bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐associated synapse elimination in mouse parasympathetic ganglia
Authors: Coggan Jay S. , Grutzendler Jaime , Bishop Derron L. , Cook Melissa R. , Gan Wenbiao , Heym Jason , Lichtman Jeff W. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractLittle is known about the effects of aging on synapses in the mammalian nervous system. We examined the innervation of individual mouse submandibular ganglion (SMG) neurons for evidence of age‐related changes in synapse efficacy and number. For approximately 85% of adult life expectancy (30 months) the efficacy of synaptic transmission, as determined by excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) amplitudes, remains constant. Similarly, the number of synapses contacting individual SMG neurons is also unchanged. After 30 months of age, however, some neurons (23%) dramatically lose synaptic input exhibiting both smaller EPSP amplitude and fewer synaptic boutons. Attenuation of both the amplitude and frequency of miniature EPSPs was also observed in neurons from aged animals. Electron micrographs revealed that, although there were many vesicle‐laden preganglionic axonal processes in the vicinity of the postsynaptic membrane, the number of synaptic contacts was significantly lower in old animals. These results demonstrate primary, age‐associated synapse elimination with functional consequences that cannot be explained by pre‐ or postsynaptic cell death. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 60: 214–226, 2004
Constitutive modelling and numerical simulation of multivariant phase transformation in superelastic shape‐memory alloys
Authors: Jung Youngjean , Papadopoulos Panayiotis , Ritchie R. O. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis work concerns the micromechanical constitutive modelling, algorithmic implementation and numerical simulation of polycrystalline superelastic alloys under multiaxial loading. The model is formulated in finite deformations and incorporates the effect of texture. The numerical implementation is based on the constrained minimization of the Helmholtz free energy with dissipation. Simulations are conducted for thin tubes of Nitinol under tension–torsion, as well as for a simplified model of a biomedical stent. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A return map algorithm for general isotropic elasto/visco‐plastic materials in principal space
Authors: Rosati Luciano , Valoroso Nunziante 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe describe a methodology for solving the constitutive problem and evaluating the consistent tangent operator for isotropic elasto/visco‐plastic models whose yield function incorporates the third stress invariant . The developments presented are based upon original results, proved in the paper, concerning the derivatives of eigenvalues and eigenprojectors of symmetric second‐order tensors with respect to the tensor itself and upon an original algebra of fourth‐order tensors obtained as second derivatives of isotropic scalar functions of a symmetric tensor argument . The analysis, initially referred to the small‐strain case, is then extended to a formulation for the large deformation regime; for both cases we provide a derivation of the consistent tangent tensor which shows the analogy between the two formulations and the close relationship with the tangent tensors of the Lagrangian description of large‐strain elastoplasticity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The study of organisational autonomy: a conceptual review
Authors: Verhoest Koen , Peters B. Guy , Bouckaert Geert , Verschuere Bram 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe argue that contemporary research on the influence of organisational autonomy on performance in public organisations uses a diverse and a too restrictive conceptualisation of autonomy. After discussing that research, the article develops six dimensions of the concept of autonomy in public organisations. Second, weaknesses of contemporary research are shown by confronting their conceptualisations with the developed taxonomy. Third, data from a survey of Flemish public organisations illuminate the need to acknowledge the six different dimensions of autonomy when studying the effect of autonomy on performance. The empirical material points at the dangers of using formal–legal status of a public organisation as an indicator of its autonomy, given substantial heterogeneity of organisations with the same formal–legal status on each dimension of autonomy. Moreover, tensions between different levels of autonomy appear in practice, indicating the need for a combined and integrated study of the effects of the different dimensions of autonomy on performance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Dumont Debora , Noben Jean‐Paul , Raus Jef , Stinissen Piet , Robben Johan 
Published: April 2004

AbstractMultiple sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Disease mechanisms in multiple sclerosis at the molecular level remain poorly understood and no reliable proteinaceous disease markers are available yet. The goal of the present study is the construction of a protein database of two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) separated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins from multiple sclerosis patients. By means of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry 65 different proteins were identified from 300 spots. Eighteen of these proteins have not been reported previously on 2‐DE gels of CSF. Here we report on the identification of these proteins and discuss their potential relation to multiple sclerosis.
Neck propagation in polyethylene
Authors: Crist Buckley , Metaxas Costas 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIntrinsic true stress–true strain response was evaluated at room temperature for three linear polyethylene samples deformed in conventional tensile tests. It was observed that high crystallinity is associated with a low rate of strain hardening that results in a sharp neck and a large drop in nominal stress. The maximum and minimum deformation loads are accounted for by Considère's analysis of neck initiation and stabilization, respectively. Following stabilization, neck propagation occurs at a load or nominal stress that is lower than the yield stress. The jump analysis of Ericksen and Hutchinson/Neale predicts steady state neck propagation stresses that are in very good (ca. 10%) agreement with experiment. Although the jump analysis is done in terms of uniaxial stress, the actual value of the propagation stress is established by the triaxial stress state in the neck shoulders. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2081–2091, 2004
Studies on n‐Butyl Nitroxyethylnitramine (n‐BuNENA): Synthesis, Characterization and Propellant Evaluations
Authors: Rao Kala P. C. , Sikder Aarun K. , Kulkarni Mahadev A. , Bhalerao Melind M. , Gandhe Balkrishna R. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe laboratory synthesis of the energetic plasticizer n‐buNENA was scaled up to one kg batch size and the compound was fully characterized by spectral data and elemental analysis. N‐buNENA was formulated with CMDB and EDB propellant compositions. The results showed an improvement in mechanical properties and burning rate over a wide range of pressure along with acceptable limits of hazard and thermal stability as compared to DEP based propellant systems.
Thermal Explosion of Powder Mixtures: Numerical Approach
Authors: Zanotti Claudio , Tacca Alessandra , Monagheddu Marzio , Bertolino Noemi , Giuliani Piero 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA numerical approach to investigate the heating and the ignition of powder mixtures by radiant energy is presented. The ignition study is based on the possibility of separating the initiation transient from the propagation process, by operating in thermal explosion mode.
Time‐Resolved Spectral Emission of Deflagrating Nano‐Al and Nano‐MoO3Metastable Interstitial Composites
Authors: Moore David S. , Son Steven F. , Asay Blaine W. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTime‐resolved emission experiments on deflagrating metastable interstitial composites of nano‐aluminum and nano‐molybdenum trioxide were performed. Early in the experiment (before disassembly of the sample) the temperature obtained by fitting to a Planckian gray body appears accurate to better than ±100 K (at 3200 K). Spectral features due to Al and AlO species were observed on top of an apparent thermal background. The intensity of the AlO emission was observed to change with the ratio Al/MoO3, with larger AlO intensities associated with faster wave propagation speeds. Absolute irradiance output from the compressed powder samples was found to exceed that from a tungsten filament at the same apparent temperature.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and disease free survival after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Williams Heinric , Powell Isaac J. , Land Susan J. , Sakr Wael A. , Hughes Mark R. , Patel Nimesh P. , Heilbrun Lance K. , Everson Richard B. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDVitamin D has been linked with prostate cancer risk in epidemiologic studies and has antiproliferative, prodifferentiation, and antimetastatic properties in experimental systems. Its hormonal activity is mediated by the vitamin D receptor. We investigated whether germ‐line genetic variation in the vitamin D receptor impacts progression of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.METHODSWe analyzed BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms using archived specimens from a large series of radical prostatectomy patients at a single institution. Our series included 428 white men (WM) and 310 African–American men (AAM) who were carefully and uniformly staged and followed for 5–10 years.RESULTSThe distribution of polymorphisms varied between WM and AAM. There was little association between genotype and extent of disease at diagnosis, Gleason score, preoperative PSA, or recurrence overall. Among WM with locally advanced disease, however, the BsmI B allele protected against recurrence in models examining gene dose (P = 0.04) and dominant effects (P = 0.05).CONCLUSIONSOverall vitamin D receptor polymorphisms did not predict pathologic features of prostate cancer but may impact on risk of recurrence among men in certain risk groups. Analysis of polymorphisms may provide clues about the mechanisms through which vitamin D exerts its inhibitory effects on prostate cancer in vivo in men. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HPC2/ELAC2 polymorphism associated with Japanese sporadic prostate cancer
Authors: Yokomizo Akira , Koga Hirofumi , Kinukawa Naoko , Tsukamoto Taiji , Hirao Yoshihiko , Akaza Hideyuki , Mori Mitsuru , Naito Seiji 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDHPC2/ELAC2 gene was identified by linkage analysis from familial prostate cancer (Pca) patients in USA. To determine the association of HPC2/ELAC2 gene with Japanese sporadic Pca, we performed a case‐control study focused on two missense polymorphisms.METHODSWe genotyped the two polymorphic sites of Ser217Leu and Ala541Thr in sporadic Japanese Pca patients (n = 285) and matched controls (n = 233). Controls were unrelated Japanese outpatients who had no history of any cancer and normal PSA level (less than 4.0 ng/ml). Statistical analyses were performed by Mann–Whitney's U‐test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analysis.RESULTSWe observed a significantly higher frequency of the Thr allele at 541 polymorphic site in Pca patients (8.4%) compared to the control group (2.1%) (P = 0.0030, Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.02, 95% CI = 1.50–10.8). However, this SNP does not correlate with clinical stage, PSA level, Gleason score of biopsies or age at diagnosis. No association was identified at Ser217Leu polymorphic site.CONCLUSIONSOur results indicate that Thr allele at 541 in HPC2/ELAC2 has strong significance in the predisposition of sporadic Pca in Japan. This polymorphism can be useful to predict the personal Pca risk, which lead the effective screening of Pca. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conditions and possible mechanism of condensation of e–h pairs in bulk GaAs at room temperature
Authors: Vasil'ev Peter P. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis issue's Editor's Choice [1] discusses a mechanism of formation of a coherent BCS‐like state in GaAs. The topic of Bose condensation of excitons has been one of the most fascinating fields of condensed matter physics during recent years.As shown in the cover picture, bound electron–hole pairs in a highly degenerate semiconductor are squeezed between the band gap and the occupied subband where they are not destroyed and dephased by collisions. The occupied subband shrinks while the number of free electrons decreases when they gradually condense into the bosonic ensemble. The process of formation of the bosonic subsystem stops self‐consistently when the relaxation and destruction of bosons into components becomes possible again.The author Peter P. Vasil'ev is a Leading Research Fellow at the Quantum Radiophysics Department of the PN Lebedev Physical Institute. His main fields of research are the generation of ultrashort pulses, their interaction with semiconductors, and condensation phenomena in semiconductors.
Attitudes concerning involuntary treatment of mania: results of a survey within self-help organizations
Authors: Borgeat François. , Zullino Daniele 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurposeThe objective of the study was to determine the level of involuntary treatment that mood disorder patients and their families wish in the event of a manic or hypomanic episode.MethodA survey was conducted within two self-help organizations during two conventions gathering over 500 patients, along with families and caregivers. A clinical vignette depicting an uncollaborative hypomanic patient beginning to endanger his professional and financial situation and to put undue stress upon his family was presented and followed by an eight-item questionnaire. The level of coercive treatment seen as appropriate was measured by visual analogue scales.ResultsThe 503 respondents disagreed partially with the statement that the patient should decide by himself about his hospitalization and partially favored some involuntary treatment over treatment refusal. There was no difference between patients, relatives and caregivers related to acceptance of coercive hospitalization and treatment. Respondents assigned a major role to treating teams and family members in decisions for coercive treatment.ConclusionMost respondents (including a majority of patients) support a moderate degree of coercive treatment in the event of a hypomanic or manic state. Surveys of opinions from concerned people could influence, practice, legislation and possibly advance directives that could be written by patients or patients organizations.
Pathways to psychiatric care and reform of the public health care system in Poland
Authors: Pawłowski T. , Kiejna A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjectiveSince 01.01.1999 a reform of the health care system in Poland has been realised based on the general health insurance act. We attempt to use the pathway method, especially measuring of time intervals along pathways, as a way of making accessibility to mental health services operational.MethodIn a period of 2 months all patients aged 15 and over who had not sought care from any public or private psychiatric service during the previous 365 days, were interviewed by psychiatrists, using the Polish version of the WHO Encounter Form.ResultsA total of 228 patients were seen. The study reveals that the median interval between first seeing a primary care giver and arrival at a mental health service was 12 weeks, which is much longer than all other European centres in previous studies.ConclusionMaking use of the pathway method and, in particular, median interval analysis between the onset of the mental health problem and seeing mental health professionals (MHPs) has shown practically limited access of patients, with a new episode of care to psychiatric services in both epidemiological catchment areas. This method seems to be a simple and inexpensive way of monitoring the accessibility to MHP in the period of health care reform.
Psychiatric morbidity, disability and service use amongst primary care attenders in France
Authors: Norton J. , de Roquefeuil G. , Benjamins A. , Boulenger J.-P. , Mann A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAttenders (n = 124, response rate 84%) of five GPs in Montpellier completed questionnaires on health (reason for visit, cause of problem, GHQ-12), disability (WHODAS II) and service use (CSRI). For each patient, the GP filled in a brief form including a rating of severity of physical and psychological illness. Overall 30.6% of patients were classified as GHQ cases indicating probable non-psychotic psychiatric morbidity and 58.9% were rated as having a physical illness by the GP. Patients with psychiatric morbidity showed as high levels of disability as those with a physical illness, with however a greater number of domains of life affected. They also had a greatly increased number of disability days and used services to a greater extent than those without psychiatric morbidity, these links being stronger than with physical illness. Use of the WHODAS II and the CSRI has not been previously reported in France. This study shows that they could be useful instruments for depicting disability and service use in general practice. The findings from this initial study indicate the need for greater research in primary care focusing on accurate detection and treatment of patients so that disability and excess service use associated with psychiatric morbidity might be reduced.
Relationships between operational practices and performance among early adopters of green supply chain management practices in Chinese manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Zhu Qinghua , Sarkis Joseph 
Published: April 2004

AbstractGlobalization results in both pressure and drivers for Chinese enterprises to improve their environmental performance. As a developing country, China has to balance economic and environmental performance. Green supply chain management (GSCM) is emerging to be an important approach for Chinese enterprises to improve performance, possibly on both these dimensions. Using empirical results from 186 respondents on GSCM practice in Chinese manufacturing enterprises, we examine the relationships between GSCM practice and environmental and economic performance. Using moderated hierarchical regression analysis, we evaluate the general relationships between specific GSCM practices and performance. We then investigate how two primary types of management operations philosophies, quality management and just‐in‐time (or lean) manufacturing principles, influence the relationship between GSCM practices and performance. Significant findings were determined for a number of relationships. Managerial implications are also identified.
SCHEDULING IN A QUEUING SYSTEM WITH ASYNCHRONOUSLY VARYING SERVICE
RATES
Authors: Andrews Matthew , Kumaran Krishnan , Ramanan Kavita , Stolyar Alexander , Vijayakumar Rajiv , Whiting Phil 
Published: April 2004

We consider the following queuing system which arises as a model of a
wireless link shared by multiple users. There is a finite number
N of input flows served by a server. The system operates in
discrete time t = 0,1,2,…. Each input flow can be
described as an irreducible countable Markov chain; waiting customers
of each flow are placed in a queue. The sequence of server states
m(t), t = 0,1,2,…, is a Markov chain with
finite number of states M. When the server is in state
m, it can serve
μim customers of flow
i (in one time slot).The scheduling discipline is a
rule that in each time slot chooses the flow to serve based on the
server state and the state of the queues. Our main result is that a
simple online scheduling discipline, Modified Largest Weighted Delay
First, along with its generalizations, is throughput optimal;
namely, it ensures that the queues are stable as long as the vector of
average arrival rates is within the system maximum stability region.
Customer Learning Processes, Strategy Selection, and Performance in Business‐to‐Business Service Firms*
Authors: Zahay Debra , Griffin Abbie 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACTLearning about customers takes place through relevant dialogues with those customers, also known as customer relationship management (CRM). As relationships develop, information about the customer is gathered in the firm's customer information systems (CIS): the content, processes, and assets associated with gathering and moving customer information throughout the firm. This research develops a measure of CIS management capabilities based on learning organization theory and measured by the ability to get, store, move, and use information throughout the business unit. This measure is then used to analyze customer learning processes and associated performance in the context of marketing strategic decision making.This study of 209 business services firms finds that generic marketing strategy positioning (low‐cost and differentiation) and the marketing tactics of personalization and customization are related to CIS development. Customer information systems development in turn is associated with higher levels of customer‐based performance, which in turn is associated with increased business growth.Since the strongest association with customer‐based performance is strategy selection, the long‐term benefits of the knowledge gained from the CIS may be in the ability to assist in measuring customer‐based performance, rather than in the ability to immediately contribute to performance. Finally, for these firms, customization and personalization are not directly associated with performance and thus may not be necessary to support every firm's marketing strategy.
Measuring Modularity‐Based Manufacturing Practices and Their Impact on Mass Customization Capability: A Customer‐Driven Perspective
Authors: Tu Qiang , Vonderembse Mark A. , Ragu‐Nathan T. S. , Ragu‐Nathan Bhanu 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACTAs uncertainty in markets and technology intensifies, more companies are adopting modular product and process architectures to cope with increasing demands for individually customized products. Modularity‐based manufacturing is the application of unit standardization or substitution principles to create modular components and processes that can be configured into a wide range of end products to meet specific customer needs. This study defines modularity‐based manufacturing practices (MBMP), develops a valid and reliable instrument to measure MBMP, builds a framework that relates customer closeness, MBMP, and mass customization capability, and tests structural relationships within this framework using LISREL. Based on 303 responses from members of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, statistically significant and positive relationships were found among customer closeness, modularity‐based manufacturing practices, and mass customization capability. Managerial implications of the empirical findings of this study and future research directions are also discussed.