bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Service Guarantee Strength: The key to service quality
Authors: Hays Julie M. , Hill Arthur V. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWhile most authors describe a service guarantee as a “zero‐one variable” indicating the presence or absence of an explicit written service guarantee, this paper develops a construct called “Service Guarantee Strength” (SGS) that is a continuous variable. This construct measures the degree to which a firm sets clear service quality standards for itself on dimensions that customers care about, and has an formal policy for quickly giving meaningful compensation to customers when these standards are not met.The paper builds upon established micro‐level behavioral theory to develop the “Service Guarantee Strength Framework”. This framework posits that high Service Guarantee Strength leads to improved service quality, customer satisfaction, and loyalty through three intervening variables—marketing communications impact, employee motivation and vision, and learning through service failure.An empirical investigation was conducted to test the SGS Framework using both employee and customer data from three pairs of firms, with each pair in a different industry. None of these firms had an explicit service guarantee. Unlike many behavioral research studies, this study measured both employee and customer perceptual data and compared the two. The research finds that Service Guarantee Strength is positively related to customer perceptions of service quality, customer satisfaction, and loyalty.
Six Sigma: The role of goals in improvement teams
Authors: Linderman Kevin , Schroeder Roger G. , Choo Adrian S. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe tenets of goal theory have been well established as a motivation mechanism in the management literature. However, some quality‐management advocates, such as W. Edwards Deming, often criticize the use of goals. This research investigates the tension between goals and quality management in the Six Sigma context. We find empirical support that goals can be effective in Six Sigma improvement teams when teams adhere to the Six Sigma tools and method. However, challenging goals are counterproductive when Six Sigma teams do not use the tools and methods rigorously. This research reconciles the differences between quality management and goal theory by showing that the Six Sigma tools and method interact with goals.
A behavioral study of supply manager decision‐making: Factors influencing make versus buy evaluation
Authors: Mantel Susan Powell , Tatikonda Mohan V. , Liao Ying 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis paper investigates behavioral factors influencing a supply manager's decision to insource or outsource the manufacture of a product component. To do so we posit a theoretical framework that integrates the heretofore distinct operational make–buy literature and the behavioral decision‐making literature. Within the framework three factors influencing the make–buy decision are brought into account: the decision‐maker's perception of supply risk or “strategic vulnerability”, the degree of core competency represented by the product component under consideration and the formality of the information about supply alternatives. The results of a controlled experimental survey show that: strategic vulnerability and core competency do influence the make–buy decision, strategic vulnerability has greater influence than core competency and information formality moderates the make–buy decision when the strategic vulnerability and core competency conditions are mixed. The practical implications of these results include the notion that management can ensure a more rational make–buy decision if they understand the biases that influence the decision and point these biases out to the decision maker.
Interplay between uncertainty and flexibility across the value‐chain: Towards a transformation model of manufacturing flexibility
Authors: Sawhney Rajeev 
Published: December 2005

AbstractTraditionally, flexibility, in its reactive application, has been viewed as a coping mechanism against uncertainty in an organization's internal or external environment. It has also been shown that flexibility can be utilized proactively to create a competitive advantage for a company. Despite the recognition that it serves a dual purpose, little work has been done to synthesize these competing uses of flexibility. This study proposes a model that not only articulates an effective use of flexibility concurrently for both proactive and reactive purposes, it also allows a simultaneous view of the opportunities and uncertainties along the value‐chain. By embracing the entire value‐chain, this model considers the implications of the inter‐relating feedback loops within the supply‐chain, which to‐date has been overlooked in the flexibility literature. Such an approach provides managers with a tool that allows them to consider more options in configuring flexibility between its two competing uses. Within the model, eleven dimensions of flexibility are identified and then classified into three levels comprising a transformation process. This model is grounded in observations from a field study of 10 printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication companies.
SNP Analysis of Genes Implicated in T Cell Proliferation in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Oertelt Sabine , Kenny Thomas P. , Selmi Carlo , Invernizzi Pietro , Podda Mauro , Gershwin M. Eric 
Published: December 2005

Previous studies on primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) have focused on
the role of T lymphocytes as potential effectors of tissue injury. We hypothesized
that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes involved in lymphocyte
proliferation would be responsible for uncontrolled expansion of T cells and
autoreactivity. To address this, we genotyped DNA from 154 patients with PBC
and 166 ethnically matched healthy controls for SNPs of five candidate genes
(60G/A CTLA‐4, 1858 C/T LYP, ‐IVS9 C/T foxp3, p1323 C/G ICOS and ‐9606 T/C
CD25) using a TaqMan assay.We report herein a statistically significant decrease in homozygosity rate
for the 60A⋆CTLA‐4 allele in patients with PBC compared to controls (p = 0.0411).
Moreover, we found a significant association of the same allele and of the LYP⋆T
allele with anti‐mitochondrial antibody (AMA) serum negativity (p = 0.0304 and
0.0094, respectively). No association between any of the other studied SNPs and
PBC susceptibility, progression, or AMA status was observed. In conclusion, given
the high prevalence of SNPs in CTLA‐4 detected in numerous autoimmune
diseases, we encourage a more detailed genetic analysis of this candidate gene.
Further, although obtained from a limited number of AMA‐negative subjects, our
data suggest a potential genetic
heterogeneity for this specific subgroup of patients with PBC.
A Combination of Dexamethasone and Glucagon‐like Peptide‐2 Increase Intestinal Morphology and Glucose Uptake in Suckling Rats
Authors: Drozdowski Laurie A , Iordache Claudiu , Clandinin M Tom , Wild Gary , Todd Zoe , Thomson Alan B. R 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTObjectives:Glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐2 enhances nutrient uptake in adult animals. Glucocorticosteroids accelerate intestinal ontogeny and increase nutrient uptake in adult animals. We hypothesized that administering GLP‐2 and dexamethasone (DEX) to suckling rats will enhance sugar uptake and that this effect persists into the postweaning period.Methods:Suckling rats were treated for 10 days with GLP‐2 (0.1 μg/g/d, twice daily), DEX (0.128 μg/g/d, once daily), GLP‐2 + Dex (same doses as above), or placebo. The rate of intestinal uptake of glucose and fructose in sucklings (19‐21 days old) and weanlings (49 days old) was assessed using an in vitro ring technique.Results:DEX reduced body weight in weanlings, whereas GLP‐2 + DEX prevented this effect. In sucklings, GLP‐2 + DEX increased ileal villous height and jejunal and ileal villous width and crypt depth. In sucklings, GLP‐2 + DEX increased the maximal transport rate (Vmax) for jejunal glucose uptake, whereas DEX reduced the ileal Vmax. In weanlings, GLP‐2 + DEX increased jejunal villous height, whereas ileal villous width and crypt depth were reduced. DEX increased the ileal Vmax and apparent affinity constant for glucose in weanlings.Conclusions:The combination of these hormones may be useful in stimulating glucose uptake in the developing intestine, and giving DEX to sucklings may enhance glucose uptake in later life.
Prevalence of Gallbladder Stone Disease in Obese Children and Adolescents: Influence of the Degree of Obesity, Sex, and Pubertal Development
Authors: Kaechele Volker , Wabitsch Martin , Thiere Dorothee , Kessler Alexandra Lydia , Haenle Mark Martin , Mayer Hermann , Kratzer Wolfgang 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTObjectives:The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of gallbladder stone disease (GD) in a collective of obese children and adolescents and to assess the role of potential influencing factors such as the degree of obesity, sex, age, and pubertal development.Methods:Four hundred ninety‐three obese children and adolescents (body mass index standard deviation score [BMI‐SDS] > 2.0p) aged 8 to 19 years (218 males, 275 females) were included in the study and underwent ultrasound for detection of GD.Results:Gallbladder stones were detected in 10 of 493 (2.0%; 8 girls, 2 boys) subjects studied. None of the 95 prepubertal children examined were found to suffer from GD. Patients with GD were more severely obese (BMI‐SDS 3.4 ± 0.5 vs. 2.7 ± 0.4; P < 0.001) and older (16.1 ± 1.5 vs.13.9 ± 2.0 years; P < 0.008) than children and adolescents without GD.Conclusions:Compared with published data for unselected children an adolescents, the prevalence of GD (2.0%) in obese children and adolescents, previously treated with diet for obesity, is high. Obesity and female sex appear even in children and adolescents to be risk factors for the development of GD. The occurrence of prepubertal GD is rare.
Combined Use of Noninvasive Tests is Useful in the Initial Diagnostic Approach to a Child with Suspected Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Canani Roberto Berni , de Horatio Laura Tanturri , Terrin Gianluca , Romano Maria Teresa , Miele Erasmo , Staiano Annamaria , Rapacciuolo Luciano , Polito Gaetano , Bisesti Vincenzo , Manguso Francesco , Vallone Gianfranco , Sodano Antonio , Troncone Riccardo 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTObjective:To assess the effectiveness of the combined use of fecal calprotectin (FC), anti‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA), perinuclear staining antineutrophil antibody (pANCA), small intestinal permeability test (IP), and bowel wall ultrasonography measurement (BWUS) in the diagnostic work‐up of children with suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Methods:All children referred for initial assessment of possible IBD were eligible. Patients with symptoms or signs (right‐lower quadrant mass, perianal disease, or hematochezia) mandating a complete work‐up for IBD were excluded. All enrolled patients underwent a clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and endoscopic evaluation including biopsy examinations. The immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA ASCA, IgG pANCA, FC, IP, and BWUS were tested in all patients at the initial assessment.Results:A final diagnosis of IBD was made in 27 patients: 17 Crohn disease and 10 ulcerative colitis. Eighteen children had other gastrointestinal diagnoses (8 functional bowel disorders, 5 food allergy‐mediated diseases, 4 infectious enterocolitis, 1 familial Mediterranean fever). In patients with simultaneous abnormal values of FC, BWUS, and ASCA/pANCA, the estimated probability of having IBD was 99.47%. Patients with negative results on all tests had a 0.69% of probability of IBD.Conclusions:The incorporation of noninvasive diagnostic tests into the initial diagnostic approach may avoid unnecessary invasive procedures and facilitate clinical decision‐making when the diagnosis of IBD in children is initially uncertain.
Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Japanese Children
Authors: Goto Kenji , Ito Koichi , Sugiura Tokio , Ando Toshihiro , Mizutani Fumihiko , Miyake Yoshishige , Kawabe Yoshikazu , Sugiyama Kohachiro , Togari Hajime 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTBackground:Recently, sporadic cases of acute hepatitis and fulminant hepatitis caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been reported in Japan. However, few reports have addressed the issue of HEV infection during childhood.Methods:This study included 5 patients with fulminant hepatitis, 30 patients with acute hepatitis, and 309 patients without history of hepatic dysfunction or hepatitis in childhood as control. RNA was extracted from each serum sample, and HEV specific reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed. Anti‐HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay.Results:HEV RNA, anti‐HEV IgM, and anti‐HEV IgG were not detected in the sera of any of the five patients with fulminant hepatitis. In the 30 patients with acute hepatitis, only one (3.3%) was positive for anti‐HEV IgG, and all were negative for anti‐HEV IgM and HEV RNA. Of the 309 control patients, 8 (2.6%) were positive for anti‐HEV IgG, and 2 (0.6%) were positive for anti‐HEV IgM, respectively.Conclusion:The result of patients with fulminant hepatitis suggests that HEV is an unlikely cause of fulminant hepatitis in children. However, the detection rate of anti‐HEV IgG shows that a history of HEV infection is not so rare among children in Japan.
Evaluation of Infantile Acid and Nonacid Gastroesophageal Reflux Using Combined pH Monitoring and Impedance Measurement
Authors: Condino Adria A , Sondheimer Judith , Pan Zhaoxing , Gralla Jane , Perry Darryl , O'Connor Judith A 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTObjective:Characterize the proportion of acid and nonacid esophageal reflux events in young infants with suspected gastroesophageal reflux (GER) using combined pH‐multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) monitoring. Determine the symptom index correlation with nonacid reflux and acid reflux events.Study Design:Prospective study of children, aged 2 weeks to 1 year, referred to The Children's Hospital of Denver Gastroenterology Clinic for evaluation of GER. Exclusion criteria were congenital anomalies or syndromes, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and pulmonary or cardiac disease. The children were admitted to The Children's Hospital General Clinical Research Center for a 20 hour pH‐MII study. Acid suppression was either never used or discontinued 2 weeks before testing.Results:Thirty‐four infants were enrolled from February 2004 to February 2005. Ages ranged from 2 months to 11 months, median = 7 (20 females/14 males). One thousand eight hundred ninety reflux events were detected by MII, and 588 reflux events were detected by pH probe alone. The percent of reflux that was acid was 47% (888 events) versus 53% of (1,002 events) nonacid reflux events. The proportion of nonacid reflux decreased with age (P < 0.0001 by Pearson χ2 test) and with increasing time elapsed from last meal. There were 958 total symptoms evaluated. The most frequently reported symptom was fussiness/pain, which correlated with nonacid reflux events 24.6% and acid reflux 25.2%. The proximal height of a reflux was predictive for symptoms of fussiness/pain, arching, and burping.Conclusion:MII detects more reflux events than pH monitoring alone. The proportion of nonacid reflux to acid reflux events in infants is more similar to adults than previously reported. Combined pH‐MII esophageal monitoring identifies more reflux events and improves clinical correlation with symptoms.
Cytokine Expression in Normal and Inflamed Esophageal Mucosa: A Study into the Pathogenesis of Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Gupta Sandeep K , Fitzgerald Joseph F , Kondratyuk Tamara , HogenEsch Harm 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTObjectives:We studied the expression of cytokines and inflammatory cells in normal and inflamed esophageal mucosa of children with the aim of furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology of allergic eosinophilic esophagitis (AEE).Methods:Controls and AEE patients (≥15 eosinophils/high‐power field on esophageal mucosal biopsies) between the ages of 1 and 18 years were recruited. Esophageal biopsies were obtained for histologic examination, immunohistochemical studies, and cytokine analysis.Results:Eight controls (4 males; mean age 9.99 years) and 11 AEE patients (8 males; mean age 7.15 years) were studied. mRNA expression of interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, eotaxin‐1, eotaxin‐2, eotaxin‐3, and RANTES was studied. IFN‐γ and IL‐5 expressions were significantly up‐regulated in AEE patients compared with controls. Expressions of IL‐4 and IL‐13 were similar between AEE patients and controls. Eotaxin‐1 expression was significantly up‐regulated in AEE patients, whereas eotaxin‐2 was up‐regulated in controls. Expression of RANTES and eotaxin‐3 was similar between the two groups. There was increased staining for mast cells in AEE patients compared with controls.Conclusions:Our data suggests that AEE is primarily an IL‐5 selective TH2 response, with a possible TH1 component, and a differential role of eosinophilic chemoattractants. The role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of AEE needs additional study.
Infliximab Dependency in a National Cohort of Children with Crohn's Disease
Authors: Wewer Vibeke , Riis Lene , Vind Ida , Husby Steffen , Munkholm Pia , Paerregaard Anders 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTAim:The aim was to evaluate the pattern of responsiveness and to monitor side effects of episodic administration of infliximab in children with active Crohn's disease (CD) treated in Denmark from 1999 to 2003.Material and Methods:The National Danish Crohn Colitis Database of infliximab was used to identify all Danish CD patients treated at pediatric departments with infliximab. The clinical outcome was assessed by pattern recognition of the disease course 30 days after the first infliximab infusion and 90 days after intended end of treatment.Results:During a 3 year period, infliximab was given to 24 CD patients (9 male/15 female) aged median 15.4 (range 9.8‐18.6) years with a median disease duration of 26 (range 0.7‐93) months and a median number of infusions of 6 (range 2‐11). Five milligrams of infliximab per kilogram infusions were given intravenously. Immediate response was as follows: 8 (33%) patients achieved complete response (CR), 10 (42%) partial response (PR), and 6 (25%) no response (NR). Long‐term response was as follows: 7 (29%) patients achieved prolonged response (PRO), defined as maintenance of CR or PR, 10 (42%) were infliximab dependent (ID), defined as relapse of symptoms requiring reinfusions of infliximab to regain CR or PR, and 6 (25%) had NR. Six (25%) patients needed surgery during or after treatment with infliximab. Side effects were seen in four (17%) patients. No serious events were noted.Conclusion:Seventy‐one percent of the children appeared to benefit (PRO or ID) from infliximab treatment with minor side effects when given episodically. Among these patients, two response patterns were recognized: PRO after ending infliximab treatment (29%) or dependency on reinfusions of infliximab (42%).
Prevalence of Vitamin K Deficiency in Children with Mild to Moderate Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Mager Diana R , McGee Phyllis L , Furuya Katryn N , Roberts Eve A 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTObjectives:Children with chronic liver disease are at risk for vitamin K deficiency because of fat malabsorption and inadequate dietary intake. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in children with mild to moderate chronic cholestatic and noncholestatic liver disease.Methods:Vitamin K status was examined in 43 children (0.25‐15.9 years) with mild to moderate chronic cholestatic liver disease, 29 children (0.9‐16.9 years) with chronic mild to moderate noncholestatic liver disease, and in 44 healthy children (1‐18 years). Vitamin K status was assessed by the plasma PIVKA‐II (protein induced in vitamin K absence) assay (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). Plasma PIVKA‐II values greater than 3 ng/mL are indicative of vitamin K deficiency.Results:The mean plasma PIVKA‐II (±SD) in cholestatic, noncholestatic, and healthy children was 61.9 ±144, 1.2 ± 3, and 2.1 ± ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.002). Fifty‐four percent of the children supplemented with vitamin K had plasma PIVKA‐II greater than 3 ng/mL. Plasma conjugated bilirubin, total bile acids, and severity of liver disease were positively correlated with plasma PIVKA‐II levels (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Vitamin K deficiency is prevalent in children with mild to moderate chronic cholestatic liver disease, even with vitamin K supplementation. Elevated PIVKA‐II levels occurred in children with a normal prothrombin, indicating that more sensitive markers of vitamin K status should be used in children with chronic liver disease. Vitamin K deficiency was related to degree of cholestasis and severity of liver disease in children. Children without cholestasis did not exhibit vitamin K deficiency.
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Lanthanide(III) Complexes with H5do3ap (1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic-10-(methylphosphonic Acid)), a Monophosphonate Analogue of H4dota
Authors: Táborský Petr , Lubal Přemysl , Havel Josef , Kotek Jan , Hermann Petr , Lukeš Ivan 
Published: December 2005

Solution properties of complexes of a new H4dota-like ligand containing three acetate and one methylphosphonate pendant arms (H5do3ap, H5L) were studied. The ligand exhibits a high last dissociation constant (pKA = 13.83) as a consequence of the presence of phosphonate moiety. In solution, successive attachment of protons leads to several reorganizations of protonation sites and the neutral zwitterionic species H5do3ap has the same solution structure as in the solid state, where the nitrogen atom binding methylphosphonate and the opposite nitrogen atoms are protonated. Stability constants with Na+ and trivalent lanthanide ions (La3+, Ce3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Lu3+) and Y3+ have been determined. The constants are comparable or higher than those of H4dota due to the higher overall basicity of H5do3ap. Formation of the stable protonated complexes, as well as complexes with the L:M = 1:2 stoichiometry, was proved. Formation and decomplexation kinetics of the Ce3+ and Gd3+ complexes were investigated. The mechanism of formation of the H5do3ap complexes is similar to that observed for H4dota complexes and the complex species with mono- or diprotonated ligand on the cyclen ring are considered as the reaction intermediates. Acid-assisted decomplexation of H5do3ap complexes is faster in comparison with those of H4dota. This is caused by higher basicity of the phosphonate pendant arm and the ring nitrogen atoms, which facilitates the proton transfer from the bulk solution to the nitrogen atoms of cyclen ring.