bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anomalous electric‐field effect and glassy behaviour in granular aluminium: electron glass?
Authors: Grenet T. , Delahaye J. , Sabra M. , Gay F. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe briefly review our study of non‐equilibrium phenomena observed in the electrical conductance of insulating granular aluminium thin films at low temperature. In MOS like structures, with granular aluminium channels, an anomalous field effect and its slow relaxation have been studied in some detail, the phenomenology of which is very similar to the one also observed in indium oxide. The interpretation of the experimental findings is discussed. To date, in granular systems, the present experiments can qualitatively be interpreted along two different lines. One (the “extrinsic” scenario) relies on a slow polarisation in the dielectric surrounding the metallic islands. The other one is a purely electronic mechanism: the formation of an electron Coulomb glass in the granular met al. Some experimental facts seem difficult to reconcile with the extrinsic scenario, but more selective experiments and/or quantitative theoretical predictions are still needed to definitely distinguish between the two scenarii. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hopping parameters in densely packed submicron crystallites
Authors: Huijbregts L. J. , Brom H. B. , Brokken‐Zijp J. C. M. , Yuan M. , Michels M. A. J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe density of states g (E) in the hopping process in closely packed crystallites is expected to differ from g (E) within a single crystallite [Zhang and Shklovskii, Phys. Rev. B 70, 115317 (2004)]. Dielectric scans are well suited to quantify these differences. Here we illustrate the method by discussing the results on Phthalcon‐11, a cobalt phthalocyanine with submicron dimensions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simulation of double injection in a bulk heterojunction material using the Gaussian disorder model
Authors: Jansson F. , Österbacka R. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractCharge transport in a bulk heterojunction solar cell is simulated with a hopping model. Several charge carriers are simulated simultaneously, taking the Coulomb interaction between them and the recombination into account. The model is used to simulate a double injection experiment. Current transients are calculated for different applied voltages and for different recombination rates across the interface and compared to measured transients. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effective temperature for hopping transport in a Gaussian DOS
Authors: Jansson F. , Baranovskii S. D. , Sliaužys G. , Österbacka R. , Thomas P. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractFor hopping transport in disordered materials, the carrier mobility is strongly dependent on the temperature and electric field. For inorganic materials, with an exponential density of states (DOS), it has been shown earlier that both the energy distribution and the mobility of charge carriers can be described by an effective temperature T eff(T,E) dependent on the magnitude of the electric field E. We attempt to apply the same ideas to hopping transport in organic materials with a Gaussian DOS. Solving numerically the balance equation for the hopping model we show that both the energy distribution and the mobility of charge carriers can be well described by a fielddependent effective temperature. We also show that the concept of the effective temperature is applicable to description of experimental data on the carrier mobility obtained in RRa‐P3HT. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Can eTraining be beneficial means for training the staff in QA?
Authors: Constant Paul C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe question is raised as to whether the staff of a company needs to be trained in quality assurance, especially what is relative to one's responsibilities. The answer is inferred to be in the affirmative, and thus training in general is discussed. Questions to be asked before deciding on the type of training that should be undertaken as well as representative areas to be covered in the training are given. The emphasis is on eTraining, giving its advantages and disadvantages; how it can be ensured the staff will accept the training; the effectiveness of the training from business and staff development standpoints; whether eTraining will have a sustained educational effect; how difficult it is to develop a proper curriculum; what start up and continuous costs and what cost/benefit ratio can be expected. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing and implementing a comprehensive clinical QA audit program
Authors: Li Henry , Hawlk Susan , Hanna Kim , Klein Gerald , Petteway Steve 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe Clinical Quality Assurance (CQA) audit program is a key element of a Good Clinical Practice (GCP) quality system. The objective of a CQA audit program is to ensure that trial conduct and data quality meet protocol‐specified, GCP, and applicable regulatory requirements. Due to the increasing complexity of clinical trials and regulatory scrutiny, the components of a CQA audit program and the approaches taken towards designing and managing audits are constantly evolving. In this paper, we will focus on the strategies that are used to develop and implement a CQA audit program, including types of audits to be conducted and the quality approaches taken to manage and improve the CQA audit program. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accuracy of ultrasound to MR registration of the knee
Authors: Murtha PE , Watterson N , Nikou C , Jaramaz B 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundUltrasound‐based registration to 3D surfaces segmented from MR imaging is proposed as a non‐invasive alternative to point‐based registration for image‐guided surgery. By relying upon diagnostic MR imaging, the expense of additional CT imaging (and exposure to radiation) is avoided. The technique would enable navigation in arthroscopic and other minimally invasive procedures.MethodsOptically tracked registrations using point‐based and ultrasound‐based methods to MR and CT imaging volumes for two cadaveric specimens were acquired and analysed.ResultsThe average RMS distance between fiducials was 0.27 mm for CT and 0.72 mm for MR utilizing point‐based registration. The average RMS distance for ultrasound‐based registration to CT was 0.59 mm and 0.76 mm to MR. The RMS distance for fiducials co‐located in MR and CT imaging volumes was 0.74 mm. The end‐to‐end error of ultrasound registration to MR imaging was 2.98 mm, as compared to 1.65 mm for CT.ConclusionsUltrasound registration to MR imaging data is a viable non‐invasive alternative to point‐based registration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survismeter 3‐in‐1 for interfacial tension (IFT), surface tension and viscosity measurements simultaneously
Authors: Singh Man 
Published: January 2008

AbstractInterfacial tension (IFT) (γift, N m−1) of benzene‐water; and surface tensions (γ, N m−1) and viscosities (η, N s m−2) of solvents methanol, ethanol, glycerol, ethyl acetate, n‐hexane, diethyl ether, chloroform, benzene, carbon tetrachloride [CCl4], formic acid, Acetonitril, and dimethylformamide [DMF] were measured with Survismeter‐IFT. The ± 1.1 × 10−5 N m−1, ± 1.3 × 10−5 N m−1, and ± 1.1 × 10−5 N s m−2 deviations in respective values were noted. It has 10 times better accuracy than those of individual methods. The survismeter is inexpensive minimizing 2/3 each of consumables, human efforts, time, and infrastructure, cutting down 80% of the waste disposed the environment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Old ideas may still be new: a system identification approach to tanker freight modelling
Authors: Dikos George , Marcus Henry S. , Papadatos Martsin Panagiotis 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA system identification approach is used in order to model and identify the structural relationship between freight rates in the tanker industry and a set of exogenous inputs. Our motivation results from the limited data availability and the prohibitive theoretical complexity of economic models for the evaluation of managerial decisions and risk management. The combination of statistical analysis and economic insight leads to an innovative multidisciplinary approach for modelling competitive economic systems. We calibrate the model with real data from 1980–2002, achieve estimation and identification of the system and fully track the directional changes in freight rates. After conducting performance evaluation an innovative hybrid model is introduced and system performance is maximized both within and out‐of‐sample. Finally we discuss potential uses of this model for policy analysis, managerial investment decisions and risk management. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using ANT ideas in the managing of systemic action research
Authors: Lewis Paul 
Published: January 2008

AbstractLittle guidance has been given to the management of action research and this paper suggests that ideas from the actor‐network theory (ANT) may be helpful. Although ANT has been widely used as a tool for interpretation and description of the interplay of the social and technical aspects of organizations, this paper presents a different use of the ideas. It advocates a proactive use, to bring about changes in a situation rather than merely observing and describing that situation disinterestedly from the outside. The case is described of a long‐term action research study carried out within a corporate bank, where the ideas of ANT were employed in this way, as a device for understanding the turbulent social and political context of the research, to plan and manage the intervention process, and where ideas such as networks of interest, translation of interests and black boxes were used to practical effect. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Critical heuristics: a contribution to addressing the vexed question of so‐called knowledge management
Authors: Guo Zining , Sheffield James 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis study addresses a long‐standing and well‐recognized problem in Knowledge Management (KM) research, namely, that the KM research community is fragmented. Journeying across boundaries is hazardous because there is a lack of mutual understanding on conceptual, methodological and theoretical issues. The authors believe that researchers may make more robust claims to the validity of their work if they are aware of their own epistemic commitments and those of others. Consequently we address the problem of fragmentation by identifying heuristics for both individual choice (diversity) and collective coherence (integration) in KM research. We propose a framework for inquiry that supports diversity and integration through a synthesis of concepts from Churchman's inquiring systems and Habermas's critical social theory. The key architectural element in this framework is a three‐level structure comprised of Habermas's three knowledge interests (technical, practical and emancipatory). Framework development consists of describing how four other design elements (Habermas's three rationalities, Churchman's roles, knowledge dynamics, and research paradigms) relate to these three levels. Some initial suggestions are made for the practical use of the framework for the purpose of ethical inquiry. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined Major Hepatectomy and Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Locally Advanced Biliary Carcinoma: Long‐Term Results
Authors: Wakai Toshifumi , Shirai Yoshio , Tsuchiya Yoshiaki , Nomura Tatsuya , Akazawa Kouhei , Hatakeyama Katsuyoshi 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to define the role of combined major hepatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy in the surgical management of biliary carcinoma and to identify potential candidates for this aggressive procedure.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 28 patients who underwent a combined major hepatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 17) or gallbladder carcinoma (n = 11). Major hepatectomy was defined as hemihepatectomy or more extensive hepatectomy. Altogether, 11 patients underwent a Whipple procedure, and 17 had a pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. The median follow‐up time was 169 months.ResultsMorbidity and in‐hospital mortality were 82% and 21%, respectively. Overall cumulative survival rates after resection were 32% at 2 years and 11% at 5 years (median survival time 9 months). The median survival time was 6 months with a 2‐year survival rate of 0% in 11 patients with residual tumor, whereas the median survival time was 26 months with a 5‐year survival rate of 18% in 17 patients with no residual tumor (P = 0.0012). Residual tumor status was the only independent prognostic factor of significance (relative risk 4.65; P = 0.003). There were three 5‐year survivors (two with diffuse cholangiocarcinoma and one with gallbladder carcinoma with no bile duct involvement) among the patients with no residual tumor.ConclusionsCombined major hepatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy provides survival benefit for some patients with locally advanced biliary carcinoma only if potentially curative (R0) resection is feasible. Patients with diffuse cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma with no bile duct involvement are potential candidates for this aggressive procedure.
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy After Prior Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Morris Lilah , Ituarte Philip , Zarnegar Rasa , Duh Quan‐Yang , Ahmed Leaque , Lee James , Inabnet William , Meyer‐Rochow Goswin , Sidhu Stan , Sywak Mark , Yeh Michael 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundCompared with the open procedure, laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is associated with decreased operative time, perioperative complications, and hospital stay. Some regard prior abdominal surgery as a contraindication to LA or suggest a retroperitoneoscopic approach. We studied the effect of prior abdominal surgery on the feasibility and safety of transabdominal LA.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 246 consecutive LAs performed at four academic centers from 2002 to 2006. Cases were grouped according to prior abdominal surgery (PAS) (n = 92, 37%) or no prior surgery (NPS) (n = 154, 63%). Statistical power was greater than 0.90 to detect the following differences in endpoints: conversion 2%, operating time 22%, and complications 2%.ResultsMean tumor size was 3.3 cm, 8.1% of tumors were larger than 7 cm, and 20% were pheochromocytomas. Prior operations were upper abdominal (37%), lower abdominal (48%), or laparoscopic (15%). There were nine conversions (3.7%), one in the PAS group and eight in the NPS group (p = 0.14), with conversions related to large tumor size and pheochromocytoma (both p < 0.01). Operating time was 158 ± 59 min across groups. The subgroup with prior upper abdominal surgery had nonsignificantly longer operating times compared with the NPS group (183 vs. 165 min, p = 0.16). Operative blood loss was 67 ± 84 ml and the perioperative complication rate was 12.2%, with no differences between groups.ConclusionPrior abdominal surgery does not impede transabdominal LA. More than one‐third of patients requiring adrenalectomy will have had prior abdominal surgery, and these patients should not be denied the benefits of a laparoscopic procedure.
Interactive Genetic Counseling Role‐Play: A Novel Educational Strategy for Family Physicians
Authors: Blaine Sean M. , Carroll June C. , Rideout Andrea L. , Glendon Gord , Meschino Wendy , Shuman Cheryl , Telner Deanna , Van Iderstine Natasha , Permaul Joanne 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundFamily physicians (FPs) are increasingly involved in delivering genetic services. Familiarization with aspects of genetic counseling may enable FPs to help patients make informed choices.PurposeExploration of interactive role‐play as a means to raise FPs’ awareness of the process and content of genetic counseling.MethodsFPs attending two large Canadian family medicine conferences in 2005 were eligible—93 participated. FPs discussed a case during a one‐on‐one session with a genetic counselor. Evaluation involved pre and post intervention questionnairesResultsFPs’ baseline genetic knowledge was self‐rated as uniformly poor. Baseline confidence was highest in eliciting family history and providing psychosocial support and lowest in discussing risks/benefits of genetic testing and counseling process. Post‐intervention, 80% of FPs had better appreciation of family history and 97% indicated this was an effective learning experience.ConclusionsRole‐play with FPs is effective in raising awareness of the process and content of genetic counseling and may be applied to other health disciplines.
Reformation of casein particles from alkaline-disrupted casein micelles
Authors: Huppertz Thom , Vaia Betsy , Smiddy Mary A 
Published: January 2008

In this study, the properties of casein particles reformed from alkaline disrupted casein micelles were studied. For this purpose, micelles were disrupted completely by increasing milk pH to 10·0, and subsequently reformed by decreasing milk pH to 6·6. Reformed casein particles were smaller than native micelles and had a slightly lower zeta-potential. Levels of ionic and serum calcium, as well as rennet coagulation time did not differ between milk containing native micelles or reformed casein particles. Ethanol stability and heat stability, >pH 7·0, were lower for reformed casein particles than native micelles. Differences in heat stability, ethanol stability and zeta-potential can be explained in terms of the influence of increased concentrations of sodium and chloride ions in milk containing reformed casein particles. Hence, these results indicate that, if performed in a controlled manner, casein particles with properties closely similar to those of native micelles can be reformed from alkaline disrupted casein micelles.
Influence of oestrus on the heat stability and other characteristics of milk from dairy goats
Authors: Christodoulopoulos Georgios , Solomakos Nikolaos , Katsoulos Panagiotis D , Minas Anastasios , Kritas Spyridon K 
Published: January 2008

We examined the heat stability, somatic cell count (SCC), pH, fat, protein and lactose content of milk from goats during the oestrous period, in order to investigate evidence of possible oestrus effects on milk physical and chemical properties. Goats free from mammary infections were ranked on average SCC from three tests so that they could be stratified randomly in pairs to synchronized oestrus or left as unsynchronized non-oestrus controls. The synchronisation consisted of insertion of an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device for 17 d, and introduction of the bucks the day of the device removal (D0). The repeated measurements analysis of variance model included the fixed effects of the experimental group (oestrus or control) and day and the corresponding interaction and also the random effect of doe. Reduced milk-heat stability, increased SCC, increased protein content and reduced pH were found in the milk samples of the oestrus group on D1, 2 and 3. The fat and lactose content of the milk was not affected by oestrus. These data indicate that the milk of goats during the mating period has reduced heat stability and, therefore, that dilution into bulk tanks should be recommended to avoid clotting when milk is intended for high thermal treatment.
Ecstasy use and higher-level cognitive functions: weak effects of ecstasy after control for potential confounds
Authors: Bedi G. , Redman J. 
Published: January 2008

BackgroundAlthough there have been several reports linking ecstasy use with lowered cognitive function, much previous research suffers from substantial methodological limitations. The present study aimed to examine associations between ecstasy use and higher-level cognitive functions, using a larger sample size than most previous research and better controlling for a range of potential confounds.MethodA cross-sectional cohort design assessed 45 currently abstinent ecstasy polydrug users (EP), 48 cannabis polydrug users (CP) and 40 legal drug users (LD). Standardized neuropsychological tests were used to measure attention, verbal, visual and working memory and executive function. Prospective memory function was also assessed.ResultsIt was not possible to discriminate between groups on the basis of the cognitive functions assessed. Regression analyses showed an inverse association between lifetime dose of ecstasy and verbal memory performance. A combination of drug-use variables, including measures of ecstasy use, contributed to prediction of attention/working memory. However, individual associations were small, explaining 1–6% of variance in cognitive scores.ConclusionsAlthough the results suggest that heavy use of ecstasy is associated with some lowering of higher-level cognitive functions, they do not indicate a clinical picture of substantial cognitive dysfunction.
Suicide after bereavement: an overlooked problem
Authors: Ajdacic-Gross V. , Ring M. , Gadola E. , Lauber C. , Bopp M. , Gutzwiller F. , Rössler W. 
Published: January 2008

BackgroundTo examine the effect of time on suicide after bereavement among widowed persons.MethodThe data were extracted from Swiss mortality statistics for the period 1987–2005. The time between bereavement and subsequent death, specifically by suicide, was determined by linkage of individual records of married persons. The suicide rates and the standardized mortality ratios in the first week/month/year of widowhood were calculated based on person-year calculations.ResultsThe annualized suicide rates in widowed persons were highest in the first week after bereavement: 941 males and 207 females per 100 000. The corresponding standardized mortality ratios were approximately 34 and 19 respectively. In the first month(s) after bereavement, the rates and the ratios decreased, first rapidly, then gradually. Except in older widows, they did not reach the baseline levels during the first year after bereavement.ConclusionsThe suicide risk of widowed persons is increased in the days, weeks and months after bereavement. Widowed persons are a clear-cut risk group under the aegis of undertakers, priests and general practitioners.
Shared and unique risk factors between lifetime purging and objective binge eating: a twin study
Authors: Wade T. D. , Treloar S. , Martin N. G. 
Published: January 2008

BackgroundObjective binge eating (OBE) and self-induced vomiting (SIV) occur and co-occur across a range of eating disorders but the extent to which the risk factors for these two behaviours overlap is unclear. Examination of this overlap was the focus of the current report.MethodA population of female Australian twins (n=1002), mean age 35 years (s.d.=2.11, range 28–40), participated in three waves of data collection and were assessed for lifetime disordered eating with a semi-structured interview at wave 3 and a self-report questionnaire at wave 1; risk factors were assessed via self-report at waves 1 and 3.ResultsNon-shared environmental influences were the largest contributor to the variance of both OBE and SIV, with a more modest contribution of genetic influences. Between 5% and 14% of the environmental risk factors for OBE and SIV were shared and 27–100% of genetic risk factors were shared. SIV initiation was predicted by higher neuroticism and novelty seeking and lower maternal and paternal care, whilst lower levels of perceived paternal care, higher lifetime BMI, and a wider BMI range predicted OBE initiation. Retrospective correlates associated with both SIV and OBE onset were parental comments about weight, whilst higher levels of parental conflict, expectations and criticism was associated with OBE onset only.ConclusionsThe substantial extent of non-overlap between risk factors for SIV and OBE suggests that each of these behavioural disturbances warrants future investigation in its own right, not only when they occur in conjunction with each other.