bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of extended lymphadenectomy in patients with resectable gastric cancer
Authors: Jiang L , Yang K-H , Chen Y , Guan Q-L , Zhao P , Tian J-H , Wang Q
Published: March 2014

Background

The extent of lymphadenectomy in the treatment of gastric cancer has been debated for more than two decades. This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of extended lymphadenectomy in patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the outcomes of D1 and D2 dissection for gastric cancer in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Science Citation Index, Web of Science and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database in any language from inception of the database to March 2012. Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager software.

Results

Eight RCTs including a total of 2044 patients (D1, 1042; D2, 1002) were eligible for meta-analysis. Five-year survival and haemorrhage rates were similar in the two groups. There were significant differences in morbidity, anastomotic leakage, pancreatic leakage, reoperation rates, wound infection, pulmonary complications and postoperative mortality, all of which favoured D1 dissection. Subgroup analysis indicated a trend towards lower gastric cancer-related mortality in patients undergoing D2 dissection who did not also have resection of the spleen or pancreas.

Conclusion

D2 dissection was associated with a significantly higher postoperative risk. A trend towards lower gastric cancer-related mortality was found following D2 dissection that did not include resection of the spleen or pancreas, but further long-term survival data are needed to determine whether there is a specific survival benefit after D2 dissection.
Enzyme 15‐lipoxygenase 1 promotes hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α turnover and reduces vascular endothelial growth factor expression: implications for angiogenesis
Authors: Zhong Hua , Wang Ruoxiang , Kelavkar Uddhav , Wang Christopher Y. , Simons Jonathan
Published: March 2014

Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) is the regulatory subunit of the heterodimeric HIF‐1 that plays a critical role in transcriptional regulation of genes in angiogenesis and hypoxic adaptation, while fatty acid metabolism mediated by lipoxygenases has been implicated in a variety of pathogeneses, including cancers. In this study, we report that 15‐lipoxygenase 1 (15‐LO1), a key member of the lipoxygenase family, promotes HIF‐1α ubiquitination and degradation. Altering the level of 15‐LO1 yields inverse changes in HIF‐1α and HIF‐1 transcriptional activity, under both normoxia and hypoxia, and even in CoCl2‐treated cells where HIF‐1α has been artificially elevated. The antagonistic effect of 15‐LO1 is mediated by the Pro564/hydroxylation/26S proteasome system, while both the enzymatic activity and the intracellular membrane‐binding function of 15‐LO1 appear to contribute to HIF‐1α suppression. Our findings provide a novel mechanism for HIF‐1α regulation, in which oxygen‐dependent HIF‐1 activity is modulated by an oxygen‐insensitive lipid metabolic enzyme.
The importance of oral examination facial trauma: recognition of the Guerin sign in Le Fort 1 injuries
Authors: Kassam Karim , Kumar Mahesh
Published: March 2014

Key Clinical Message

Facial Trauma is common. The emergency physician should conduct a thorough examination of the oral tissues. A laceration in the palate can be easily missed and should be elicited. Failure to identify a split palate can result in severe dentofacial deformity.
Contribution of Cytosine‐Containing Cyclobutane Dimers to DNA Damage Produced by Photosensitized Triplet–Triplet Energy Transfer
Authors: Douki Thierry , Bérard Izabel , Wack Aude , Andrä Sigrid
Published: March 2014

Mutagenic cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) can be induced in DNA through either direct excitation or photosensitized triplet–triplet energy transfer (TTET). In the latter pathway, thymines are expected to receive the excitation energy from the photosensitizer and react with adjacent pyrimidines. By using state‐of‐the art analytical tools, we provide herein additional information on the formation of cytosine‐containing CPDs. We thus determined the yield of all possible CPDs upon TTET in a series of natural DNAs with various base compositions. We show that the distribution of CPDs cannot be explained only by excitation of individual thymines. We propose that the mechanism for TTET involves at least dinucleotides as the minimal targets. The observation of the formation of cytosine–cytosine CPDs also suggests that additional pathways are involved in this photosensitized reaction.
Optimization of the formulation of water in oil emulsions entrapping polysaccharide by increasing the amount of water and the stability
Authors: Wardhono Endarto Y. , Zafimahova‐Ratisbonne Andrea , Lanoiselle Jean‐Louis , Saleh Khashayar , Clausse Daniele
Published: March 2014

Water in oil emulsions entrapping a polysaccharide have been formulated and the purpose of this study is first to increase the amount of dispersed water and the amount of polysaccharide. The second part of the study is devoted to check the stability of the obtained emulsion over 2 years. Encapsulation of polysaccharide was realized by introducing the aqueous phase (containing the required polysaccharide and glycerol) into a stirred oil phase (wherein the polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) as the surfactant has been previously dissolved). Emulsion stability tests were carried out immediately after preparation and after ageing tests. For that purpose the emulsions were submitted to cooling and heating cycles performed in a calorimeter in order to detect the freezing and melting temperatures of the dispersed water. Due to nucleation phenomena, the delay between freezing and melting is correlated to the way the water is dispersed within the emulsion and therefore gives information about the stability of the emulsions. To complete these tests other ones were performed such as bottle test, laser diffraction granulometry and rheometry. It was shown that it is possible to get emulsions containing 75% of water, showing the required stability and flow ability.
Long‐term use of valproic acid in US veterans is associated with a reduced risk of smoking‐related cases of head and neck cancer
Authors: Kang Hyunseok , Gillespie Theresa W. , Goodman Michael , Brodie Seth A. , Brandes Mina , Ribeiro Maria , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Shin Dong M. , Khuri Fadlo R. , Brandes Johann Christoph
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Epigenetic events play a major role in the carcinogenesis of tobacco‐related cancers. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the effects of exposure to the anticonvulsant agent valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, on the risk of developing cancers of the lung, head and neck, prostate, bladder, and colon.

METHODS

The study was based on the 2002 through 2008 National Veterans Affairs (VA) medical SAS data set linked to the VA Central Cancer Registry. The cohort was defined as subjects aged > 40 years who were followed in the VA system for at least 1 year for 1 of 4 diagnoses for which a VPA indication exists (bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, migraines, and seizures). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) reflecting the association between use of VPA and cancer incidence.

RESULTS

VPA use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of cancers of the head and neck (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48‐0.92). Additional associations were noted with the duration of treatment and median VPA drug levels. No significant differences in cancer incidence were observed for cancers of the lung (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.84‐1.19), bladder (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.64‐1.15), colon (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.74‐1.22), and prostate (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.88‐1.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of VPA is associated with a lower risk of developing head and neck cancers. Cancer 2014;120:1394–1400. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Use and impact of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resected non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Williams Christina D. , Gajra Ajeet , Ganti Apar K. , Kelley Michael J.
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Despite clinical trials demonstrating improved survival with adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) for patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stages I to III non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is unclear whether this survival benefit extends to broader populations. The current study evaluated patterns of AC use and examined the impact of AC on survival.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients in the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry diagnosed with stages IB to IIIA NSCLC between 2001 and 2008. Descriptive statistics were used to examine patterns of AC use over an 8‐year time period. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to estimate hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to compare mortality risk among patients treated with and without AC.

RESULTS

Among 14,306 patients with stages IB to IIIA NSCLC, 4929 underwent surgery and 22% of these received AC. The percentages of patients diagnosed in 2001 through 2003, 2004 through 2005, and 2006 through 2008 receiving AC were 7.0%, 29.8%, and 29.5%, respectively. There was no survival benefit with AC noted for patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2003, but AC was associated with improved survival for the period between 2004 and 2005 (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67‐0.91) and 2006 through 2008 (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69‐0.91). Of those patients receiving AC, 89% received platinum‐doublet chemotherapy. Carboplatin remained the most common agent, although cisplatin use reached 43% in the period between 2006 and 2008. The HR for cisplatin relative to carboplatin was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.80‐1.15).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant increase in the use of AC between 2001 and 2008 and AC was associated with an improvement in overall survival. Cancer 2014;120:1939–1947. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Characterizing the BP Stretching Vibration in Phosphorus‐Substituted Phosphine Boranes
Authors: Reinemann Dana N. , Tschumper Gregory S. , Hammer Nathan I.
Published: March 2014

The experimental Raman spectra of three phosphorus‐substituted phosphine boranes with bulky hydrocarbon substituents are presented and compared to the results of electronic structure computations by using the M06‐2X method and the 6‐311G(2df, 2pd) basis set. Total‐energy distributions (TEDs) are calculated to describe the degree of mixing of the dative‐bond stretching vibration with other simple internal coordinates. This level of theory is found to accurately reproduce the BP stretching frequency in all three crystalline solids. The Raman spectra of five smaller BP‐containing molecules, including BH3PH3, are also simulated at this level of theory and compared to previous experimental results.
Synthesis and Contact Angle Measurements of Janus Particles
Authors: Synytska Alla , Kirillova M. Sc.Alina , Isa Lucio
Published: March 2014

Janus particles are objects with two distinct domains of different surface chemistries that give them an amphiphilic character. The coexistence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains makes them suitable models for biological objects (e.g., proteins) and enables their use as “particle surfactants”. Since the time of their initial discovery, numerous strategies have been proposed for the realisation of Janus particles with variable and controlled size/functionality of the two surface domains. Owing to experimental limitations though, it has been rarely possible to ascertain and characterise the amphiphilic nature of the particles. We present here new results on the synthesis of spherical Janus microparticles with controlled surface chemistries and Janus ratios and on the measurement of their contact angle in situ at an oil–water interface, using freeze‐fracture, shadow‐casting cryo‐scanning electron microscopy.
Investigation of influential factors on the purification of zone‐refined germanium ingot
Authors: Yang Gang , Govani Jayesh , Mei Hao , Guan Yutong , Wang Guojian , Huang Mianliang , Mei Dongming
Published: March 2014

Zone refining is one of the most important procedures to purify germanium crystals for the fabrication of detectors in our laboratory. In order to properly zone refine high‐purity germanium crystals, it is important to develop perfect cleaning procedures for raw materials, quartz tubes, and the containers holding raw materials. Additionally, vacuum levels, container types, the correct combination of ambient gases, the speed of zone travel, and the ratio of ingot length to molten zone length, all need to be carefully studied in order to obtain the best results possible. In this work, we investigate a number of influential factors in perfecting high‐purity germanium crystal growth, specifically: cleaning procedures, boat composition, vacuum levels in the chamber, zone travel speed, and the ratio of ingot length to molten zone length. Using the van der Pauw Hall technique, we were able to measure the electrical properties of zone‐refined ingots and analyze the origin and distribution of three main impurity elements (boron, aluminum and phosphorus) thereby allowing us to study potential contamination sources. After detailed analysis on the various influential factors, we were able to optimize the zone‐refining procedures.
Optimized flow cytometry isolation of murine spermatocytes
Authors: Gaysinskaya Valeriya , Soh Ina Y. , van der Heijden Godfried W. , Bortvin Alex
Published: March 2014

Meiotic prophase I (MPI), is an initial stage of meiosis characterized by intricate homologous chromosome interactions, synapsis, and DNA recombination. These processes depend on the complex, but poorly understood early MPI events of homologous chromosome search, alignment, and pairing. Detailed molecular investigation of these early events requires isolation of individual MPI substages. Enrichment for Pachytene (P) and Diplotene (D) substages of late MPI was previously accomplished using flow cytometry. However, separation of early MPI spermatocytes, specifically, of Leptotene (L) and Zygotene (Z) substages, has been a challenge due to these cells' similar characteristics. In this report, we describe an optimized Hoechst‐33342 (Hoechst)‐based flow cytometry approach for isolating individual MPI populations from adult mouse testis. We get significant enrichment for individual L and Z spermatocytes, previously inseparable from each other, and optimize the isolation of other MPI substages. Our flow cytometry approach is a combination of three optimized strategies. The first is optimization of testis dissociation protocol that yields more consistent and reproducible testicular single cell suspension. The second involves optimization of flow cytometric gating protocol where a critical addition to the standard protocol for cell discrimination based on Hoechst fluorescence, involves a back‐gating technique based on light scattering parameters. This step specifies selection of individual MPI substages. The third, is an addition of DNA content restriction to the gating protocol to minimize contamination from non‐meiotic cells. Finally, we confirm significant enrichment of high‐purity Preleptotene (PreL), L, Z, P, and D MPI spermatocytes using stage‐specific marker distribution. The technique will facilitate understanding of the molecular events underlying MPI. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Integrated chip‐based physiometer for automated fish embryo toxicity biotests in pharmaceutical screening and ecotoxicology
Authors: Akagi Jin , Zhu Feng , Hall Chris J. , Crosier Kathryn E. , Crosier Philip S. , Wlodkowic Donald
Published: March 2014

Transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) models of human diseases have recently emerged as innovative experimental systems in drug discovery and molecular pathology. None of the currently available technologies, however, allow for automated immobilization and treatment of large numbers of spatially encoded transgenic embryos during real‐time developmental analysis. This work describes the proof‐of‐concept design and validation of an integrated 3D microfluidic chip‐based system fabricated directly in the poly(methyl methacrylate) transparent thermoplastic using infrared laser micromachining. At its core, the device utilizes an array of 3D micromechanical traps to actively capture and immobilize single embryos using a low‐pressure suction. It also features built‐in piezoelectric microdiaphragm pumps, embryo‐trapping suction manifold, drug delivery manifold, and optically transparent indium tin oxide heating element to provide optimal temperature during embryo development. Furthermore, we present design of the proof‐of‐concept off‐chip electronic interface equipped with robotic servo actuator driven stage, innovative servomotor‐actuated pinch valves, and embedded miniaturized fluorescent USB microscope. Our results showed that the innovative device has 100% embryo‐trapping efficiency while supporting normal embryo development for up to 72 hr in a confined microfluidic environment. We also showed data that this microfluidic system can be readily applied to kinetic analysis of a panel of investigational antiangiogenic agents in transgenic zebrafish lines. The optical transparency and embryo immobilization allow for convenient visualization of developing vasculature patterns in response to drug treatment without the need for specimen re‐positioning. The integrated electronic interfaces bring the lab‐on‐a‐chip systems a step closer to realization of complete analytical automation. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The effect of hexagonal grid topology on wireless communication networks based on network coding
Authors: Shang Tao , Huang Fu‐Hua , Mao Ke‐Fei , Liu Jian‐Wei
Published: March 2014

Network coding has emerged as a promising technology that can provide significant improvements in the performance of wireless communication networks. Inspired by the recent advances in complex networks, we herein study the effect of topology structure on the performance benefit of network coding based on a highly structured wireless communication network with hexagonal grid topology. We propose a new concept called ‘network intensity’, namely γ to characterize the property of hexagonal grid topology. We first derive a value of 12 ∕ 7 for the upper bound on performance benefit in a single regular hexagon network. This value holds only if the network intensity is in the case of . Based on the results in a single regular hexagon network, we then derive a value of 16 ∕ 7 for the upper bound on performance benefit in a general hexagonal grid network only if the network intensity is in the case of . Furthermore, a comparative analysis demonstrates that the network intensity affects the performance benefit of network coding in terms of the interference and the coding number. These findings will contribute to the design of network topology and the analysis of the bound on the performance benefit of network coding in wireless communication networks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open‐Framework Beryllium Hydrogen Phosphates with (3,4)‐Connected Networks
Authors: Wang Kangcai , Luo Daibing , Xu Dingguo , Liu Lin , Lin Zhien
Published: March 2014

Four beryllium hydrogen phosphates, Be2(Hea)(PO4)(HPO4) (1), Him·Be3(OH)(HPO4)3 (2a), Hpy·Be3(OH)(HPO4)3 (2b), and Hma·Be1.5(HPO4)2·0.5H2O (3) in which ea = ethanolamine, im = imidazole, py = pyridine, and ma = methylamine, were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. All compounds have open‐framework structures with (3,4)‐connected networks. Compound 1 features a neutral inorganic–organic hybrid framework with an interrupted zeolitic GIS topology. The dual role of the amine molecules as charge‐balancing agents and coordinating agents to the beryllium atoms is noteworthy. Compounds 2a and 2b are isostructural, and they have an AFI‐related framework with elliptical 12‐ring channels. Compound 3 has a 3D structure with 4.82 layers pillared by corner‐sharing four‐ring chains. It represents the first example of an open‐framework beryllium hydrogen phosphate with 16‐ring channels.
NMR methodologies in the analysis of blueberries
Authors: Capitani Donatella , Sobolev Anatoly P. , Delfini Maurizio , Vista Silvia , Antiochia Riccarda , Proietti Noemi , Bubici Salvatore , Ferrante Gianni , Carradori Simone , Salvador Flavio Roberto De , Mannina Luisa
Published: March 2014

An NMR analytical protocol based on complementary high and low field measurements is proposed for blueberry characterization. Untargeted NMR metabolite profiling of blueberries aqueous and organic extracts as well as targeted NMR analysis focused on anthocyanins and other phenols are reported. Bligh‐Dyer and microwave‐assisted extractions were carried out and compared showing a better recovery of lipidic fraction in the case of microwave procedure. Water‐soluble metabolites belonging to different classes such as sugars, amino acids, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, as well as metabolites soluble in organic solvent such as triglycerides, sterols, and fatty acids, were identified. Five anthocyanins (malvidin‐3‐glucoside, malvidin‐3‐galactoside, delphinidin‐3‐glucoside, delphinidin‐3‐galactoside, and petunidin‐3‐glucoside) and 3‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranosyl quercetin were identified in solid phase extract. The water status of fresh and withered blueberries was monitored by portable NMR and fast‐field cycling NMR. 1H depth profiles, T2 transverse relaxation times and dispersion profiles were found to be sensitive to the withering.
Optimal landfill gas utilization for renewable energy production
Authors: Ahmed Saeed Isa , Johari Anwar , Hashim Haslenda , Mat Ramli , Lim Jeng Shiun , Ngadi Norzita , Ali Asmadi
Published: March 2014

Landfill gas (LFG) is essentially greenhouse gas (GHG) composed predominantly of methane and carbon dioxide produced from the anaerobic biodegradation of municipal solid waste in landfills. The amount of gas produced can be estimated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change methodology. Most sanitary landfills flare this potential renewable energy source, which is an unfortunate waste of a valuable resource. This study develops an optimization model for effective LFG utilization as a sustainable energy source based on economic and environmental considerations. The mixed integer linear programming model developed was applied to Seelong Sanitary Landfill, Malaysia, and led to profits 7.6 times higher than those currently gained. This enormous increase is due to the incorporation of renewable energy production in the new plan. In addition, the combined heat and power generation proposed is 2420 tons of oil equivalents, which is 0.0035% of the total energy production of Malaysia. Similarly, the LFG utilization leads to a national GHG reduction of 0.007%. Implementing this at the 14 sanitary landfills in the country will go a long way towards broadening the energy base while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint of the nation. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 289–296, 2015
Power Generation from Biogas using SOFC – Results for a 1 kWe Demonstration Unit
Authors: Dietrich R.‐U. , Oelze J. , Lindermeir A. , Spieker C. , Spitta C. , Steffen M.
Published: March 2014

A stand‐alone system for power generation from biogas‐based on a commercial SOFC module in the 1 kWe range shall demonstrate its applicability to biogas, quantify the efficiency gain compared to conventional combined heat and power technology and justify further development toward SOFC modules in the hundreds of kilowatt range. The system includes biogas cleaning, combined dry and steam reforming, electrochemical oxidation of synthesis gas, offgas burning, and heat usage for steam generation and support of the endothermic reforming reaction. The system demonstrated a performance of 1 kWe at 52% gross efficiency for a synthetic biogas containing 55 vol.% CH4 during 500 h in the lab. In addition, the performance using real biogas derived from the wastewater treatment process of a sugar plant was demonstrated for different operating points. Based on the experimentally validated results, it is possible to predict the benefit of operating larger SOFC biogas systems. Investment costs of 2.5 times compared to the conventional technology of a 75 kWe biogas unit get paid off due to higher electricity revenues over time.
Co‐Generation of Electric Power and Carbon Nanotubes from Dimethyl Ether (DME)
Authors: Sun W. , Zhang S. , Liu W.
Published: March 2014

Coking occurs easily and would significantly degrade the electrochemical performance for hydrocarbon‐fueled solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Here, we report an integrated device combining a SOFC and a stainless steel tubing as catalyst for hydrocarbon pyrolysis in the upstream of the fuel cell. Considerable carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are grown around the outside of the stainless steel tubing when dimethyl ether (DME) is fed to the device, which dramatically reduces the C:O ratio in the fuel reaching the cell anode. Correspondingly, the carbon‐removal reforming significantly prolongs the performance stability of the fuel cell compared to that directly fueled by DME. The present results suggest that hydrocarbons can be utilized more efficiently and economically by combining a SOFC and a fix‐bed reactor containing catalysts for CNTs formation, accompanying with the co‐generation of electric power and CNTs.
The DIME System: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Mani Ganesh
Published: March 2014

Investment management is a complex, yet promising, domain for the application of intelligent automation. In this paper we discuss the Diversified Investment Management Expert (DIME) system which is under development. DIME is designed to operate in a dynamic environment and hence one of its salient features is its knowledge acquisition via learning. The system starts out with some rules built into it, and machine‐learning techniques are used to acquire further knowledge with time. In this paper we focus on how similarity‐based learning (SBL) is used to acquire new rules and explanation‐based learning (EBL) to refine the built‐in rules and the newly acquired ones.
Evaluating Expert Systems in a Financial Domain: A Study Demonstrating Issues in Case Selection, Validation Standards and Evaluator Bias
Authors: Brown Carol E. , Nielson Norma L. , Phillips Mary Ellen
Published: March 2014

This article describes and generalizes a validation study of four commercially available personal financial planning expert systems and the rationale for the research methodology used. Our evaluation of these systems adds to the understanding of verification and validation issues related to case selection, validation standards and evaluator bias. The article describes the systems, their domain and the empirical method—field tests using hypothetical cases—and relates that method to the literature. Comparing same‐task systems combines multiple system perspectives and multiple models. Our methodology did efficiently and effectively identify conflicting terminology, omissions and system weaknesses but was inadequate for comparing the complex plan recommendations. The results re‐emphasize the importance of continual knowledge base updating, formal system testing and the need for external evaluation. The results also show the value of comparing multiple, same‐task systems.
ICARE: A Knowledge‐Based Underwriting System
Authors: Lecot Koenraad
Published: March 2014

This paper reports on the development of ICARE (Intelligent Computer Assisted Risk Evaluation), a knowledge‐based system for underwriting personal lines of insurance at a large insurance company. ICARE uses rule‐based and object‐oriented programming techniques to implement the subjective decision processes of expert underwriters for automobile insurance lines. The system is an easy‐to‐understand, easy‐to‐maintain, and efficient software program in which nontechnical underwriters can maintain their own knowledge base of underwriting rules and guidelines.
Organizational Health Maintenance: The Design of a Knowledge‐Based Strategy Support System
Authors: Hine M.J. , Goul M. , Philippakis A.
Published: March 2014

Rather than reacting to strategic problems, a healthy organization should focus on preventing debilitating strategic decisions. This research takes the view that the implementation and monitoring of strategic plans should be more open to opportunistic and preventive intervention as made possible by the design and implementation of innovative information systems technologies employing recent knowledge‐based systems advancements. A knowledge‐based alerting approach to organizational health maintenance (OHM) is developed. Critical to this approach is the determination of a set of triggers for determining when actions are deemed necessary for preventing strategic problems. An OHM System architecture and implementation are described.
The Impact of Expert Systems in Accounting: System Characteristics, Productivity and Work Unit Effects
Authors: O'Keefe Robert M. , O'Leary Daniel , Rebne Douglas , Chung Q. B.
Published: March 2014

Using a framework derived from Perrow, we have investigated the impact of expert systems in accounting at the work unit level. The results of a survey are presented. Information on 36 implemented systems was collected from participants at two recent workshops on artificial intelligence in accounting and business. A number of commonly suggested advantages of expert systems are observed. We find some significant differences between variables for the two major application areas in accounting, namely tax and auditing. This suggests that where benefits arise from differs depending upon the underlying task domain.
Organizational Structures and Exchange Processes
Authors: Hummon Norman P.
Published: March 2014

Formal organizations have a division of labor and some form of co‐ordination. This paper explores how these social structures could be generated by an exchange process that governs work flow through an organization. Specifically, the exchange process controls how work tasks are assigned and carried out, and how members receive rewards for participating in a work group of the organization. A discrete‐event simulation model is used to explore how the exchange process generates division of labor and co‐ordination networks. The model contains members, called bureaucrats, with two kinds of skills: skill at referring work to others; and skill in completing work tasks. Both kinds of skills are distributed differentially across bureaucrats. Two types of rational exchange are explored: independent exchange and pooled exchange. For independent exchange, rewards go the bureaucrat who completes the task; in pooled exchange rewards are shared with the bureaucrat who referred the task. Both exchange processes generate a division of labor in a work group, with pooled exchange exhibiting the most pronounced division of labor. Also, pooled exchange leads to more efficient processing of work than independent exchange.
Tasks and Organizations: A Signal Detection Model of Organizational Decision Making
Authors: Pete Andras , Kleinman David L. , Pattipati Krishna R.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a mathematical model to study the joint impact of organizational design and of the task environment on the decision performance of hierarchical organizations with limited internal communication. The problem context is a special class of distributed situation assessment problems, where possible patterns of binary variables are to be classified on the basis of partial and noise‐corrupted information. Structural properties of tasks and organizations are described using a graph formalism, and optimal decision strategies at all decision makers are determined. Organizational expertise is characterized in the form of a Team Relative Operating Characteristic (TROC) curve, thereby replacing the organization by an equivalent single decision maker. Implementing the model, issues of task decomposition and the process of matching organizations with tasks are discussed.
PLANET: An Expert System for Audit Risk Assessment and Planning
Authors: Delisio Jeff , McGowan Maureen , Hamscher Walter
Published: March 2014

PLANET is an expert system for audit risk assessment and audit test selection. At present it is undergoing worldwide field testing by Price Waterhouse audit teams. As a case study, PLANET illustrates a complex interplay of audit methodology issues and expert systems development techniques, and reinforces the validity of many of the widely reported lessons learned about successful expert systems development during the 1980s. However, the experience also challenges elements of this received wisdom while exposing special issues arising in the development of expert systems in the field of auditing.
Applying Case‐Based Reasoning to the Accounting Domain
Authors: Brown Carol E. , Gupta Uma G.
Published: March 2014

Case‐Based Reasoning (CBR) is rapidly emerging as a rich and powerful artificial intelligence approach that can overcome some inherent weaknesses of traditional expert system technology. Several successful CBR systems have been developed in a variety of fields and CBR applications are beginning to emerge in accounting research and practice as well. As sophisticated and user‐friendly CBR shells emerge, CBR is more likely to be used to solve complex, real‐world problems. This paper provides a broad overview of case‐based systems and the principles on which the field is founded. Accounting applications of case‐based reasoning and future research issues are identified.
AI in Accounting, Finance and Management
Authors: O'Leary Daniel E.
Published: March 2014

Abstract

This paper summarizes the contributions to the International Journal of Intelligent Systems in Accounting, Finance and Management over its first four years. A taxonomy of papers by functional area and methodology is developed. Rankings of contributions by author, institution and country are summarized.
FRA: Teaching Financial Accounting with a Goal‐Based Scenario
Authors: Foster David A.
Published: March 2014

Abstract

This paper reports on the development of FRA (Financial Report Analyst), an intelligent, multimedia educational software system which is designed to teach financial statement analysis to business students and professional trainees. FRA is based on a new kind of teaching architecture called a goal‐based scenario, a “learning by doing” environment in which the student acts in a realistic role and obtains helpful coaching while performing assigned tasks. In FRA, the student plays the role of a lending analyst at a bank who must make important commercial lending decisions. Usability tests of FRA have been conducted with students in the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. The paper discusses: theoretical advantages of goal‐based scenarios; the architecture of FRA; and ongoing and future research.
Competitive Product Development in the Financial Services Industry—A Knowledge‐Based Approach
Authors: Stickel Eberhard
Published: March 2014

Abstract

The development of innovative products and the ability to quickly adapt to changes is important for financial institutions in today's highly competitive environment. The information system department has to create the required information technology support (IT support) for these tasks. A model that allows the characterization of bank products by means of parameter sets and integrity constraints that in most cases may be viewed as business rules will be presented. Based on this parameter model a prototype system was developed to verify the approach used. This system also provides support for the areas of risk and yield management and may be used as a basis for systems providing counselling services. The prototype was implemented by coupling PROLOG and a relational database system. Arguments will be presented against the use of object‐oriented database systems and in favour of the currently less popular deductive database approach. The approach presented may be extended such that products related to the life insurance business may also be covered.
Modeling of time dependent localized flow shear stress and its impact on cellular growth within additive manufactured titanium implants
Authors: Zhang Ziyu , Yuan Lang , Lee Peter D. , Jones Eric , Jones Julian R.
Published: March 2014

Bone augmentation implants are porous to allow cellular growth, bone formation and fixation. However, the design of the pores is currently based on simple empirical rules, such as minimum pore and interconnects sizes. We present a three‐dimensional (3D) transient model of cellular growth based on the Navier–Stokes equations that simulates the body fluid flow and stimulation of bone precursor cellular growth, attachment, and proliferation as a function of local flow shear stress. The model's effectiveness is demonstrated for two additive manufactured (AM) titanium scaffold architectures. The results demonstrate that there is a complex interaction of flow rate and strut architecture, resulting in partially randomized structures having a preferential impact on stimulating cell migration in 3D porous structures for higher flow rates. This novel result demonstrates the potential new insights that can be gained via the modeling tool developed, and how the model can be used to perform what‐if simulations to design AM structures to specific functional requirements. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1689–1699, 2014.
Old Selenium Heterocycles Revisited: Synthesis, Spectroscopic, and Structural Characterization ofN‐Acyl‐1,3‐selenazol‐2(3H)‐imines and 5‐Acyl‐1,3‐selenazol‐2‐amines from Acylselenourea Derivatives
Authors: Mohr Fabian
Published: March 2014

A series of five‐membered selenium heterocycles was prepared from the reaction of various selenoureas and phenacyl bromides. In the case of 1‐acyl‐3‐arylselenoureasN‐acyl‐1,3‐selenazol‐2(3H)‐imines are formed, whereas the analogous reaction with 3,3‐disubstituted 1‐acylselenoureas affords 5‐acyl‐1,3‐selenazol‐2‐amines. The compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. In addition, the proposed structures were unambiguously confirmed by X‐ray diffraction studies.
BTNL2 associated with the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Yang Chao , Pan Liping , Zhang Li , Wu Xiaopan , Zhu Xilin , Yan Bingyu , Xu Aiqiang , Li Hui , Liu Ying
Published: March 2014

No response to hepatitis B vaccination is a complex phenomenon, which is induced by the combinations of environmental and genetic factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between the polymorphisms of the butyrophilin‐like 2 (BTNL2) gene and the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in a Chinese Han population. A total of 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the BTNL2 gene were analyzed in 566 non‐responders and 1,040 high‐responders to hepatitis B vaccination. The alleles T, T, C, A, G of rs3763316, rs3763311, rs9268494, rs3806156, and rs2076530 were associated with no response to hepatitis B vaccination (P = 0.015, odds ratio (OR) = 1.20; P = 0.029, OR = 1.18; P = 2.00E−07, OR = 1.58; P = 0.002, OR = 1.27; P = 2.90E−06, OR = 1.41, respectively). Whereas, the alleles T, C of rs9268501 and rs3763313 played significantly protective roles in the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination (P = 0.007, OR = 0.81; P = 0.004, OR = 0.74). Besides, the risks of no response to hepatitis B vaccination were increased significantly among individuals harbored the haplotypes of G‐T‐A‐T‐C‐A‐G (P = 0.038, OR = 1.48), G‐T‐A‐T‐C (P < 0.0001, OR = 2.34), A‐A (P < 0.0001, OR = 4.08), and C‐G (P < 0.0001, OR = 4.75). However, the haplotype of G‐C‐A‐T‐C (P = 1.00E−04, OR = 0.54) exhibited a protective role in the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in the study. These findings suggest that polymorphisms in the BTNL2 gene might play a vital role in determining the outcome of the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination. J. Med. Virol. 86:1105–1112, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heavy Metal Immobilization in Contaminated Soils using Phosphogypsum and Rice Straw Compost
Authors: Mahmoud Esawy , Abd El‐Kader Nasser
Published: March 2014

The application of soil amendments to immobilize heavy metals is a promising technology to meet the requirements for environmentally sound and cost‐effective remediation. The present study was carried out to evaluate the result of phosphogypsum (PG) used alone and in combination with compost (CP) at a mix ratio of 1:1 wet weight ratio (PG + CP) at 10 and 20 g dry weight kg−1dry soil, on heavy metal immobilization in contaminated soil and on canola growth. The results revealed that the Pb, Cd and Zn uptake of canola plants was reduced by the application of PG alone and when it was mixed with CP as compared with untreated soil. At an application rate of 10 g dry weight kg−1dry soil of (PG + CP) the dry weight of canola plants increased by 66·8% was increased in comparison with its weight in the untreated soil. The addition of PG alone resulted in more pronounced immobilization of heavy metal as compared with PG mixed with CP. Plant growth was improved with CP addition, but heavy metals immobilization was the greatest in PG alone treatments. Results suggest that PG may be useful for the immobilization of heavy metals in contaminated soils. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Donor–Acceptor Polymer Containing 4,7‐Bis(thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole for Polymer Solar Cells with Power Conversion Efficiency of 6.21%
Authors: Han Liangliang , Bao Xichang , Hu Tong , Du Zhengkun , Chen Weichao , Zhu Dangqiang , Liu Qian , Sun Mingliang , Yang Renqiang
Published: March 2014

In order to improve the solution processability of 4,7‐bis(thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (DTBT)‐based polymers, novel donor–acceptor polymer PTOBDTDTBT containing DTBT and benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) with conjugated side chain is designed and synthesized with narrow band gap 1.67 eV and low lying HOMO energy level −5.4 eV. The blend film of PTOBDTDTBT and PC71BM exhibits uniform and smooth film with root‐mean‐square (RMS) surface roughness 1.15 nm because of the excellent solubility of PTOBDTDTBT when six octyloxy side chains are introduced. The hole mobility of the blend film is measured to be 4.4 × 10−5 cm2 V−1s−1 by the space‐charge‐limited current (SCLC) model. The optimized polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on PTOBDTDTBT/PC71BM exhibits an improved PCE of 6.21% with Voc = 0.80 V, Jsc = 11.94 mA cm−2 and FF = 65.10%, one of the highest PCE in DTBT containing polymers.

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Validation of a claims‐based antipsychotic polypharmacy measure
Authors: Leckman‐Westin Emily , Kealey Edith , Gupta Nitin , Chen Qingxian , Gerhard Tobias , Crystal Stephen , Olfson Mark , Finnerty Molly
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Given the metabolic and neurologic side effects of antipsychotics and concerns about the increased risks associated with concomitant use, antipsychotic polypharmacy is a quality concern. This study assessed the operating characteristics of a Medicaid claims‐based measure of antipsychotic polypharmacy.

Methods

A random sample from 10 public mental health clinics and 312 patients met criteria for this study. Medical record extractors were blind to measure status. We examined the prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) in Medicaid claims, testing nine different definitions of antipsychotic polypharmacy, including >14, >60, or >90 days concurrent use of ≥2 antipsychotic agents, each with allowable gaps of up to 0, 14, or 32 days in days' supply of antipsychotic medications.

Results

All Medicaid claims measure definitions tested had excellent specificity and PPV (>91%). Good to excellent sensitivity was dependent upon use of a 32‐day gap allowance, particularly as duration of concurrent antipsychotic use increased. The proposed claims‐based measure (90‐day concurrent use of ≥2 or more antipsychotics, allowing for a 32‐day gap) had excellent specificity (99.1%, 95%CI: 98.2–99.6) and PPV (90.9%, 95%CI: 83.1–95.7) with good sensitivity (79.4%, 95%CI: 70.4–86.6). The overall level of concordance between claims and medical record‐based categorization of antipsychotic polypharmacy was high (96.4%, n = 301/312 clients, Cohen's K = 84.7, 95%CI: 75.9–93.5). Discrepant cases were reviewed, and implications are discussed.

Conclusions

Administrative claims data can be used to construct valid measures of antipsychotic polypharmacy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prestaining of glycoproteins in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels by dansylhydrazine
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhou Xuan , Yu Qing , Duan Yuanmeng , Huang Binbin , Hong Guoying , Zhou Ayi , Jin Litai
Published: March 2014

A new fluorescent prestaining method for gel‐separated glycoproteins in 1D and 2D SDS‐PAGE was developed by using dansylhydrazine in this study. The prestained gels could be easily imaged after electrophoresis without any time‐consuming steps needed for poststains. As low as 4–8 ng glycoproteins (transferrin, α1‐acid glycoprotein) could be selectively detected, which is comparable to that of Pro‐Q Emerald 488, one of the most commonly used glycoprotein stain. In addition, a subsequent study of deglycosylation, glycoprotein affinity isolation, and LC‐MS/MS analysis was performed to confirm the specificity of the newly developed method.
One‐step synthesis of poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone)‐b‐poly(l‐lactide) block copolymers using a dual initiator for RAFT polymerization and ROP
Authors: Shin Sang Jin , Yu Young Chang , Seo Ja Deok , Cho Sung Ju , Youk Ji Ho
Published: March 2014

Amphiphilic, biocompatible poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone)‐b‐poly(l‐lactide) (PVP‐b‐PLLA) block polymers were synthesized at 60 °C using a hydroxyl‐functionalized N,N‐diphenyldithiocarbamate reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent, 2‐hydroxyethyl 2‐(N,N‐diphenylcarbamothioylthio)propanoate (HDPCP), as a dual initiator for RAFT polymerization and ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) in a one‐step procedure. 4‐Dimethylamino pyridine was used as the ROP catalyst for l‐lactide. The two polymerization reactions proceeded in a controlled manner, but their polymerization rates were affected by the other polymerization process. This one‐step procedure is believed to be the most convenient method for synthesizing PVP‐b‐PLLA block copolymers. HDPCP can also be used for the one‐step synthesis of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)‐b‐PLLA block copolymers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1607–1613
Copolymerizations of tetraethyl vinylidene phosphonate. Bisphosphonate units in the main polymer chain. II
Authors: Pretula Julia , Kaluzynski Krzysztof , Penczek Stanislaw
Published: March 2014

This is the second part of the article with a subtitle “… The First Synthesis” published by us previously. For this, second part, we have chosen copolymers with low proportion of (‐b‐) units, as well as random copolymers with substantial proportions of (‐b‐) units. This is in contrast to the part I, in which we mostly described alternating copolymerization. In this article, radical copolymerization of tetraethyl vinylidene phosphonate (B) with several vinyl/ethylenic monomers (M2), namely acrylamide, methacrylamide, methyl methacrylate, n‐butyl acrylate, n‐butyl methacrylate, and styrene has been described and reactivity ratios of monomers as well as the average length of the comonomer blocks (n) have been determined (r1 = 0). It has been found, that (as it should be) there is a proportionality between r2 (=km2M2/km2B) and n. Moreover, there is a proportionality between r2 (or n) and the comonomer (M2) “reactivity,” defined as the rate constant of M2 addition to the styrene radical. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1614–1621