounting firms. Finally, for most subcategories within AES, the focus of the articles along the ES dimension has been on the prototyping and working model stages of development.
Extending COLOSSUS to Cover Compensation for Future Economic Loss
Authors: Beinat P. , Tsui E.
Published: March 2014

COLOSSUS is a mainframe‐based expert system jointly developed by Continuum Australia and GIO (General Insurance Organization) for the assessment of third‐party claims. COLOSSUS has been in production for over two years and is accessible throughout all GIO regions in New South Wales, Australia. In this paper we describe the extension of COLOSSUS to cater for future economic loss to a claimant. Because of the diversity of knowledge sources in the insurance domain, we have adopted a highly interactive approach that requires successive user confirmations during a consultation. The practicality of our knowledge engineering approach is highlighted by examining several difficult issues. Design issues are also addressed with particular reference to clarity and ease of maintenance. An annotated report of a sample run is enclosed.
Expert Systems in the UK Life Insurance Industry: Current Status and Future Trends
Authors: Wright George , Rowe Gene
Published: March 2014

This paper focuses upon the status and prevalence of expert systems in life insurance in the UK today and reports the results of a widescale survey conducted by the authors. About 90% of the companies who responded are undertaking some form of activity in the field, with 59% expected to have operational systems in use within 3 years. However, a significant minority do not anticipate any increase in expenditure on the technology over the next few years. Other companies, by contrast, view the technology as vital for their futures. The surveys and interviews investigate levels of activity, present and future expenditure, the extent of formal planning for applications, needs, speed of organizational progress, application areas, evaluation criteria, responsibilities for development, satisfaction with shells, and perceived obstacles to progress. For the majority who have already begun development, expert systems are seen to possess a business advantage that outweighs the problems hindering this development.
i‐AGENTS: Modeling Organizational Problem Solving in Multi‐Agent Teams
Authors: Jin Yan , Levitt Raymond E.
Published: March 2014

Organizations involving human and computer agents are constrained by a variety of factors including: task properties and arrangements; level of technology; knowledge held by, and distributed among, the agents; information and administrative structures; and organizational norms and policies. An important challenge to the scientific community is to develop, validate and apply theories and models to help managers re‐engineer their organizations for higher levels of performance. Our research on organizational problem solving aims to develop a computational model of organizations to study interrelationships between agents' knowledge, task requirements, and organization structures and policies. This paper reports the first step of our research toward a computational organizational model—the i‐AGENTS framework, a prototype computer system for modeling organizations of intelligent agents. i‐AGENTS is composed of a number of high‐level concepts: tasks, agents, organization and communication. A task is described in detail by task action, task object and task constraints; an agent is modeled to consist of cognitive attributes and expertise; role‐based organizational structure is adopted for describing organizations. From an organization perspective, i‐AGENTS extends traditional information processing models of organization (Galbraith 1977) by explicitly addressing the role of agents' knowledge of both the problem domain and the organization in problem solving. When viewed from an engineering perspective, our research is the first step toward an organizational problem‐solving model that merges organization theory and distributed artificial intelligence and can be used to simulate and analyze organizational behavior of teams in engineering domains at a very specific level of detail.
SCAN: A Case‐Based Reasoning Model for Generating Information System Control Recommendations
Authors: Morris Bonnie W.
Published: March 2014

This paper describes SCAN, a case‐based reasoning model for generating information system control recommendations. The purpose of the paper is to explain how a case‐based reasoner may be used to support inexperienced information system auditors in evaluating controls and proposing audit recommendations. As a case‐based reasoner, SCAN functions by reasoning by analogy to similar past cases. SCAN models audit experience as traces of past cases which are stored in a case knowledge base. In addition to a database of past audit cases, SCAN consists of indices for storing and retrieving cases, a similarity metric for measuring case similarity, and rules for using similar cases to generate control recommendations. SCAN uses past cases to remind the user of previous control failures, to set expectations about case features and controls, to use as a pattern against which to compare a client's controls and to help justify or explain its recommendations. SCAN's recommendations were judged to be more like those of an experienced auditor than either a student or a textbook model.
Intelligent Order Matching Systems for Commodity Markets
Authors: Lee Ho Geun
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Automatic order matching systems have emerged as an electronic alternative to traditional markets. In current automatic order matching systems, price and quantity are the only product dimensions used for the order matching. However, a single‐commodity market is made up of many heterogeneous goods which are close to each other but different in qualities and delivery conditions. Price and quantity are important but represent only parts of product attributes that commodity traders want to take into account. This study aims to extend current automatic order matching systems by diversifying product dimensions. An intelligent order matching system not only maximizes the total transaction volume based on the price and quantity but also satisfies traders' qualitative preferences over attributes other than price and quantity. The intelligent order matching mechanism combines an economic model with a preference model to incorporate both quantitative and qualitative utility of market participants. Constraint logic programming is investigated as a new information technology to structure and implement the intelligent order matching system.
Involvement of adrenomedullin in spinal glial activation following chronic administration of morphine in rats
Authors: Zeng X. , Lin M.Y. , Wang D. , Zhang Y. , Hong Y.
Published: March 2014

Background

Adrenomedullin (AM) belongs to the calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) family. Our previous studies show that chronic exposure to morphine increases spinal AM bioactivity, contributing to the development and maintenance of morphine tolerance. This study investigated the possible involvement of AM in morphine‐evoked gliosis.

Methods

Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) mRNAs in the spinal dorsal horn and cultured sensory ganglion explants. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify spinal microglia and astrocytes.

Results

Repetitive intrathecal (i.t.) injection of morphine (20 μg) increased the expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α mRNAs in the spinal dorsal horn. The co‐administration of the selective AM receptor antagonist AM22–52 (36 μg) markedly attenuated chronic morphine‐evoked increase in IL‐1β and IL‐6, but not TNF‐α, mRNA levels. Exposure of cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explants to morphine (3.3 μmol/L) for 6 days up‐regulated IL‐1β and IL‐6 mRNA expressions. The depletion of AM gene using small interfering RNA (siRNA) approach abolished morphine‐evoked increase in IL‐1β and IL‐6 syntheses in the cultured DRG. The blockade of AM receptors by i.t. AM22–52 also inhibited chronic morphine‐evoked cell hypertrophy of microglia and astrocytes as well as an increase in OX‐42 and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) immunoreactivities. Furthermore, the 6‐day treatment with AM (10 μg, i.t.) induced morphological changes of microglia and astrocytes as well as an increase in IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α mRNA levels in the spinal dorsal horn.

Conclusion

The present study supports the idea that up‐regulation of the pronociceptive mediator AM can recruit spinal glial cells, resulting in an increase in cytokines during chronic use of morphine.
Somatosensory and vasomotor manifestations of individual and combined stimulation of TRPM8 and TRPA1 using topical L‐menthol and trans‐cinnamaldehyde in healthy volunteers
Authors: Olsen R.V. , Andersen H.H. , Møller H.G. , Eskelund P.W. , Arendt‐Nielsen L.
Published: March 2014

Background

Activation of TRPM8 and TRPA1 receptors generates cold and cold pain sensations, respectively, and is presumably important in clinical pain manifestations, such as cold hyperalgesia. This study investigated the interaction between TRPM8 and TRPA1 receptors through stimulation of glabrous human skin (volar forearm) by topical administration of 40% L‐menthol and 10% trans‐cinnamaldehyde (CA), individually and in combination.

Methods

Sensory manifestations were assessed in 10 healthy volunteers via a platform of 11 quantitative sensory (thermal and mechanical stimuli) and vasomotor tests (skin temperature, perfusion and axon‐reflex‐flare) in a double‐blinded randomized crossover design.

Results

Cold pain threshold was increased (p < 0.01, cold allodynia) by L‐menthol alone and L‐menthol + CA in combination but unaffected by CA. Mechanical pain threshold was significantly decreased (mechanical hyperalgesia) by all three substances (p < 0.01), with a significant intergroup difference found between CA alone and the less decreased L‐menthol + CA (p < 0.05). Application of CA alone and L‐menthol + CA in combination showed an increase in skin temperature and perfusion significantly larger than that induced by L‐menthol alone (p < 0.05). An axon‐reflex‐flare was present after CA administration, but was significantly reduced upon addition of L‐menthol (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study elucidates the potential of L‐menthol as a counter‐irritant to secondary neurogenic inflammation and provides evidence of an intricate interplay between cold receptors TRPA1 and TRPM8, warranting further investigation of the neural coding of cold pain perception.
Histometric analysis and topographic characterization of cp Ti implants with surfaces modified by laser with and without silica deposition
Authors: Souza Francisley Á. , Queiroz Thallita P. , Sonoda Celso K. , Okamoto Roberta , Margonar Rogério , Guastaldi Antônio C. , Nishioka Renato S. , Garcia Júnior Idelmo R.
Published: March 2014

Biologic behavior of the bone tissue around implants with four different surfaces was evaluated. The surfaces were: modified by laser (LS); modified by laser with sodium silicate deposition (SS); and commercially available surfaces modified by acid etching (AS) and machined surface (MS). Topographic characterization of the surfaces was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)– energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDX) before experimental surgery. Thirty rabbits received 60 implants in their right and left tibias, 1 implant of each surface being placed in each tibia. The analyzed periods were 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Histometric analysis was performed evaluating bone interface contact (BIC) and bone area (BA). The results obtained were submitted to the analysis of variance and the Tukey t‐test. The elemental mapping was evaluated by means of SEM at 4 weeks postoperatively. The topographic characterization showed differences between the analyzed surfaces. Generally, the BIC and BA of LS and SS implants were statistically higher than those of AS and MS in most of the analyzed periods. Elemental mapping showed high peaks of calcium and phosphorous in all groups. Based on the present methodology, it may be concluded that experimental modifications LS and SS accelerated the stages of the bone tissue repair process around the implants, providing the highest degree of osseointegration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B:1677–1688, 2014.
Effect of a Punica granatum enriched diet on immunocompetence in Rhinella marina
Authors: Parker Anna N. , Ward Chelsea K. , Estes N. Robert
Published: March 2014

Direct ingestion of plant materials has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects on a variety of herbivores. Studies have also shown that compounds ingested indirectly by predators through prey items can affect the general physiology of the ingesting organism. Relatively little data exists, however, concerning the modulation of a predator's immune system via compounds obtained indirectly through prey. In this study, we sought to determine if the immune‐stimulating properties of Punica granatum (pomegranate) could be conveyed from a prey organism, Acheta domestica, to a predator, Rhinella marina, through diet specialization. Experimental crickets were fed a diet of agar supplemented with 10 mg/mL of lyophilized, powdered, whole pomegranate while control crickets were fed unadulterated agar. Experimental toads consumed a diet consisting of crickets fed the pomegranate‐enriched diet, while control toads consumed a diet consisting of crickets fed the standard agar diet. Blood samples were taken weekly and leukocyte profiles and neutrophil phagocytic activity were determined for all toads over an 8‐week period. Complement activity was measured at 6 weeks. Toads fed the pomegranate‐enriched diet showed altered leukocyte profiles as evidenced by an increase in circulating eosinophil number and a decrease in the number of circulating lymphocytes, monocytes, and basophils as compared to controls, indicating an immunomodulatory effect of the pomegranate‐enhanced diet. These results suggest that pomegranate‐derived immunomodulatory compounds can be transferred from prey to predator, and suggests that the flora in the environment where insectivores forage could have a significant effect on the physiology of the animal. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 316–323, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Expedient Synthesis of a New Calix Frame by Lewis Acid Catalyzed Cyclocondensations of Ketones with Different Heterocyclic Ring Systems
Authors: Nayak Anupam , Banerji Julie
Published: March 2014

A facile and highly efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of calix[4]pyrroles and tetraoxaquaterenes, in moderate to high yields by reaction of dialkyl or cycloalkyl ketones with pyrrole and furan catalyzed by tin (IV) chloride. Particularly, in the case of furan, instead of tedious column chromatography, simple filtration techniques were employed for purification of the compounds thereby yielding better results and leading to multigram scale synthesis. We also report the first synthesis of the novel tetracyclopentyl tetraoxaquaterene.
Synthesis and Herbicidal Evaluation of 3‐N‐Substituted Amino‐6‐benzyloxypyridazine Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Min , Hu Fang‐Zhong , Zhao Ting , Yang Liu‐Qing , Yang Hua‐Zheng
Published: March 2014

A variety of 3‐N‐substituted amino‐6‐benzyloxypyridazine derivatives were designed and synthesized in satisfactory yields. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H‐NMR, and elemental analysis; compound 5j was further determined by X‐ray diffraction crystallography. Their herbicidal activities were evaluated through barnyard grass and rape cup tests in laboratory bioassays. Most of the title compounds 5 displayed moderate herbicidal activities against the dicotyledonous plant Brassica campestris L. The most active compounds in the laboratory were also evaluated in the greenhouse.
Statistical downscaling of precipitation using a stochastic rainfall model conditioned on circulation patterns – an evaluation of assumptions
Authors: Haberlandt Uwe , Belli Aslan , Bárdossy András
Published: March 2014

For climate impact assessment regarding hydrology, the availability of long precipitation time series with high temporal and spatial resolution is essential. A possible approach to obtain this data is the statistical downscaling of precipitation simulated by a global climate model (GCM) using a stochastic rainfall model with parameters conditioned on circulation patterns (CP). This approach requires: (1) the existence of a strong relationship between CP and precipitation, (2) the sufficient reproduction of CPs by the GCM, (3) the adequate simulation of precipitation by the rainfall model and (4) either stationarity of the relationship between precipitation and CPs or an approach to account for non‐stationarity. The objective of this research is the careful evaluation and discussion of the above stated four hypotheses. For this purpose, a case study for the Aller–Leine river basin in Northern Germany has been created. It has been found that CPs can be defined which show significant differences in precipitation behaviour. The CPs derived from re‐analysis data are well reproduced by the GCM simulations. In addition, the hourly stochastic rainfall model simulates the observed precipitation characteristics well, except for a certain overestimation of the extremes. However, the change in rainfall between past and future time periods as predicted by a regional climate model could not be explained by the change in CP frequency, due to the non‐stationarity of the relationship between rainfall and CP. This can be best accounted for by re‐estimating the parameters of the stochastic rainfall model for future conditions based on corrected observations using a delta change approach regarding simulated rainfall from a regional climate model.
New biphasic solvent system based on cyclopentyl methyl ether for the purification of a non‐polar synthetic peptide by pH‐zone refining centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Amarouche Nassima , Boudesocque Leslie , Borie Nicolas , Giraud Matthieu , Forni Luciano , Butte Alessandro , Edwards Florence , Renault Jean‐Hugues
Published: March 2014

A new type 1 ternary biphasic system composed of cyclopentyl methyl ether, dimethylformamide and water was developed, characterized and successfully used for the purification of a lipophilic, protected peptide by pH‐zone refining centrifugal partition chromatography. The protected peptide is an 8‐mer, key intermediate in bivalirudin (Angiomax®) synthesis and shows a very low solubility in the solvents usually used in liquid chromatography. All ionic groups, except the N‐terminal end of the peptide, are protected by a benzyl group. The purification of this peptide was achieved with a purity of about 99.04% and a recovery of 94% using the new ternary biphasic system cyclopentyl methyl ether/dimethylformamide/water (49:40:11, v/v) in the descending pH‐zone refining mode with triethylamine (28 mM) as the retainer and methanesulfonic acid (18 mM) as the eluter.
Laser assisted drug delivery: A review of an evolving technology
Authors: Sklar Lindsay R. , Burnett Christopher T. , Waibel Jill S. , Moy Ronald L. , Ozog David M.
Published: March 2014

Background

Topically applied drugs have a relatively low cutaneous bioavailability.

Objective

This article reviews the existing applications of laser assisted drug delivery, a means by which the permeation of topically applied agents can be enhanced into the skin.

Results

The existing literature suggests that lasers are a safe and effective means of enhancing the delivery of topically applied agents through the skin. The types of lasers most commonly studied in regards to drug delivery are the carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Er:YAG) lasers. Both conventional ablative and fractional ablative modalities have been utilized and are summarized herein.

Limitations

The majority of the existing studies on laser assisted drug delivery have been performed on animal models and additional human studies are needed.

Conclusions

Laser assisted drug delivery is an evolving technology with potentially broad clinical applications. Multiple studies demonstrate that laser pretreatment of the skin can increase the permeability and depth of penetration of topically applied drug molecules for both local cutaneous and systemic applications. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:249–262, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional Photochromic Methylhydrosiloxane‐Based Side‐Chain Liquid‐Crystalline Polymers
Authors: Tóth‐Katona Tibor , Cigl Martin , Fodor‐Csorba Katalin , Hamplová Věra , Jánossy István , Kašpar Miroslav , Vojtylová Terezia , Hampl František , Bubnov Alexej
Published: March 2014

A new azobenzene‐group‐containing monomer and several respective functional side‐chain polymers grafted on a methylhydrosiloxane backbone (with two different degrees of poly­merization; with and without the addition of a photoreactive benzophenone derivative) are designed, synthesized, and characterized. The resulting materials clearly show self‐assembly behavior and possess a nematic liquid‐crystal phase over a broad temperature range, which extends below 0 °C. The optical properties of these new photo­chromic liquid‐crystalline materials are determined from the absorbance spectra of oriented samples and by photo­induced birefringence studies. The results indicate a considerable dichroism of the side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers (SCLCPs), and hence demonstrate their potential applicability for optical storage.

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