bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The structure and tribological properties of aluminum/carbon nanocomposite thin films synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Zhou Shengguo , Wang Liping , Xue Qunji 
Published: September 2010

AbstractHydrogenated nanocomposite aluminum/carbon thin films (Al/a‐C:H) were fabricated on stainless steel and silicon wafer substrates via unbalanced reactive magnetron sputtering from an Al target in CH4/Ar plasma. The composition and structure of Al/a‐C:H films were investigated by high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), XPS and micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Nanoindenter, interferometer and ball‐on‐disc tribometer were carried out to evaluate the hardness, internal stress and tribological properties of Al/a‐C:H films. HRTEM observations confirmed that the metallic Al nanocrystallites were uniformly dispersed in the amorphous carbon matrix. XPS and Raman analyses indicated that the sp2 content increased with the increase of Al content in the films. Nanoindenter and interferometer tests exhibited that the uniform incorporation of Al nanocrystallites can diminish drastically the magnitude of internal stress with maintaining the higher hardness of as‐deposited films. Especially, the ball‐on‐disc tribometer measurements revealed that the nanocomposite film with 2.3 at.% Al content exhibited relatively better wear resistance and self‐lubrication performance with a friction coefficient of 0.06 and wear rate of 3.1 × 10−16 m3/ N·m under ambient air, which can be attributed to the relatively higher hardness, the formation of continuous graphitized transfer film on counterface and the reduced reaction of oxygen with carbon. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐step electrodeposition of amorphous carbon films containing WO3 with high conductivity and good wettability
Authors: Huang Deming , Wan Shanhong , Wang Liping , Xue Qunji 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTungsten trioxide‐incorporated hydrogenated amorphous carbon (WO3/a‐C:H) films have been fabricated on a single‐crystal silicon wafer by liquid phase electrodeposition using methanol as carbon source and tungsten carbonyl as incorporated reagent. The morphology, composition and structure of the films have been investigated by SEM, XPS, Raman scattering spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM), respectively. The effects of WO3 incorporation on the electrical and wetting properties were studied in detail. The characterization results showed that tungsten trioxide nanocrystalline particles with diameters in the range of 10–20 nm were homogenously embedded in the amorphous carbon films. Also, the electrical conductivity and wetting ability of the films were strongly improved due to the contribution of the tungsten trioxide. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oil Microsealing: A Robust Micro‐compartmentalization Method for On‐Chip Chemical and Biological Assays
Authors: Yamada Ayako , Barbaud Fanny , Cinque Lucia , Wang Li , Zeng Qian , Chen Yong , Baigl Damien 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA simple and robust method to compartmentalize aqueous solutions into an array of independent microchambers is presented. The array of microchambers fabricated in poly(dimethylsiloxane) are filled with the sample solution through a microfluidic channel and then sealed with oil to isolate the microchambers from each other. A water reservoir close to the microchambers allows the maintainance and incubation of sub‐nanoliter solutions (e.g., at 37 °C) within the chambers for hours without any problem of evaporation. Once assembled, the device is self‐sustainable and can be used for different application purposes. As a demonstration, the device configuration is shown to be suitable for spatiotemporal control of the inner solution conditions by light stimulation through a photomask. This method was applied for the generation of regular EmGFP (emerald green fluorescent protein) expression arrays, selective photobleaching, photopatterning of calcium concentration, and cell culture in independent microchambers.
An information systems design product theory for the class of integrated requirements and release management systems
Authors: Käkölä Timo , Koivulahti‐Ojala Mervi , Liimatainen Jani 
Published: September 2010

AbstractHigh‐tech companies conducting product development need to collect and analyze requirements effectively, plan and implement releases, and allocate requirements to appropriate releases. Requirements and release management are complicated because development activities typically are scattered across multiple sites, involve multiple partners in different countries, leverage various development methods and tools, and are realized through various organizational arrangements such as release projects in organizations structured around products and permanent release teams in organizations responsible for the long‐term development and maintenance of strategic software and hardware assets. Flexible, scalable, and secure groupware‐based support for the activities provides substantial payoffs. Yet, the extant literature provides little theoretical guidance for designing and using requirements and release management systems (RRMS) in multi‐site, multi‐partner environments. This article develops the meta‐requirements and a meta‐design of an Information Systems Design Product Theory for the class of RRMS based on a case study in a global company and a literature review. The theory is scalable to meet the needs of global companies but simple enough so that small and medium‐sized companies can also leverage it to implement requirements and release management solutions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Business process modeling with continuous validation
Authors: Kühne Stefan , Kern Heiko , Gruhn Volker , Laue Ralf 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn this article, we present the prototype of a modeling tool that applies graph‐based rules for identifying problems in business process models. The advantage of our approach is twofold. First, it is unnecessary to compute the complete state space of the model to find errors. Second, our technique can even be applied to incomplete business process models. Thus, the modeler can be supported by direct feedback during the model construction. This feedback not only reports problems, but also identifies their reasons and gives suggestions for improvement. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of algorithms for predicting drug–drug interactions via inhibition mechanisms: comparison of dynamic and static models
Authors: Guest Eleanor J. , Rowland‐Yeo Karen , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Tucker Geoffrey T. , Houston J. Brian , Galetin Aleksandra 
Published: September 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• The prediction of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) fromin vitrodata usually utilizes an average dosing interval estimate of inhibitor concentration in an equation‐basedstatic model.• Simcyp®, a population‐based ADME simulator, is becoming widely used for the prediction of DDIs and has the ability to incorporate the time‐course of inhibitor concentration and hence generate a temporal profile of the inhibition process within adynamic model.WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS• Prediction of DDIs for 35 clinical studies incorporating a representative range of drug–drug interactions, with multiple studies across different inhibitors and victim drugs.• Assessment of whether the inclusion of the time course of inhibition in the dynamic model improves prediction in comparison with the static model.• Investigation of the impact of different inhibitor and victim drug parameters on DDI prediction accuracy including dosing time and the inclusion of active metabolites. Assessment of ability of the dynamic model to predict inter‐individual variability in the DDI magnitude.AIMSStatic and dynamic models (incorporating the time course of the inhibitor) were assessed for their ability to predict drug–drug interactions (DDIs) using a population‐based ADME simulator (Simcyp®V8). The impact of active metabolites, dosing time and the ability to predict inter‐individual variability in DDI magnitude were investigated using the dynamic model.METHODSThirty‐fivein vivoDDIs involving azole inhibitors and benzodiazepines were predicted using the static and dynamic model; both models were employed within Simcyp for consistency in parameters. Simulations comprised of 10 trials with matching population demographics and dosage regimen to thein vivostudies. Predictive utility of the static and dynamic model was assessed relative to the inhibitor or victim drug investigated.RESULTSUse of the dynamic and static models resulted in comparable prediction success, with 71 and 77% of DDIs predicted within two‐fold, respectively. Over 40% of strong DDIs (>five‐fold AUC increase) were under‐predicted by both models. Incorporation of the itraconazole metabolite into the dynamic model resulted in increased prediction accuracy of strong DDIs (80% within two‐fold). Bias and imprecision in prediction of triazolam DDIs were higher in comparison with midazolam and alprazolam; >50% of triazolam DDIs were under‐predicted regardless of the model used. Predicted inter‐individual variability in the AUC ratio (coefficient of variation of 45%) was consistent with the observed variability (50%).CONCLUSIONSHigh prediction accuracy was observed using both the Simcyp dynamic and static models. The differences observed with the dose staggering and the incorporation of active metabolite highlight the importance of these variables in DDI prediction.
Variation in the contents of crude protein fractions of different forage legumes during the spring growth
Authors: Kirchhof S. , Eisner I. , Gierus M. , Südekum K.‐H. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe pattern of crude protein (CP) fractions with advancing maturity during a primary spring growth of forage legumes was investigated on freeze‐dried samples of fresh forage using the method of chemical CP fractionation according to the ‘Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System’ (CNCPS). The CP of white clover (WC), red clover (RC), lucerne (LU), birdsfoot trefoil (BT) and Kura clover (KC) was separated into five fractions (A, B1, B2, B3 and C), which are assumed to have different rates and extents of ruminal degradation. Ruminally undegraded dietary CP (RUP) was predicted on the basis of the CP fractions using regression equations that were developed for fresh forage assuming ruminal passage rates of 2, 5 and 8% h−1 (RUP2,5,8). Maturity stage did not affect the soluble CP fractions of the legumes but increased fraction B3 in RC and WC and fraction C of all forages except WC. The estimated RUP values of the legumes increased with advancing maturity. The mean values for RUP5 across all harvest dates for WC, RC, LU, BT and KU were 154, 271, 226, 287 and 212 g kg−1 CP respectively. BT and RC had the highest amount of RUP across all harvest dates and passage rates (159–372 and 134–324 g kg−1 CP respectively). This observation may be related to the advanced stage of vegetation of both species at the harvest dates compared with the other legumes and to condensed tannins in BT and to products of polyphenol oxidase activity in RC.
Morphological Characteristics of the Canine and Feline Stomach Mucosa
Authors: Zahariev P. , Sapundzhiev E. , Pupaki D. , Rashev P. , Palov A. , Todorov T. 
Published: September 2010

With 2 figures and 1 tableSummaryThe stomach mucosa structure in animals belonging to Order Carnivora indicates some specific characteristics in comparison with the other mammals. Between the bases of the mucosal glands and the lamina muscularis mucosae there is an additional plate which most of the morphologists have defined as lamina subglandularis. In currently used Nomina histologica this layer is indicated as stratum compactum in carnivorous stomach mucosa. The investigation aims were to study and compare canine and feline stomach tunica mucosa characteristics as well as to measure the thickness of stratum compactum and to specify some of the certain collagen types and fibronectin compounds. Conventional and differential histological and ultrastructural methods and immuno‐histochemical approaches for investigation of the canine and feline stomach samples were used. The specific organization of the carnivorous stomach wall arrangement was established. In the structure of the canine stomach mucosa, no evidence of stratum compactum was observed. The presence of stratum compactum in feline stomach mucosa was ascertained and measured. Using an immunohistochemical method very high expression of collagen type IV and fibronectin, moderate positive reaction of collagen type III, and a comparatively weakest expression of collagen types I and V in the structure of stratum compactum from cat stomach mucosa was shown. The obtained results clarify the characteristics of the stomach mucosa morphology and could be used as a basis for distinguishing the stomach wall structure of the animal species belonging to Canidae and Felidae families although they are both carnivores.
Pet ownership and adolescent health: Cross‐sectional population study
Authors: Mathers Megan , Canterford Louise , Olds Tim , Waters Elizabeth , Wake Melissa 
Published: September 2010

Objective: To determine whether adolescent health and well‐being are associated with having a pet in the household (any pet, or specifically dogs, cats or horses/ponies) or average daily time spent caring for/playing with pet(s).Methods: Design, setting and participants– Cross‐sectional data from the third wave of the Health of Young Victorians Study (HOYVS), a school‐based population study in Victoria, Australia.Predictors– Adolescent‐reported pet ownership and average daily time spent caring for/playing with pet(s).Outcomes –Self‐reported quality of life (KIDSCREEN); average 4‐day daily physical activity level from a computerised diary; parent‐proxy and self‐reported physical and psychosocial health status (PedsQL); measured BMI status (not overweight, overweight, obese) and blood pressure.Statistical Analysis– Regression methods, adjusted for socio‐demographic factors, and non‐parametric methods.Results: Household pet data were available for 928 adolescents (466 boys; mean age of 15.9 (SD 1.2) years). Most adolescents (88.7%) reported having a pet in their household. Of these, 75.1% reported no activity involving pets over the surveyed days. It appeared that neither owning a pet nor time spent caring for/playing with a pet was related, positively or negatively, to adolescent health or well‐being.Conclusions: Despite high rates of pet ownership, adolescents had little interaction with pets. It appears that owning a pet and time spent caring for/playing with a pet was not clearly associated with adolescents' health or well‐being.
Systematic review of systemic antibiotic treatment for children with chronic and sub‐acute pyogenic osteomyelitis
Authors: Howard‐Jones Annaleise R , Isaacs David 
Published: September 2010

Background:  There is a lack of consensus on the most appropriate antibiotics to treat children with chronic or sub‐acute pyogenic bacterial osteomyelitis and on the optimal duration of antibiotic therapy.Aim:  To review the published evidence on the duration of antibiotic therapy and outcomes in children with chronic and sub‐acute pyogenic bacterial osteomyelitis.Methods:  Systematic review of the literature.Results:  We found no randomised controlled trials comparing different antibiotic regimens or comparing duration of antibiotic treatment for chronic or sub‐acute osteomyelitis in children. We found 14 observational case series published between 1973 and 2008. Most children with chronic osteomyelitis received 4–6 weeks of parenteral antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics to a total duration of 3–6 months. Small observational studies suggest that a shorter duration of parenteral and oral antibiotics may be equally effective.Conclusion:  There is no high level evidence on the optimal duration of parenteral and oral antibiotics for children with chronic or sub‐acute osteomyelitis. A large randomised controlled trial is needed comparing short course parenteral and oral antibiotics with longer antibiotic duration.
Driveway runover, the influence of the built environment: A case control study
Authors: Shepherd Michael , Austin Patricia , Chambers Julie 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Driveway runover injuries are a frequent cause of paediatric mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Driveway runovers occur as a result of an interaction between human factors (child and driver), vehicle factors (visibility) and environmental factors (driveway design and surroundings). This study investigates the environmental factors involved in these injuries.Methods:  Case control study, Auckland, New Zealand. Cases were the properties where paediatric driveway injuries (age < 7 years) requiring hospital admission had occurred. Control properties were selected from the addresses of children presenting to the emergency department with a non‐driveway injury. Blinded assessment of properties was completed using satellite images, site visits and searches of council records.Results:  Analysis was completed on 88 case properties and 181 controls. The risk of injury was increased by a driveway length greater than 12m (OR = 1.8, 95%CI = 1.1–3.0), exiting the driveway onto a local road (OR = 5.5, 95%CI = 2.7–11.2) and the driveway exiting onto a cul‐de‐sac (OR = 2.3, 95%CI = 1.4–3.9). The risk of driveway injury was increased when more parking areas were on the property (accessed from the driveway) (OR = 3.0, 95%CI = 1.6–5.4) and when the driveway runs along the property boundary (OR = 2.9, 95%CI = 1.6–5.2). A separate pedestrian pathway on the property was associated with a lower risk of injury (OR = 0.4, 95%CI = 0.2–0.9).Conclusions:  A number of built environment features contribute to driveway runover injuries. This information should be used by those within the design and building community to reduce the risk of further driveway runover injury.
Gamma‐protocadherins are enriched and transported in specialized vesicles associated with the secretory pathway in neurons
Authors: Fernández‐Monreal Mónica , Oung Twethida , Hanson Hugo H. , O’Leary Robert , Janssen William G. , Dolios Georgia , Wang Rong , Phillips Greg R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractGamma protocadherins (Pcdh‐γs) resemble classical cadherins and have the potential to engage in cell–cell interactions with homophilic properties. Emerging evidence suggests non‐conventional roles for some protocadherins in neural development. We sought to determine whether Pcdh‐γ trafficking in neurons is consistent with an intracellular role for these molecules. Here we show that, in contrast to the largely surface localization of classical cadherins, endogenous Pcdh‐γs are primarily intracellular in rat neurons in vivo and are equally distributed within organelles of subsynaptic dendritic and axonal compartments. A strikingly higher proportion of Pcdh‐γ‐containing organelles in synaptic compartments was observed at postnatal day 16. To determine the origin of Pcdh‐γ‐trafficking organelles, we isolated organelles with Pcdh‐γ antibody‐coupled magnetic beads from brain organelle suspensions. Vesicles with high levels of COPII and endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) components were isolated with the Pcdh‐γ antibody but not with the classical cadherin antibody. In cultured hippocampal neurons, Pcdh‐γ immunolabeling partially overlapped with calnexin‐ and COPII‐positive puncta in dendrites. Mobile Pcdh‐γ‐GFP profiles dynamically codistributed with a DsRed construct coupled to ER retention signals by live imaging. Pcdh‐γ expression correlated with accumulations of tubulovesicular and ER‐like organelles in dendrites. Our results are consistent with the possibility that Pcdh‐γs could have a unique function within the secretory pathway in addition to their documented surface roles.
Reconstruction of late‐onset transplant ureteral stricture disease
Authors: Helfand Brian T. , Newman Jessica P. , Mongiu Anne K. , Modi Parth , Meeks Joshua J. , Gonzalez Christopher M. 
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Most of the published literature reporting on ureteral obstruction after renal transplantation details the outcomes of management when performed within a few months post‐transplantation. The present study attempts to document the management and outcomes of patients who develop delayed ureteral strictures after renal transplant.OBJECTIVE• To describe our experience with surgical management of transplant ureteral strictures over a 6‐year period.PATIENTS AND METHODS• The present study identified patients who underwent open reconstruction for transplant ureteral strictures between March 2002 and May 2008 after kidney or kidney–pancreas transplantation.• Baseline clinical characteristics were documented, including age at transplantation and reconstruction, serum creatinine levels, immunosuppressive drug regimen, and comorbidities.• Postoperative complications were noted, including urinary tract infections, stricture recurrence and graft failure.• Successful reconstructions were defined as stable allograft function with unobstructed outflow not requiring repeat dilation, ureterotomy or stent placement.RESULTS• Median age at the time of reconstruction was 51 years and the mean time from transplantation was 62 months.• Seven of the 13 patients had failed previous balloon dilation.• The patients were followed for a median of 41 months and a successful repair was achieved in 10 of 13 patients.• Ureteral strictures recurred in two patients who received ureteroneocystostomies, which were subsequently managed with chronic stent exchanges.• Another recurrence involved a 1.5‐cm anastomotic stricture 6 months postoperatively, which was balloon‐dilated and has remained recurrence‐free for 16 months.CONCLUSIONS• Patients who present >6 months after renal transplantation with ureteral strictures that are recalcitrant to endoscopic management can safely undergo open surgical ureteral reconstruction without subsequent renal or graft failure.• Further investigation involving a larger patient cohort is required to confirm these initial results.
Comparison of lymph node yield in robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy with that in open radical retropubic prostatectomy
Authors: Lallas Costas D. , Pe Mark L. , Thumar Adeep B. , Chandrasekar Thenappan , Lee Franklin C. , McCue Peter , Gomella Leonard G. , Trabulsi Edouard J. 
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVE• To investigate both the feasibility and the adequacy of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) by comparing lymph node yields obtained during RALP with those obtained during traditional open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP).PATIENTS AND METHODS• We retrospectively reviewed 1047 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2001 and 2009.• In all, 626 patients underwent RALP while 421 patients had traditional open RRP. All patients undergoing bilateral PLND were included in our analysis.• Lymph node yields and lymph node involvement for each surgical approach were calculated and examined.• PLND‐related complications were analysed.RESULTS• Of the 1047 patients, 816 patients underwent bilateral PLND of whom 473 underwent RALP, while 343 underwent RRP. The mean lymph node yields for the RALP cohort (7.1, interquartile range 4–10) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than for the RRP cohort (6.0, interquartile range 3–8).• The percentage of patients with nodal involvement was 1.1 for RALP and 2.3 for RRP (P= 0.167).• Mean age, preoperative PSA values, and pre‐ and postoperative Gleason scores were similar between the two cohorts.• PLND‐related complications were similar between both cohorts.CONCLUSIONS• In patients undergoing RALP, PLND is feasible and provides lymph node yields comparable with those of the standard open approach.• PLND should be strongly considered in all radical prostatectomy patients when clinically indicated, regardless of surgical technique.