bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting supplier quality performance
Authors: Forker L.B. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThe interest among practitioners and researchers in quality management and other factors that may affect quality performance reflects the understanding that a firm's output (i.e., performance) can be only as good as the quality of its inputs. However, studies of the quality management‐quality performance relationship have led to mixed results regarding the existence of a positive correlation between the two. The results of a survey of 348 aerospace component manufacturers are examined here to provide new insights into factors that affect supplier quality performance. In this study, the inconsistent association between practice and performance is accounted for by considering the process view of quality management. Process management links quality management with process optimization to address both effectiveness and efficiency concerns. Performance is also affected by transaction‐specific investments (asset specificity) in the buyer/supplier relationship that lead to poorer component quality and higher transaction costs. Asset specificity and organizational efficiency at implementing Total Quality Management hold great promise for resolving the mixed practice‐performance findings in the quality management literature.
Assessing the impact of JIT using economic theory
Authors: Brox James A. , Fader Christina 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThis paper combines ideas that are well founded in the production and inventory management literature, with analytical approaches that have been long established in the economic theory literature, to reveal and explore production‐function characteristic differences between JIT producers and non‐JIT producers among electronic firms in Ontario, Canada. The methodology employed is the estimation of the CES‐TL total cost system. Our primary conclusion is that JIT firms are more cost‐efficient and appear to be distinct from the non‐JIT group. This conclusion is supported by: (1) the fact that, in most cases, the elasticities calculated from the two groups of firms are significantly different; (2) the fact that the cost elasticity with respect to output is lower for the JIT firms than for the non‐JIT firms, indicating that the former are better able to capture economies of scale and density; (3) the difference between the elasticities of factor productivity, with respect to output changes, shows the JIT firms as being more labor‐ and materials‐saving than the non‐JIT firms.
A review and classification of empirical research in operations management
Authors: Scudder Gary D. , Hill Craig A. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThe progress in the use of empirical research methods has been a topic of interest in the Operations Management (OM) area for the last 15 years. It is considered desirable to accompany traditional OM research, which develops and tests theories using mathematics, modelling, and simulation, with research that makes use of empirical data. The use of empirical research helps support the understanding of OM practices within industry. This paper expands and updates previous literature review studies dealing with empirical research in OM. The journal publications reviewed for this paper were published in the years 1986 to 1995. This is a review of the articles published in thirteen journals that are traditional outlets for OM research. These articles are classified and the results of these classifications presented. There has been an increase in the amount of published articles that make use of empirical research methods in the OM area, both in number and as a percentage of the total number of articles published in these journals.
Dimensions of manufacturing strength in the furniture industry
Authors: Vickery Shawnee K. , Dröge Cornelia , Markland Robert E. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThis paper explores dimensions of manufacturing competitive strength in the furniture industry. A theoretically relevant set of manufacturing competitive priorities is identified from the operations literature and factor analyzed to determine the core dimensions of manufacturing performance. Relationships between these core dimensions of manufacturing strength and overall business performance are examined. The results identify four dimensions of manufacturing strength in the furniture industry: innovation, delivery, flexibility, and value, with the latter encompassing the combined effects of quality and cost. The study supports innovation as a key order winner in the furniture industry.
Effects of diuretic treatment on cardiac and circulating RAS in chronic heart failure post‐myocardial infarction in rats
Authors: Seeland Ute , Kouchi Ichiro , Zolk Oliver , Jockenhövel Friedrich , Itter Gabi , Linz Wolfgang , Böhm Michael 
Published: April 2003

AbstractBackground:Cardiac angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is activated by an increase in wall stress and is involved in remodeling processes. Heart failure is often treated with ACE inhibitors and diuretics although diuretic treatment could activate the renin–angiotensin system (RAS).Aims:To examine the effects of diuretic treatment on cardiac and circulating RAS in post‐infarction chronic heart failure.Methods:Myocardial infarction was produced by coronary artery ligation in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The rats were randomly assigned to receive either ramipril (1 mg/kg/day), furosemide (4 mg/kg/day), or combination therapy for 6 weeks, commencing 2 weeks after infarction.Results:All three treatment protocols equivalently attenuated reactive hypertrophy of the right ventricle and ventricular septum and improved left ventricular systolic function. Both cardiac ACE mRNA and activity were significantly increased in untreated rats. This increase was attenuated by both ramipril and furosemide and further depressed by the combination. The increase in activity was completely inhibited by either agent alone. Plasma renin activity was upregulated by ramipril or ramipril plus furosemide but not influenced by infarction or furosemide alone.Conclusions:Furosemide and ramipril significantly reduced cardiac ACE and remodeling. Diuretics work favorably and do not interfere with the effects of ACE inhibitors. Possibly, a reduction in wall stress due to decreased volume overload accounts for the effects of diuretics on cardiac ACE in the treatment of post‐infarction remodeling in hypertensive hearts. These data suggest a new mechanism for the frequently observed beneficial effect of diuretics in heart failure.
Neural Correlates of the Left-Visual-Field Superiority in Face Perception Appear at Multiple Stages of Face Processing
Authors: Yovel Galit , Levy Jerre , Grabowecky Marcia , Paller Ken A. 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
Studies in healthy individuals and split-brain patients have shown that the representation of facial information from the left visual field (LVF) is better than the representation of facial information from the right visual field (RVF). To investigate the neurophysiological basis of this LVF superiority in face perception, we recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) to centrally presented face stimuli in which relevant facial information is present bilaterally (B faces) or only in the left (L faces) or the right (R faces) visual field. Behavioral findings showed best performance for B faces and, in line with the LVF superiority, better performance for L than R faces. Evoked potentials to B, L, and R faces at 100 to 150-msec poststimulus showed no evidence of asymmetric transfer of information between the hemispheres at early stages of visual processing, suggesting that this factor is not responsible for the LVF superiority. Neural correlates of the LVF superiority, however, were manifested in a shorter latency of the face-specific N170 component to L than R faces and in a larger amplitude to L than R faces at 220—280 and 400—600 msec over both hemispheres. These ERP amplitude differences between L and R faces covaried across subjects with the extent to which the face-specific N170 component was larger over the right than the left hemisphere. We conclude that the two hemispheres exchange information symmetrically at early stages of face processing and together generate a shared facial representation, which is better when facial information is directly presented to the right hemisphere (RH; L faces) than to the left hemisphere (LH; R faces) and best when both hemispheres receive facial information (B faces).
How well does the ECMWF Ensemble Prediction System predict blocking?
Authors: Pelly Joanna L. , Hoskins Brian J. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractForecasting atmospheric blocking is one of the main problems facing medium‐range weather forecasters in the extratropics. The European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) provides an excellent basis for medium‐range forecasting as it provides a number of different possible realizations of the meteorological future. This ensemble of forecasts attempts to account for uncertainties in both the initial conditions and the model formulation.Since 18 July 2000, routine output from the EPS has included the field of potential temperature on the potential vorticity (PV) D 2 PV units (PVU) surface, the dynamical tropopause. This has enabled the objective identification of blocking using an index based on the reversal of the meridional potential‐temperature gradient. A year of EPS probability forecasts of Euro‐Atlantic and Pacific blocking have been produced and are assessed in this paper, concentrating on the Euro‐Atlantic sector. Standard verification techniques such as Brier scores, Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and reliability diagrams are used.It is shown that Euro‐Atlantic sector‐blocking forecasts are skilful relative to climatology out to 10 days, and are more skilful than the deterministic control forecast at all lead times. The EPS is also more skilful than a probabilistic version of this deterministic forecast, though the difference is smaller. In addition, it is shown that the onset of a sector‐blocking episode is less well predicted than its decay. As the lead time increases, the probability forecasts tend towards a model climatology with slightly less blocking than is seen in the real atmosphere. This small under‐forecasting bias in the blocking forecasts is possibly related to a westerly bias in the ECMWF model. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Ionic Self‐Assembly: Facile Synthesis of Supramolecular Materials
Authors: Faul C.F.J. , Antonietti M. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThe technique of ionic self‐assembly, i.e., the coupling of structurally different building blocks by electrostatic interactions, a powerful tool to create new material nanostructures and chemical objects, is reviewed. The excellent availability of the starting products (charged tectonic units) and the simplicity of synthesis, by neat addition and cooperative stoichiometric precipitation with high purity, allow the recombinatorial synthesis of a whole range of functional materials and hybrids with interesting and versatile functions. Diverse combinations between polyelectrolytes, surfactants, clusters, and extended rigid organic scaffolds are discussed in detail, and the underlying principles of nanostructure formation are illustrated.
Synthesis of polyetherols from melamine and propylene carbonate. II
Authors: Kucharski Mieczysław , Kijowska Dorota 
Published: April 2003

AbstractResults of the reaction of melamine with propylene carbonate in the synthesis of polyetherols with 1,3,5‐triazine rings are presented. Optimal conditions of synthesis of the polyetherols are presented and the products characterized by determining selected physical properties and by using spectral methods [1H‐NMR, IR, mass spectroscopy (MS) electrospray ionization (ESI)]. The content of side products was established by GLC. The resulting polyetherols have been found suitable for preparation of polyurethane foams of improved thermal stability. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 104–115, 2003
Effects of aromatic groups in polymer chains on plasma surface modification
Authors: Inagaki N. , Narushima K. , Lim S. K. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThree polyester films with different repeating units—poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and poly(oxybenzoate‐co‐oxynaphthoate) (PBN)—were modified by plasma, and the way in which the chemical compositions of the polymer chains influenced the plasma modification was investigated with contact‐angle measurements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). There were large differences in the compensated rates of weight loss among the three polyester films when they were exposed to Ar and O2 plasmas. The PLA film showed the highest rate for weight loss of the three films, and the PBN film showed the lowest rate. The PET and PBN film surfaces were modified to become more hydrophilic by either argon or oxygen plasma. However, the PLA film surface was not made more hydrophilic by the plasmas. XPS spectra showed that the PLA film surface was not modified in its chemical composition, but the PBN film surface was modified in its chemical composition to form CO groups in the PBN polymer chains. The reason that the PLA film surface was not modified but the PBN film surface was modified was examined. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 96–103, 2003
USDA Stakeholder Workshop on Animal Bioinformatics: summary and recommendations
Authors: Hamernik Debora L. , Adelson David L. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractAn electronic workshop was conducted on 4 November–13 December 2002 to discuss current issues and needs in animal bioinformatics. The electronic (e‐mail listserver) format was chosen to provide a relatively speedy process that is broad in scope, cost‐efficient and easily accessible to all participants. Approximately 40 panelists with diverse species and discipline expertise communicated through the panel e‐mail listserver. The panel included scientists from academia, industry and government, in the USA, Australia and the UK. A second ‘stakeholder’ e‐mail listserver was used to obtain input from a broad audience with general interests in animal genomics. The objectives of the electronic workshop were: (a) to define priorities for animal genome database development; and (b) to recommend ways in which the USDA could provide leadership in the area of animal genome database development. E‐mail messages from panelists and stakeholders are archived at http://genome.cvm.umn.edu/bioinfo/. Priorities defined for animal genome database development included: (a) data repository; (b) tools for genome analysis; (c) annotation; (d) practical application of genomic data; and (e) a biological framework for DNA sequence. A stable source of funding, such as the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), was recommended to support maintenance of data repositories and data curation. Continued support for competitive grants programs within the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) was recommended for tool development and hypothesis‐driven research projects in genome analysis. Additional stakeholder input will be required to continuously refine priorities and maximize the use of limited resources for animal bioinformatics within the USDA. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Localization of [3H]nicotine, [3H]cytisine, [3H]epibatidine, and [125I]α‐bungarotoxin binding sites in the brain of Macaca mulatta
Authors: Han Zhi‐Yan , Zoli Michele , Cardona Ana , Bourgeois Jean‐Pierre , Changeux Jean‐Pierre , Le Novère Nicolas 
Published: April 2003

AbstractWe determined the localization of [3H]nicotine, [3H]cytisine, [3H]epibatidine, and [125I]α‐bungarotoxin binding sites in the brain of rhesus monkey by means of receptor autoradiography. The labelings by [3H]nicotine, [3H]cytisine, and [3H]epibatidine were highly concordant, except for epibatidine. Layer IV of some cortical areas, most thalamic nuclei, and presubiculum displayed high levels of labeling for the three ligands. Moderate levels of binding were detected in the subiculum, the septum, and the mesencephalon. Low levels were present in layers I–II and VI of the cortex, the cornu Ammonis, the dentate gyrus, and the amygdala. In addition, the level of epibatidine labeling was very high in the epithalamic nuclei and the interpeduncular nucleus, whereas labeling by nicotine and cytisine was very weak in the same regions. The distribution of [125I]α‐bungarotoxin binding differed from the binding of the three agonists. The labeling was dense in layer I of most cortical areas, dentate gyrus, stratum lacunosum‐moleculare of CA1 field, several thalamic nuclei, and medial habenula. A moderate labeling was found in layers V and VI of the prefrontal and frontal cortices, layer IV of primary visual cortex, amygdala, septum, hypothalamus, and some mesencenphalic nuclei. A weak signal was also detected in subiculum, claustrum, stratum oriens, and stratum lucidum of cornu Ammonis and also in some mesencephalic nuclei. The distribution of nicotine, cytisine, and epibatidine bindings corresponds broadly to the patterns observed in rodents, with the marked exception of the epithalamus. However, in monkey, those distributions match the distribution of α2 messenger RNA, rather than that of α4 transcripts as it exists in rodent brains. The distribution of the binding sites for α‐bungarotoxin is larger in the brain of rhesus monkeys than in rodent brain, suggesting a more important role of α7 receptors in primates. J. Comp. Neurol. 461:49–60, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphology, axonal projection pattern, and responses to optic nerve stimulation of thalamic neurons in the fire‐bellied toad Bombina orientalis
Authors: Roth Gerhard , Grunwald Wolfgang , Dicke Ursula 
Published: April 2003

AbstractIntracellular recording and biocytin labeling were carried out in the fire‐bellied toad Bombina orientalis to study the morphology and axonal projections of thalamic (TH) neurons and their responses to electrical optic nerve stimulation. Labeled neurons (n = 142) were divided into the following groups: TH1 neurons projecting to the dorsal striatum; TH2 neurons projecting to the amygdala, nucleus accumbens, and septal nuclei; TH3 neurons projecting to the medial or dorsal pallium; TH4 neurons with projections ascending to the dorsal striatum or ventral striatum/amygdala and descending to the optic tectum, tegmentum, and rostral medulla oblongata; TH5 neurons with projections to the tegmentum, rostral medulla oblongata, prectectum, or tectum; and TH6 neurons projecting to the hypothalamus. TH1 neurons are found in the central, TH2 neurons in the anterior and central, TH3 neurons in the anterior dorsal nucleus, and TH4 and TH5 neurons in the posterior dorsal or ventral nucleus. Neurons with descending projections arborize in restricted parts of retinal afferents; neurons with ascending projections do not substantially arborize within retinal afferents. At electrical optic nerve stimulation, neurons in the ventral thalamus respond with excitation at latencies of 10.8 msec; one‐third of them follow repetitive stimulation and possibly are monosynaptically driven. Neurons in the dorsal thalamus respond mostly with inhibition at latencies of 42.3 msec and are polysynaptically driven. This corroborates the view that neurons in the dorsal thalamus projecting to the telencephalon receive no substantial direct retinal input and that the thalamopallial pathway of amphibians is not homologous to the mammalian retinogeniculocortical pathway. J. Comp. Neurol. 461:91–110, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Executive cognitive deficits in primary dystonia
Authors: Scott Richard B. , Gregory Ralph , Wilson Joanna , Banks Sarah , Turner Anna , Parkin Simon , Giladi Nir , Joint Carol , Aziz Tipu 
Published: April 2003

AbstractPrimary dystonia is a disorder of movement for which no consistent pathophysiology has been identified; in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it is assumed to be cognitively benign. We have studied a clinically heterogeneous group of 14 patients with primary dystonia on a battery of neuropsychological tests. Despite well‐preserved speed of information processing, language, spatial, memory and general intellectual skills relative to normal controls, we have identified a constellation of attentional–executive cognitive deficits on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Specifically, patients demonstrated significant difficulties negotiating the extra‐dimensional set‐shifting phase of the IED task. The implications of these findings for the pathophysiology of primary dystonia are discussed. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of a significant cognitive deficit in patients with primary dystonia. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Clinical and economic analysis of spa therapy in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Brefel‐Courbon Christine , Desboeuf Karine , Thalamas Claire , Galitzky Monique , Senard Jean‐Michel , Rascol Olivier , Montastruc Jean‐Louis 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThe effectiveness of spa therapy in the management of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) has never been evaluated. This is assessed in this pilot study. A prospective, randomized, cross‐over, controlled study was conducted in 31 PD patients who underwent a 20‐week spa period, including spa therapy for 3 weeks, and a 20‐week non‐spa period. Effectiveness was assessed using quality of life scales (PDQ‐39 and SF‐36), motor scale (UPDRS) and psychological questionnaire (GHQ‐28), at baseline and at 4 (T4) and at 20 weeks (T20). Direct medical costs (radiological and laboratory tests, physician fees, drug therapy, and ancillary care) were recorded over each 20‐week period. At T4, spa therapy improved significantly several dimensions of PDQ‐39 and SF‐36, part IV of the UPDRS, and GHQ‐28. At T20, no difference in any parameter was found. The mean direct medical cost over 20 weeks (€1,328 ± 167; £776 ± 97 per patient) in the spa period was slightly but significantly reduced in comparison with that of the non‐spa period (€1380 ± 523; £807 ± 306 per patient). This cost‐effectiveness analysis suggests that spa therapy is more effective and less expensive than conventional treatment alone and could be beneficial in the management of PD.
SIC Task Force appraisal of clinical diagnostic criteria for parkinsonian disorders
Authors: Litvan Irene , Bhatia Kailash P. , Burn David J. , Goetz Christopher G. , Lang Anthony E. , McKeith Ian , Quinn Niall , Sethi Kapil D. , Shults Cliff , Wenning Gregor K. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractAs there are no biological markers for the antemortem diagnosis of degenerative parkinsonian disorders, diagnosis currently relies upon the presence and progression of clinical features and confirmation depends on neuropathology. Clinicopathologic studies have shown significant false‐positive and false‐negative rates for diagnosing these disorders, and misdiagnosis is especially common during the early stages of these diseases. It is important to establish a set of widely accepted diagnostic criteria for these disorders that may be applied and reproduced in a blinded fashion. This review summarizes the findings of the SIC Task Force for the study of diagnostic criteria for parkinsonian disorders in the areas of Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, and corticobasal degeneration. In each of these areas, diagnosis continues to rest on clinical findings and the judicious use of ancillary studies. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society