bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a Prognostic Factor in Node‐positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Thoracic Esophagus: Long‐term Follow‐up Study
Authors: Ogata Yutaka , Fujita Hiromasa , Yamana Hideaki , Sueyoshi Susumu , Shirouzu Kazuo 
Published: May 2003

AbstractTo clarify the clinical significance of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in squamous cell carcinoma in the thoracic esophagus, particularly as a prognostic factor, we have investigated the correlation between VEGF expression in tumor cells and microvessel density (MVD), pathologic factors, and survival. A total of 92 specimens, each from a thoracic esophageal squamous cell cancer patient who underwent transthoracic curative R0 esophagectomy between 1991 and 1994, were examined immunohistochemically using anti‐human VEGF and anti‐human von Willebrand factor antibodies. The incidence of VEGF expression in the tumor cells was relatively low, at 23.9% of all specimens. There was no significant correlation between VEGF expression and histopathologic factors. The MVD at the tumor margin in patients with VEGF‐positive tumor cells was significantly greater than that in VEGF‐negative cases (35.2 ± 8.9 vs. 22.7 ± 8.2). The survival rate for patients with VEGF expression was significantly lower than that of those without VEGF expression; the same situation was found in node‐positive patients but not in node‐negative patients. In addition, multivariate analysis revealed that VEGF expression was an independent prognostic factor in node‐positive patients. VEGF may be implicated in the definition of the malignant phenotype of squamous cell esophageal cancer via tumor angiogenesis. Accordingly, VEGF expression in the tumor cells could be a useful prognostic factor for esophageal cancer, particularly in node‐positive patients.
The impact of just‐in‐time manufacturing on firm performance in the US
Authors: Huson Mark , Nanda Dhananjay 
Published: May 2003

AbstractJust‐In‐Time manufacturing has been subjected to numerous studies both empirical and methodological. This work attempts to measure the impact of JIT on accounting measures of performance. Most technologies and investments are justified on the basis of their impact on financial and accounting measures which are not easily quantified. Our empirical methodology, simultaneous equation estimation, allows us to isolate the partial effects of JIT on various accounting measures thus gauging the true impact of this method on firm performance. Our results show that after JIT adoption firms reduced the labor content in facilities, increased inventory turnover and enhanced earnings. There was no significant impact on prices charged by the firm. These results support the anecdotal evidence on JIT and the theoretical work done by various authors. Even though the firms studied experienced a downturn in their performance our empirical methodology could identify positive benefits resulting from JIT adoption.
Economics of operations management: A research perspective
Authors: Banker Rajiv D. , Khosla Inder S. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn response to intense competition from overseas in the last two decades, U.S. companies have instituted a variety of management practices in their quest to improve their competitiveness. Among the many practices that have been adopted by a large number of firms are just‐in‐time, total quality management, worker empowerment, and design for manufacturability. However, there has been little systematic analysis of the organizational factors that drive the adoption of these practices as well as their successful implementation. This paper posits that the theories and methods from economics can provide a useful aid in such an analysis. Using the basic tenets of economics, a structural framework is proposed to highlight critical issues in operations management that deserve attention. Examples from industry are used to illustrate how the framework may provide answers to questions that have received little attention in the research literature.
Machine dedication and process flexibility in a group technology environment
Authors: Jensen John B. , Malhotra Manoj K. , Philipoom Patrick R. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis study investigates changes in inventory and customer service performance of a job‐shop that desires to adopt a Group Technology (GT) philosophy in its shop floor operations. Simulation methodology is pursued to explore tradeoffs in shop performance between the routing flexibility of non‐dedicated machines in a functional job‐shop and the setup efficiency of dedicated machines in shops that have machine cell layouts. Further, traditional and GT‐based scheduling procedures are investigated in these different shops to determine the conditions under which a GT philosophy may be profitably employed only in layout decisions, only in scheduling decisions, or in both layout and scheduling decisions. Results from this study show that shop layout choice is not a simple decision that can capitalize either on the high routing flexibility of the functional job‐shop or on the setup efficiency advantages of a cell shop. The tradeoffs between routing flexibility and setup efficiency must be made carefully. The impact of demand variability on performance is also dependent on the type of layout. In general, product volume variability more adversely affects the performance of functional job‐shops, while product mix variability has greater impact on the performance of cell shops. Finally, sensitivity analysis is performed to show that maintaining balance between the utilization of machines is a major determinant of performance, and consequently the best layout.
Mid to late Holocene climate evolution of the Lake Telmen Basin, North Central Mongolia, based on palynological data
Authors: Fowell Sarah J. , Hansen Barbara C.S. , Peck John A. , Khosbayar P. , Ganbold Enebish 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPalynological and sedimentological data from Lake Telmen, in north-central Mongolia, permit qualitative reconstruction of relative changes in moisture balance throughout the mid to late Holocene. The climate of the Atlantic period (7500–4500 yr ago) was relatively arid, indicating that Lake Telmen lay beyond the region of enhanced precipitation delivered by the expanded Asian monsoon. Maximum humidity is recorded between ∼4500 and 1600 cal yr B.P., during the Subboreal (4500–2500 yr ago) and early Subatlantic (2500 yr–present) periods. Additional humid intervals during the Medieval Warm Epoch (∼1000–1300 A.D. or 950–650 ago) and the Little Ice Age (1500– 1900 A.D. or 450–50 yr B.P.) demonstrate the lack of long-term correlation between temperature and moisture availability in this region. A brief aridification centered around 1410 cal yr B.P. encompasses a decade of cold temperatures and summer frost between A.D. 536 and 545 (1414–1405 yr B.P.) inferred from records of Mongolian tree-ring widths. These data suggest that steppe vegetation of the Lake Telmen region is sensitive to centennial- and decadal-scale climatic perturbations.
Pleistocene raised marine deposits on Wrangel Island, northeast Siberia and implications for the presence of an East Siberian ice sheet
Authors: Gualtieri Lyn , Vartanyan Sergey , Brigham-Grette Julie , Anderson Patricia M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractTwo previously undocumented Pleistocene marine transgressions on Wrangel Island, northeastern Siberia, question the presence of an East Siberian or Beringian ice sheet during the last glacial maximum (LGM). The Tundrovayan Transgression (459,000–780,000 yr B.P.) is represented by raised marine deposits and landforms 15–41 m asl located up to 18 km inland. The presence of high sea level 64,000–73,000 yr ago (the Krasny Flagian Transgression) is preserved in deposits and landforms 4–7 m asl in the Krasny Flag valley. These deposits and landforms were mapped, dated, and described using amino acid geochronology, radiocarbon, optically stimulated luminescence, electron spin resonance, oxygen isotopes, micropaleontology, paleomagnetism, and grain sizes. The marine deposits are eustatic and not isostatic in origin. All marine deposits on Wrangel Island predate the LGM, indicating that neither Wrangel Island nor the East Siberian or Chukchi Seas experienced extensive glaciation over the last 64,000 yr.
Joint compression alters the kinematics and loading patterns of the intact and capsule‐transected AC joint
Authors: Costic Ryan S. , Jari Rajesh , Rodosky Mark W. , Debski Richard E. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractHigh compressive loads are transmitted through the shoulder across the acromioclavicular (AC) joint to the axial skeleton during activities of daily living and can lead to early joint degeneration or instability. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of joint compression on the biomechanics of the intact and capsule‐transected AC joint during application of three loading conditions. A robotic/universal force‐moment sensor testing system was utilized to apply an anterior, posterior or superior load of 70 N in combination with 10 or 70 N of joint compression to fresh‐frozen cadaveric shoulders (n = 12). The application of joint compression to the intact AC joint decreased the posterior translation in response to a posterior load (−6.6 ± 2.5 vs −3.7 ± 1.0 mm, p<0.05). Joint compression also decreased the in situ force in the superior AC capsule by 10 N while increasing the joint contact force by 20 N for all loading conditions (p<0.05). The application of joint compression to the capsule‐transected AC joint significantly decreased the amount of posterior and superior translation during posterior (−12.7 ± 6.1 vs −5.5 ± 3.2 mm, p < 0.05) and superior (5.3 ± 2.9 vs 4.2 ± 2.3 mm, p < 0.05) loading, respectively, while significantly increasing the coupled translations (anterior–posterior, superior–inferior or proximal–distal) in all loading conditions (p < 0.05). The joint contact force also significantly increased by 20 N for all loading conditions (p < 0.05). This quantitative data suggests: (1) common surgical techniques such as distal clavicle resection, which initially reduce painful joint contact, may cause unusually high loads to be supported by the soft tissue structures at the AC joint; and (2) compressive loads transmitted across a capsule‐transected AC joint could be concentrated over a smaller area due to the increased coupled motion and joint contact force.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Neuronal plasticity in relation to nociception and healing of rat achilles tendon
Authors: Ackermann Paul W. , Li Jian , Lundeberg Thomas , Kreicbergs Andris 
Published: May 2003

AbstractNerve regeneration and the occurrence of three neuropeptides; i.e. substance P (SP), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and galanin (GAL), were studied during healing of tendon rupture in the rat by semi‐quantitative immunohistochemistry. The neuronal findings were related to nociception as assessed by hindpaw withdrawal latencies at thermal and mechanical tests.Experimental rupture of rat Achilles tendon—normally devoid of nerves—elicited extensive nerve ingrowth into the rupture site in the early phase of healing followed by almost complete fiber disappearance (weeks 12–16). The ingrowth of SP and CGRP positive fibers, seen already at weeks 1–2, was associated with increased nociception. Subsequently, the occurrence of GAL positive fibers at weeks 4–6 was associated with decreased nociception. An even stronger relationship to nociception during healing was observed when the rate of change in neuropeptide expression instead of the expression in absolute terms was considered, according to the „cascade”︁ formula of SP' + CGRP' – GAL'.It may prove that the observed temporal occurrence of different neuropeptides reflects a role of the peripheral nervous system in regulating synchronously nociception and healing.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Development of an atrophic nonunion model and comparison to a closed healing fracture in rat femur
Authors: Kokubu Takeshi , Hak David J. , Hazelwood Scott J. , Reddi A. Hari 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAlthough most fractures heal, some fail to heal and become nonunions. Many animal models have been developed to study problems of fracture healing. The majority of nonunion models have involved segmental bone defects, but this may not adequately represent the biologic condition in which nonunions clinically develop. The objective of the present study is to develop a nonunion model that better simulates the clinical situation in which there is soft tissue damage including periosteal disruption and to compare this model to a standard closed fracture model utilizing identical fracture stabilization, providing a similar mechanical environment. A total of 96 three month old Long Evans rats were utilized. A 1.25 mm diameter K‐wire was inserted into the femur in a retrograde fashion, and a mid‐diaphyseal closed transverse fracture was created using a standard three‐point bending device. To create a nonunion, 48 of the rats received additional surgery to the fractured femur. The fracture site was exposed and 2 mm of the periosteum was cauterized on each side of the fracture. Fracture healing was evaluated with serial radiographs every two weeks. Animals were maintained for intervals of two, four, six or eight weeks after surgery. Specimens from each time interval were subjected to biomechanical and histological evaluation. None of the cauterized fractures healed throughout the eight weeks experimental duration. The radiographical appearance of nonunion models was atrophic. This investigation showed pronounced differences between the experimental nonunions and standard closed fractures both histologically and biomechanically. In conclusion, we have developed a reproducible atrophic nonunion model in the rat femur that simulates the clinical condition in which there is periosteal disruption but no bone defect.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Two week nicotine treatment selectively increases bone vascular constriction in response to norepinephrine
Authors: Feitelson J. B. A. , Rowell P. P. , Roberts C. S. , Fleming J. T. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis study was designed to determine if nicotine treatment alters the constrictor and/or dilator function of the vessels which regulate blood flow to intact bone. Nicotine (1.7 mg/kg/day) or nicotine‐free, phosphate‐buffered saline was administered subcutaneously to mature male rats for 2 weeks via osmotic mini‐pumps. On the 14th day, the rats were anesthetized and in vivo experiments were performed to quantitate the changes in arterial blood pressure and perfusion of the intact tibia (measured by laser Doppler flowmetry) in response to two constrictor agonists (norepinephrine, NE and arginine vasopressin, AVP) and two vasodilator agents (acetylcholine, ACh and sodium nitroprusside, SNP). Dose‐response curves were generated by plotting the change in the bone vascular resistance index (mmHg/bone perfusion units) evoked by each dose of agonist. In addition, bone arteriolar expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein was quantitated by Western blot analysis. Nicotine treatment significantly enhanced the constriction of the bone vasculature in response to NE, but not to AVP. Vascular dilation in response to ACh and SNP was not changed by nicotine. These results indicate that nicotine selectively accentuates the constrictor response of the bone vasculature to exogenous NE. This enhanced constriction to NE is not due to impaired endothelial cell release of nitric oxide or diminished smooth muscle response to nitric oxide. Since NE and AVP activate similar cell signaling mechanisms to induce constriction, the selective enhancement of NE‐induced constriction suggests that nicotine alters a mechanism unique to NE signaling; possibly the number or binding affinity of alpha adrenergic receptors. Since endogenous NE regulates basal blood flow to bone, the effect of nicotine to augment NE‐induced constriction could lead to a chronic reduction in blood flow to bone.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Dollar exchange rate and stock price: evidence from multivariate cointegration and error correction model
Authors: Kim Ki‐ho 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate existence of long‐run equilibrium relationships among the aggregate stock price, industrial production, real exchange rate, interest rate, and inflation in the United States. Applying Johansen's cointegration analysis to monthly data for the 1974:01–1998:12 period, we find that the S&P 500 stock price is positively related to the industrial production but negatively to the real exchange rate, interest rate, and inflation. Analysis of error correction mechanism reveals that the stock price, industrial production, and inflation adjust to correct disequilibrium among the five variables, while variance decompositions indicate that the stock price is driven to a considerable extent by innovations in the interest rate. Structural stability tests show that the parameters of the cointegrating system and the error correction term are stationary.
Homeopathic aggravations: a systematic review of randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials
Authors: Grabia S , Ernst E 
Published: May 2003

AbstractHomeopathic aggravations have often been described anecdotally. However, few attempts have been made to scientifically verify their existence. This systematic review aimed at comparing the frequency of homeopathic aggravations in the placebo and verum groups of double-blind, randomised clinical trials. Eight independent literature searches were carried out to identify all such trials mentioning either adverse effects or aggravations. All studies thus found were validated and data were extracted by both authors. Twenty-four trials could be included. The average number of aggravations was low. In total, 50 aggravations were attributed to patients treated with placebo and 63 to patients treated with homoeopathically diluted remedies. We conclude that this systematic review does not provide clear evidence that the phenomenon of homeopathic aggravations exists.
Colonel Roscoe Conkling Simmons and the Mechanics of Black Leadership
Authors: KAYE ANDREW M. 
Published: May 2003

I want you to have power because I will have power.Roscoe Conkling Simmons (1881–1951) was an African American journalist and
lifelong Republican, frequently acclaimed as the greatest orator of his day. He wrote for
the Chicago Defender, the nation's largest black paper, and was later a columnist
for the Chicago Tribune. A sometime advisor on black affairs to Republican
administrations during the 1920s, Simmons seconded the re-nomination of Herbert Hoover
for president in 1932, where “His exit from the platform was blocked by senators,
committeemen, governors and others high in the public life who sought to touch ‘the hem
of his garment.’” Throughout his career, the Colonel, as Simmons was often called,
forged close links with black organizations. On regular speaking tours, he participated in the
affairs of fraternities, churches, and educational institutions nationwide. Simmons was a social
chameleon, on familiar terms with black America's most powerful businessmen and editors,
entertainers and mobsters, but equally comfortable among the working men and women with whom
he gossiped in barber shops and at church picnics. Senators, mayors, and aldermen admired his
talent on the speaking platform and valued his connections to the black community. When white
Republicans needed help in rallying northern black voters, Simmons was the fixer they summoned.
He gladly obliged, out of loyalty to the Grand Old Party and in anticipation of reciprocal
dispensations.
Comparing error frequencies in monolingual and bilingual acquisition
Authors: DE HOUWER ANNICK 
Published: May 2003

Natascha Müller's article concerns the acquisition of word order in German subclauses by young bilingual children. Müller's basic argument as I understand it runs as follows:(1) In the acquisition of word order in German subclauses some children make errors and others do not;(2) there are some monolingual and some bilingual children who do not make errors;(3) there are some monolingual and some bilingual children who do make errors, and the errors are qualitatively similar for monolingual and bilingual children;(4) when children do make errors, they occur more frequently in bilingual than in monolingual children;(5) the errors in both monolingual and bilingual children are due to the misprojection of a separate functional category;(6) in addition, the errors in bilingual children (but not in monolingual children) are due to influence from the other language they are simultaneously acquiring. The reason for positing this is that bilingual children's errors are more frequent than monolingual children's errors.
Inheritance of cleft palate in South America: evidence for a major locus recessive
Authors: Vieira AR , Romitti PA , Orioli IM , Castilla EE 
Published: May 2003

Structured AbstractAuthors – Vieira AR, Romitti PA, Orioli IM, Castilla EEObjectives – Determine the model of inheritance of non‐syndromic cleft palate in humans.Design – Complex segregation analysis performed in families of consecutive newborns affected with non‐syndromic cleft palate.Setting and Sample Population – The Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC). Four hundred and seven consecutive newborns affected with non‐syndromic cleft palate registered during the period 1967–97.Outcome Measure – Likelihood ratio test and Akaike information criterion (AIC) values.Results – The single major locus recessive model provided a significantly better explanation of the data. It was the most parsimonious and had the smallest AIC value of the six models tested with approximately the same likelihood as the general model (χ2 = 2.44, p = 0.5).Conclusions – To have defined a genetic model for non‐syndromic cleft palate and provided evidence for a single major locus inheritance suggests that genetic linkage studies could be implemented.