bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supplier–supplier relationships in the buyer–supplier triad: Building theories from eight case studies
Authors: Wu Zhaohui , Choi Thomas Y. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractMany researchers have studied how the buying company manages its relationship with suppliers (i.e. buyer–supplier relationship). Extending this genre of study, researchers have recently shown interest in investigating how the buying company manages relationships between the suppliers (i.e. supplier–supplier relationship). In other words, just as the relationship with the suppliers does, the relationships between suppliers have strategic implications for the buyer. We present in this study eight cases that describe supplier–supplier relationship dynamics. Using theory building through case studies, we identify five archetypes of supplier–supplier relationships. Each type of relationship is a unique configuration of the relational characteristics. We also present working propositions that associate the antecedent conditions that lead to these archetypes and eventual performance implications.
Intratympanic dexamethasone for profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Battista Robert A. 
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVESTo determine hearing recovery by using intratympanic dexamethasone for profound, idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGA prospective, clinical study was performed of 25 consecutive patients seen with profound ISSNHL. Patients received 4 intratympanic treatments of dexamethasone over the course of 2 weeks. Complete hearing recovery was defined as the final pure‐tone average (PTA) within 10 dB of baseline. Partial recovery was defined as a final PTA with >50% hearing. The hearing in the contralateral ear was used as baseline.RESULTSThe average time to treatment was 28 days. Two patients had significant hearing recovery, and 1 additional patient had partial recovery. The 2 patients with significant hearing recovery were treated within 9 days of onset of hearing loss.CONCLUSIONSBy using the treatment protocol and definition of hearing recovery of this study, intratympanic dexamethasone does not result in significant hearing improvement for patients with profound ISSNHL. There is a possible trend for improved hearing results if intratympanic treatment is performed within 11 days of onset of hearing loss.
Deep neck infection in diabetic patients: Comparison of clinical picture and outcomes with nondiabetic patients
Authors: Huang Tung‐Tsun , Tseng Fen‐Yu , Liu Tien‐Chen , Hsu Chuan‐Jen , Chen Yuh‐Shyang 
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in the clinical picture and outcomes between diabetic and nondiabetic patients with deep neck infections.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGWe retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who were diagnosed with deep neck infections and who received treatment at the Department of Otolaryngology of National Taiwan University Hospital between 1997 and 2002. One hundred eighty‐five patients were included in our study. Fifty‐six patients with diabetes mellitus were enrolled for further analysis (diabetic group) and compared with the other 129 patients without diabetes mellitus (nondiabetic group) in demography, etiology, bacteriology, treatment, duration of hospital stay, complications, and outcome.RESULTSThe parapharyngeal space was the space most commonly involved in both the diabetic (33.9%) and nondiabetic groups (40.3%). Odontogenic infections and upper airway infections were the 2 leading causes of deep neck infection in diabetic and nondiabetic groups. Streptococcus viridans is the most commonly isolated organism in the nondiabetic group (43.7%). However, the most common organism in the diabetic group was Klebsiella pneumoniae (56.1%). There were 89.3% of diabetic patients, versus 71.3% of nondiabetic patients, with abscess formation (P = 0.0136). Surgical drainage was performed more frequently in the diabetic group than in the nondiabetic group (86.0% versus 65.2%, P = 0.0142). In comparison with the nondiabetic group, the diabetic group tended to have older mean age (57.2 y versus 46.2 y, P = 0.0007), longer duration of hospital stay (19.7 days versus 10.2 days, P >0.0001), more frequent complications (33.9% versus 8.5%, P >0.0001), and more frequent tracheostomy or intubation (19.6% versus 6.2%, P = 0.0123).CONCLUSIONSPatients with diabetes mellitus are susceptible to deep neck infection. We should pay more attention when dealing with deep neck infections in patients with diabetes mellitus because those patients tend to have complications more frequently and a longer duration of hospital stay. Empirical antibiotics should cover K. pneumoniae in patients with deep neck infection who have diabetes mellitus.
Laser carbon dioxide cordectomy versus open surgery in the treatment of glottic carcinoma: Our results
Authors: Maurizi Maurizio , Almadori Giovanni , Plaudetti Gaetano , Eugenio De Corso , Galli Jacopo 
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVETo analyze oncologic results in patients with glottic cancers treated respectively, by laser CO2 or open surgery, taking into account specific‐disease survival, rate of locoregional recurrences, and their salvageability.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective study of 198 patients treated from January 1993 to June 2002 in the department of otorhinolaryngology at a Catholic university in Rome.METHODSGlottic carcinoma were treated by laser CO2 cordectomy in 132 patients (group 1) and by open surgery in 66 patients (group 2). The statistical analysis was performed by Kaplan Meyer method, log rank test, and x 2, test.RESULTSThe log‐rank test points out significant differences between the 2 groups regarding specific‐disease survival; no differences were found for disease‐free survival. Within group 1, 16 patients developed local failure, which was retreated in 6 cases with laser surgery; in 9 (6.8%) with total laryngectomy, only 1 case was inoperable. In this group, 10 patients (62.5%) were salvaged. Within group 2, 18 patients developed local recurrences, which was retreated in 14 (21.21%) cases with total laryngectomy; the other 4 cases were not suitable for surgery. Of these 18, 8 patients (44.5%) were salvaged.CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCEOur results show significant differences between the 2 groups concerning the specific‐disease survival and the salvageability of local recurrences. In fact, in group 1 we found a higher salvage rate and a lower incidence of total laryngectomy. As already suggested, laser therapy leaves the laryngeal cartilaginous framework intact, avoiding the spread of the tumor out of laryngeal organ and resulting in a more favorable oncologic outcome.
The surgical approach to retrosternal goiters: The role of computerized tomography
Authors: Grainger JOE , Saravanappa Natarajan , D'souza Alwyn , Wilcock David , Wilson Paul S 
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVETo assess preoperative CT scans of patients with a retrosternal goiter, with an objective of identifying features that are likely to predict the need for sternotomy at operation.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGA retrospective review of clinical notes and CT scans of patients who underwent thyroidectomy for retrosternal goiter at a large district general hospital in the United Kingdom between 1998 and 2002.RESULTSExtension of the goiter to the level of the aortic arch, particularly when combined with tracheal involvement or major vessel displacement, increases the likelihood of requiring median sternotomy.CONCLUSIONSMost retrosternal goiters can be approached through a cervical incision alone. However, extension of the goiter to the level of the aortic arch does appear to increase the likelihood of requiring sternotomy.SIGNIFICANCEIn such cases in which sternotomy is anticipated, the availability of cardiothoracic services would be helpful to avoid patient morbidity.
Papillary and follicular variant of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid: Initial presentation and response to therapy
Authors: Burningham Alan R. , Krishnan Jayashree , Davidson Bruce J. , Ringel Matthew D. , Burman Kenneth D. 
Published: June 2005

INTRODUCTIONThe 2 most common histologic variants of papillary carcinoma are pure papillary carcinoma (PTC) and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC). The purpose of this study is to compare the presentation and short‐term response to therapy of these variants and to determine if FVPTC is a more aggressive form of thyroid cancer that warrants intensive therapy.METHODSA retrospective chart review of patients treated for PTC and FVPTC between 1996 and 1999 was performed. Clinical variables were compared with the Wilcoxon Rank‐Sum test or the Fischer's Exact Test.RESULTSOf 160 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma included, 114 (71%) had PTC and 46 (29%) had FVPTC. Mean follow‐up was 38.6 months. FVPTC presented with larger tumors (median 1.5 cm vs 1.0 cm, P = 0.007) and higher tumor stage than PTC. PTC patients were more likely to present with local invasion and to have local recurrence (9.65% vs 0% for both variables). There were no significant differences in patient age, gender, vascular invasion, lymph node or distant metastases, surgical treatment, radioactive iodine therapy, remission, or mortality.CONCLUSIONFVPTC presented with larger original tumor size and higher tumor stage but a lower local invasion rate and recurrence rate than patients with PTC despite similar therapies. These data suggest that FVPTC and PTC carry similar prognoses in early stages and that FVPTC may have a reduced predilection for local invasion. Although further studies with longer follow‐up are required, these results do not suggest that FVPTC warrants more aggressive therapy than PTC.
Tissue model and preliminary analysis of microdebriders used in functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Dave Sandeep P. , Lehman David A. , Casiano Roy R. 
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVETo develop a standardized in vitro tissue model for microdebrider comparison, and determine which microdebrider, tissue type, blade type, and suction strength is most efficient.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGA prospective randomized comparison of the Diego Powered Dissector and XPS 3000 Powered ENT System was conducted using a soft‐tissue and a firm‐tissue model. In addition to evaluating tissue aspiration with straight and angled blades, clogging rates and clearance times were measured. Both standard wall suction and liposuction were used. Basic statistical analysis and a one‐way analysis of variance using confidence intervals were performed to compare outcomes.RESULTSThe aspiration of soft tissue was statistically superior to and demonstrated less clogging compared to the aspiration of firm tissue. For the “head‐to‐head” comparison, the XPS 3000 was statistically superior for aspirating soft tissue. When liposuction was excluded, the devices were essentially equivalent. Several notable trends that were not statistically significant were also observed. The aspiration efficiency of straight blades appeared to be superior compared to angled blades. The XPS 3000 and liposuction independently seemed to aspirate more tissue than the Diego Powered Dissector and regular suction, but at the expense of increased clogging. Finally, the Diego Powered Dissector showed a trend toward aspirating more firm tissue.CONCLUSIONOur tissue model represents a reliable and reproducible means of microdebrider comparison. A secondary analysis with a larger sample size is warranted to further validate the tissue model, to improve the power of the statistically significant results, and to better delineate the trends that were observed in the current study.
Successful outpatient treatment of sinusitis exacerbations caused by community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gerencer Roland Z. 
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVETo determine whether community‐acquired MRSA sinusitis can be adequately treated on an outpatient basis without the need for intravenous antibiotics.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGRetrospective review of all cases of community‐acquired MRSA sinusitis encountered by the author over a 36‐month period.RESULTSOf 29 patients who tested positive for MRSA sinusitis, 26 patients had follow‐up information available and were retrospectively reviewed. The average follow‐up period was 12.0 months (range: 1–36 mo). Twelve infectious episodes of MRSA were treated with oral antibiotics alone and 16 were treated with a combination of oral and topical antibiotics. The mean time to clinical resolution with these regimens was 5.7 weeks (range: 3–8 wks). Two patients experienced recurrent MRSA infections resulting in a recurrence rate of 7.7% and an overall resolution rate of 92.3%.CONCLUSIONSCommunity‐acquired MRSA sinusitis can be very adequately treated on an outpatient basis with culture‐directed oral and topical antibiotics.
Localization by unilateral BAHA users
Authors: Wazen Jack J. , Ghossaini Soha N. , Spitzer Jaclyn B. , Kuller Mary 
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVESPatients with unilateral hearing loss report difficulty hearing conversation on their impaired side, localizing sound, and understanding of speech in background noise. The bone‐anchored cochlear stimulator (BAHA) (Entific, Gothenburg, Sweden) has been shown to improve performance in persons with unilateral severe‐profound sensorineural loss (USNHL). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of BAHA in sound localization for USNHL listeners.STUDY DESIGNProspective study of 12 USNHL subjects, 9 of whom received implants on the poorer hearing side. A control group of 10 normal hearing subjects were assessed for comparison. Localization with and without BAHA was assessed using an array of 8 speakers at head level separated by 45 degrees. Error analysis matrix was generated to evaluate the confusions, accuracy in response, and laterality judgment.RESULTSThe average accuracy of speaker localization was 16% in the unaided condition, with no improvement with BAHA use. Laterality judgment was poorer than 43% in both aided and nonaided conditions.CONCLUSIONSPatients with UNSNHL had poor sound localization and laterality judgment abilities that did not improve with BAHA use.
Innovation in manufacturing
Authors: Schroeder Roger G. , Scudder Gary D. , Elm Dawn R. 
Published: June 2005

Executive SummaryInnovation has recently become a subject of much interest to academics and managers alike. This awakening interest has been brought on by increased competition and a desire to improve business performance. While much has been written on innovation, in general, little has appeared on manufacturing innovation. This paper attempts to provide insight into this subject by analyzing the perspectives of manufacturing managers on what manufacturing innovation is, how it can be measured, and how it can be improved.While the literature and research have addressed important aspects of innovation in manufacturing, further understanding is needed, especially in the definition and measurement of innovation in manufacturing. A generally accepted definition of innovation in a manufacturing context will provide a basis for development of appropriate measures of innovation (not performance), as well as leading to methods for improving innovation (and hence, performance). This paper reports on a series of group discussions with manufacturing managers in how to define, measure, and improve innovation in a manufacturing context.A group of 65 manufacturing managers (vice‐presidents, plant managers and manufacturing directors) was brought together and divided into seven small groups. Most of these managers had direct responsibility for from one to five manufacturing plants of various sizes. Each of the small groups was given one of the following three questions: (1) How do you define innovation in manufacturing? (2) How do you measure innovation in manufacturing? or (3) How would you improve innovation in manufacturing? Nominal groups were utilized to “brainstorm” answers to the appropriate questions in each small group.A framework for manufacturing innovation is developed from the data. The framework shows that manufacturing results are affected by the degree of innovation present in manufacturing and by various factors external to manufacturing and the firm. The degree of innovation. in turn, is affected by several elements within manufacturing which can be managed by the firm (resources, structure, goals and culture). The framework which has been developed from these data can be used by managers and researchers alike to define, measure, and improve innovation in manufacturing.
A new progressive-iterative algorithm for multiple structure alignment
Authors: Lupyan Dmitry , Leo-Macias Alejandra , Ortiz Angel R. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractMotivation: Multiple structure alignments are becoming important tools in many aspects of structural bioinformatics. The current explosion in the number of available protein structures demands multiple structural alignment algorithms with an adequate balance of accuracy and speed, for large scale applications in structural genomics, protein structure prediction and protein classification.Results: A new multiple structural alignment program, MAMMOTH-mult, is described. It is demonstrated that the alignments obtained with the new method are an improvement over previous manual or automatic alignments available in several widely used databases at all structural levels. Detailed analysis of the structural alignments for a few representative cases indicates that MAMMOTH-mult delivers biologically meaningful trees and conservation at the sequence and structural levels of functional motifs in the alignments. An important improvement over previous methods is the reduction in computational cost. Typical alignments take only a median time of 5 CPU seconds in a single R12000 processor. MAMMOTH-mult is particularly useful for large scale applications.Availability: http://ub.cbm.uam.es/mammoth/multContact: aro@cbm.uam.es
A quantitative determination of multi-protein interactions by the analysis of confocal images using a pixel-by-pixel assessment algorithm
Authors: Goucher D. R. , Wincovitch S. M. , Garfield S. H. , Carbone K. M. , Malik T. H. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Motivation: Recent advances in confocal microscopy have allowed scientists to assess the expression, and to some extent, the interaction/colocalization of multiple molecules within cells and tissues. In some instances, accurately quantifying the colocalization of two or more proteins may be critical. This can require the acquisition of multiple Z plane images (Z stacks) throughout a specimen and, as such, we report here the successful development of a freeware, open-source image analysis tool, IMAJIN_COLOC, developed in PERL (v. 5.8, build 806), using the PERLMagick libraries (ImageMagick). Using a pixel-by-pixel analysis algorithm, IMAJIN_COLOC can analyze images for antigen expression (any number of colors) and can measure all possible combinations of colocalization for up to three colors by analyzing a Z stack gallery acquired for each sample. The simultaneous (i.e. in a single pass) analysis of three-color colocalization, and batch analysis capabilities are distinctive features of this program.
Results: A control image, containing known individual and colocalized pixel counts, was used to validate the accuracy of IMAJIN_COLOC. As further validation, pixel counts and colocalization values from the control image were compared to those obtained with the software packaged with the Zeiss laser-scanning microscope (LSM AIM, version 3.2). The values from both programs were found to be identical. To demonstrate the applicability of this program in addressing novel biological questions, we examined the role of neurons in eliciting an immune reaction in response to viral infection. Specifically, we successfully examined expression of the chemokine RANTES in measles virus (MV) infected hippocampal neurons and quantified changes in RANTES production throughout the disease period. The resultant quantitative data were also evaluated visually, using a gif image created during the analysis.
Availability: PERL (ActivePerl, version 5.8) is available at activestate.com; the PERLMagick libraries are available at imagemagick.org, and IMAJIN_COLOC, the source code and user documentation can be downloaded from http://www.fda.gov/cber/research/imaging/imageanalysis.htm
Contact: Malik@cber.fda.gov
Toward a Theory of Performance Reporting to Achieve Public Sector Accountability: A Field Study
Authors: Cunningham Gary M. , Harris Jean E. 
Published: June 2005

Governments in many countries are implementing performance reporting systems. Many advocates claim that performance reporting results in accountability and effectiveness. There is no theory to justify these claims and guide implementation. This paper presents five field studies of five performance‐reporting systems to begin building theory.Four locations are optimistic; one is not. Mere adoption of performance reporting is not effective. Broad involvement across all government levels is important. Communication and integration with strategic planning and agency management are essential. Two theoretical streams, accounting in organized anarchies and the constitutive role of accounting, are useful theoretical bases.
Lupus erythematosus panniculitis (lupus profundus): Clinical, histopathological, and molecular analysis of nine cases
Authors: Massone Cesare , Kodama Kazuo , Salmhofer Wolfgang , Abe Riichiro , Shimizu Hiroshi , Parodi Aurora , Kerl Helmut , Cerroni Lorenzo 
Published: June 2005

Background:  The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP) may be very difficult in cases in which involvement of the subcutaneous fat is the only manifestation of the disease. The main differential diagnosis is subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (SPTCL).Methods:  We performed a retrospective study reviewing the histopathologic features of 11 biopsy specimens from nine patients with LEP (M : F = 2 : 7; median age: 48 years; range: 20–71 years).Results:  Histopathologically, all biopsies revealed a lobular panniculitis, with concomitant septal involvement in 82% of them. Dermal changes included the presence of superficial and deep infiltrates (82%) and mucin deposition (73%). The majority of cases (73%) presented also some form of epidermal involvement. The subcutaneous infiltrate was composed of lymphocytes in all cases, admixed with plasma cells in 91% of cases. Lymphoid follicles with reactive germinal centers were detected in 45% of cases. Immunohistochemistry showed a predominance of α/β‐T‐helper and cytotoxic lymphocytes in 80% of cases admixed with B lymphocytes. The polymerase chain reaction analysis of the T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐γ gene showed a polyclonal smear in all cases.Conclusions:  Our study shows that the most useful histopathologic criteria for distinguishing LEP from SPTCL are the presence of involvement of the epidermis, lymphoid follicles with reactive germinal centers, mixed cell infiltrate with prominent plasma cells, clusters of B lymphocytes, and polyclonal TCR‐γ gene rearrangement.