bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Net‐Based Customer Service Systems: Evolution and Revolution in Web Site Functionalities*
Authors: Piccoli Gabriele , Brohman M. Kathryn , Watson Richard T. , Parasuraman A. 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTFirms' Web sites are becoming an increasingly important component of their customer service systems. Yet there is a dearth of research‐based insights and guidelines concerning the roles, functionalities, and effective design of Web sites. In this article we describe and discuss findings from a three‐phase, multimethod research study aimed at filling this literature void. We first propose and validate a descriptive taxonomy of customer needs amenable to online fulfillment. Complementing this taxonomy, we next propose, and offer preliminary validation of, a five‐stage conceptual model for understanding and predicting the development of a firm's Web site design and functionality. Findings from our study suggest that firms' Web sites are by and large in the early stages of development with respect to their ultimate potential, but that executives in leading service firms have begun to conceptualize and plan for subsequent stages. We conclude the article with managerial implications and important avenues for further research.
Phenotype and Natural Killer Cell Sensitivity of a Radiation‐Induced Acute T‐Cell Leukaemia (Roser Leukaemia) in PVG Rats
Authors: Nestvold J. , Stokland A. , Naper C. , Rolstad B. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractA radiation‐induced T‐cell leukaemia [Roser leukaemia (RL)] in the rat was conditioned for growth in vitro by repeated in vivo–in vitro passages. This in vitro cell line, termed RL‐T, maintained its leukaemia‐inducing property when transferred to syngeneic PVG rats. It expresses several T‐cell markers and the T‐cell α/β receptor–CD3 complex. RL‐T, furthermore, expresses major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I antigens, both classical (RT1.A) and nonclassical (RT1.C), which makes it susceptible to killing by alloreactive natural killer cells in vitro.
On Immunity Against Infections and Vaccines: Credo 2004
Authors: Zinkernagel R. M. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractResistance of vertebrate hosts against infections comprises important natural or innate resistance combined with adaptive immune responses of T and B cells. Viruses, bacteria or classical parasites all probe the limit of immune responses and of immunity. They, therefore, offer an excellent opportunity to assess the biology, physiology and molecular aspects of immune responses and help in characterizing the three basic parameters of immunology – specificity, tolerance and memory. Various experiments are summarized that indicate that the rules of antiviral, antitumour, antiorgan graft and of autoimmune responses are basically the same. The practical specificity repertoire of T and B cells is probably in the order of 104−105 specificities expressed by T cells or by neutralizing antibodies. Tolerance is best defined by rules of reactivity to eliminate infections while avoiding destruction of normal cells by complete elimination of T cells that are specific for antigens persisting within the blood and lymphatic (lymphohaemopoietic) system. Induction of a T‐cell response is the result of antigens newly entering lymph nodes or spleen, initially in a local fashion and exhibiting an optimal distribution kinetics within the lymphohaemopoietic system. Antigen staying outside lymphatic tissues are immunologically ignored (e.g. are non‐events). Thus immune reactivity is regulated by antigen dose, time and relative distribution kinetics. Memory is the fact that a host is resistant against disease caused by reinfection with the same agent. Memory correlates best with antigen‐dependent maintenance of elevated antibody titres in serum and mucosal secretions, or with an antigen‐driven activation of T cells, such that they are protective immediately against peripheral reinfections in solid tissues. While antibodies transferred from mother to offspring are a prerequisite for the survival of otherwise unprotected immuno‐incompetent offsprings, activated memory T cells cannot be transmitted. Thus, attenuation of infections in newborns and babies by maternal antibodies is the physiological correlate of man‐made vaccines. T cells not only play an essential role in maintaining T‐help‐dependent memory antibody titres, but also in controlling the many infections that persist in a host at rather low levels (such as tuberculosis, measles and HIV).
Fibronectin Receptor Defects in NOD Mouse Leucocytes: Possible Consequences for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Geutskens S. B. , Mendes‐da‐Cruz D. A. , Dardenne M. , Savino W. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractIntegrins of the very late antigen (VLA) family mediate leucocyte traffic to lymphoid organs under physiological conditions and in chronic inflammatory situations such as autoimmunity. Accordingly, the current thinking is of a positive correlation between VLA expression and capability of the generation of autoimmunity. Herein we discuss recent findings on the defective expression of integrin‐type fibronectin receptors α4β1 (VLA‐4) and α5β1 (VLA‐5) in the non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mouse, a murine model of autoimmune insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. As compared with normal animals, NOD thymocytes (including the CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells) exhibit a decrease in the membrane expression of α5β1, resulting in a functional impairment of fibronectin‐mediated interactions, including cell migration. Interestingly, thymocytes that are trapped within the giant perivascular spaces seen in NOD thymus are consistently α5β1 negative, suggesting that the progressive arrest of mature cells can be related to the α5β1 defect. Peripheral T cells also exhibit decreased α5β1 membrane expression and impaired fibronectin‐driven migration. Additionally, we observed a defect in α4β1 fibronectin receptor expression in NOD macrophages. Peritoneal, bone marrow‐derived‐precursor, as well as thymic macrophages of NOD mice showed an impaired upregulation of α4‐integrin chain expression, dependent on the level of macrophage maturation. Overall these data lead to the notion that NOD leucocytes bear distinct fibronectin receptor‐mediated cell migration defects, which may be involved in the pathogenesis and/or pathophysiology of the autoimmune events seen in NOD mice. Further studies will be helpful to define whether or not this concept can be applied for other autoimmune diseases.
Transcranial direct current stimulation disrupts tactile perception
Authors: Rogalewski Andreas , Breitenstein Caterina , Nitsche Michael A. , Paulus Walter , Knecht Stefan 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe excitability of the cerebral cortex can be modulated by various transcranial stimulation techniques. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) offers the advantage of portable equipment and could, therefore, be used for ambulatory modulation of brain excitability. However, modulation of cortical excitability by tDCS has so far mostly been shown by indirect measures. Therefore, we examined whether tDCS has a direct behavioral/perceptional effect. We compared tactile discrimination of vibratory stimuli to the left ring finger prior to, during and after tDCS applied for 7 min at 1‐mA current intensity in 13 subjects. Stimulation was pseudorandomized into cathodal, anodal and sham conditions in a within‐subject design. The active electrode was placed over the corresponding somatosensory cortex at C4 according to the 10–20 EEG system and the reference electrode at the forehead above the contralateral orbita. Cathodal stimulation compared with sham induced a prolonged decrease of tactile discrimination, while anodal and sham stimulation did not. Thus, cortical processing can be modulated in a behaviorally/perceptually meaningful way by weak transcranial current stimulation applied through portable technology. This finding offers a new perspective for the treatment of conditions characterized by alterations of cortical excitability.
Distribution of HCN1 and HCN2 in rat auditory brainstem nuclei
Authors: Koch Ursula , Braun Marianne , Kapfer Christoph , Grothe Benedikt 
Published: July 2004

AbstractAuditory brainstem neurons that are involved in the precise analysis of the temporal pattern of sounds have ionic currents activated near the resting potential to shorten membrane time constants. One of these currents is the hyperpolarization‐activated current (Ih). Molecular cloning of the channels underlying Ih revealed four different isoforms (HCN1–4). HCN1 and HCN2, which are widely distributed in the brain, differ in their activation kinetics, voltage dependence and sensitivity to cAMP. We determined the distribution of the HCN1 and HCN2 isoform in the auditory brainstem and midbrain of young rats (P20–30), using standard immunohistochemical techniques. HCN1 antibodies gave rise to punctate staining on the somatic and dendritic membrane. Strong HCN1 staining was present on octopus and bushy cells of the ventral cochlear nucleus, principal neurons of the lateral and medial superior olive, and neurons of the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. No HCN1 staining was observed in the dorsal cochlear nucleus and the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). In contrast, HCN2 staining was strongest in the MNTB and the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. Strong HCN2 antibody labelling was also observed in bushy cells of the ventral cochlear nucleus. In the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus only a subpopulation of neurons showed HCN1 or HCN2 immunolabelling. This differential distribution of HCN1 and HCN2 channels is in agreement with the physiologically observed Ih currents in corresponding neuronal populations and might represent the basis for functional heterogeneity and diverse sensitivity to neuromodulators.
Anti‐ganglioside antibodies in children with coeliac disease: correlation with gluten‐free diet and neurological complications
Authors: Briani C. , Ruggero S. , Zara G. , Toffanin E. , Ermani M. , Betterle C. , Guariso G. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryBackground : Emerging evidence points to humoural mechanisms in neurological complications of coeliac disease. Immunoglobulin G anti‐ganglioside antibodies have been reported in coeliac disease patients with neuropathy, suggesting an immune response to peripheral nerve antigens. No data are so far available on anti‐ganglioside antibodies in coeliac disease children or on antibody modifications after gluten‐free diet.Aim : To evaluate the presence of antibodies to ganglioside antigens in children with coeliac disease, their modification after gluten‐free diet, and possible correlations with neurological manifestations.Methods : Sera from 42 coeliac disease children, before and after gluten‐free diet, were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the presence of antibodies (immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G) to gangliosides. Thirty‐five sera of age‐matched children with dyspepsia were used as control.Results : High anti‐ganglioside antibodies titres were present in two patients. In one patient, antibody titre reversed after gluten‐free diet, whereas in the other one the titre increased after diet. Neither one complained of neurological symptoms.Conclusions : Anti‐ganglioside antibodies do not seem to correlate with gluten ingestion or with neurological manifestations in children with coeliac disease. Mechanisms different from gluten exposure may be implicated in the antibody production. An ongoing prospective study will help clarify the role, if any, of these antibodies in coeliac disease.
How effective are the usual treatments for Crohn's disease?
Authors: Bebb J. R. , Scott B. B. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryBackground: Details of the efficacy of the various drugs used in Crohn's disease are not readily available.Methods: We have reviewed all placebo controlled trials of the commonly used drugs in Crohn's disease for both the induction and maintenance of remission to determine the efficacy and to calculate the numbers needed to treat (NNTs) to achieve a specified benefit for each drug.Results: Both the drug response rates and the NNTs (with 95% confidence intervals) are tabulated for each drug.Conclusion: Prednisolone/prednisone is the most effective drug to achieve remission with a remission rate of 60% and an NNT for remission of 3 (95% confidence interval: 2–6). Aminosalicylates are only moderately effective in achieving remission with an overall NNT of 10 (95% confidence interval: 6–75), but more effective in high‐dose (e.g. NNT for Pentasa 4 g daily = 4; 95% confidence interval: 2.6–9), and less effective in maintaining remission with an NNT of 14 (95% confidence interval: 9–29). Both azathioprine and infliximab are associated with remission induction and maintenance rates of 40–66% and NNTs of 3–5. Methotrexate intramuscularly has a remission induction rate of 39% and an NNT of 5 (95% confidence interval: 3–25).
Japanese cedar pollen‐specific interleukin‐4 production develops immediately after the first exposure to pollens in infants with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kimura M. , Obi M. , Saito M. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryBackground
Japanese cedar pollens (JCPs) spread over most areas of Japan from February to April and cause pollenosis. While IgE synthesis against JCPs starts after age 1, it remains to be clarified when JCP‐specific T helper cells acquire the ability to produce IL‐4, a cytokine that induces IgE synthesis.Objective
This study aimed to clarify when the sensitization of T cells to JCPs develops.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells from 153 children with atopic dermatitis (AD) aged 0–15 years were stimulated with a standardized JCP allergen. As parameters of T cell responsiveness, lymphocyte proliferation and the production of IL‐4 and IFN‐γ were measured.Results
T cell responses against JCPs were negative before March in infants with AD who had never been exposed to JCPs or who were exposed for less than a month (nine, seven and nine subjects for lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine production and IgE synthesis, respectively). Lymphocyte proliferation distinctly increased in 67.6% (23/34) of infants with AD examined between March and June. JCP‐specific IL‐4 production was observed in 56.0% (14/25) of infants with AD examined between March and June. Correspondingly, a slight increase in the level of serum JCP‐specific IgE antibody was seen in 17.2% (five of 29) of infants with AD examined between April and June.Conclusion
These results demonstrate that the sensitization of T cells to JCPs is effectively completed within a few months after the first exposure to JCPs.
Acoustic rhinometry in nasal allergen challenge study: which dimensional measures are meaningful?
Authors: Wang D. Y. , Raza M. T. , Goh D. Y. T. , Lee B. W. , Chan Y. H. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryBackground
Acoustic rhinometry (AR) is commonly used as a quantitative assessment of nasal response to nasal allergen challenge (NAC). However, sources of error and physical limitations of various AR area–distance measurements have not been adequately evaluated.Objective
To investigate the clinical value of AR measurements, and the relationship between subjective sensation and objective AR measurements in the NAC study.Methods
Nasal challenge using increasing concentrations of crude Blomia tropicalis (Bt) extracts (0.6, 6, and 60 μg/mL) was performed in 15 adult patients (eight males and seven females) with ongoing persistent allergic rhinitis. Subjective symptom scores of nasal obstruction were recorded together with the objective AR measurements of the minimum cross‐sectional area (MCA), distance to MCA and cross‐sectional area (CSA) at 3.3, 4.0 and 6.4 cm from the nostril, during the 7 h after the last challenge.Results
The dose–response increase in nasal obstruction score was significantly (P<0.001 for all) associated with decreases in mean MCA (r=0.75), mean CSA3.3 (r=0.54), mean CSA4.0 (r=0.53) and mean CSA6.4 (r=0.20). The mean MCA (±SD) for each subjective symptom score 0, 1, 2 and 3 was found to be 0.73 (±0.22) cm2, 0.63 (±0.29) cm2, 0.33 (±0.17) cm2 and 0.21 (±0.14) cm2, respectively. When the MCA (left and right separately) reached an area <0.2 cm2, measurements of CSA3.3 and CSA4.0 were significantly reduced by 60–70%.Conclusion
This study demonstrates that AR is a useful and objective investigational tool, which correlates well with the sensation of nasal obstruction. MCA, CSA3.3 and CSA4.0 are more reliable measurements than CSA6.4 due to physical limitations. It is important to note that when the MCA is smaller than 0.2 cm2, a common condition in the early‐phase reaction, area–distance measurements beyond this point can be misinterpreted and should be considered with caution.
In vitro diagnosis of chronic nasal inflammation
Authors: Kramer M. F. , Burow G. , Pfrogner E. , Rasp G. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryBackground
Differential diagnosis of chronic nasal inflammation is insufficient when based solely on clinical examination and radiography of paranasal sinuses. Patients complain about more or less similar symptoms. Activation of mast cells and eosinophils is pivotal in nasal inflammation.Objective
To compare tryptase and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in nasal secretions in different forms of chronic nasal inflammation and to establish norm values.Methods
The study included 1710 patients presenting with nasal complaints. Nasal secretions were gained by the cotton wool method and analysed for tryptase, as a marker of mast cell activation, and for ECP, as a marker of tissue eosinophilia and activation. Patients were grouped according to their diagnosis: chronic, non‐allergic rhinosinusitis (sinusitis, n=194), non‐allergic nasal polyposis (polyposis, n=138), non‐allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES, n=198), isolated perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) (n=126), isolated seasonal AR (n=132), and patients allergic to both, seasonal and perennial allergens (n=193). Seven hundred and twenty‐nine patients with nasal complaints due to a deviated septum and without any nasal inflammation served as controls.Results
Nasal tryptase was highly significantly (P<0.001) elevated in polyposis, NARES, and in AR. ECP was highly significantly (P<0.001) elevated in all groups of patients suffering from chronic nasal inflammation. Based on our data and method we established norm values (95% confidence interval of mean value) for nasal tryptase in healthy adults, ranging from 12.0 to 18.7 ng/mL and for ECP ranging from 84.4 to 102.6 ng/mL.Conclusion
Mast cells and eosinophils are involved in non‐allergic and allergic forms of chronic nasal inflammation. We established an in vitro assay for tryptase and ECP in nasal secretions and defined norm values based on our data and method. In vitro measurement of biological markers in nasal secretions provides important information for differential diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of chronic nasal inflammation.
Phenotypic alteration of neuropeptide‐containing nerve fibres in seasonal intermittent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Heppt W. , Thai Dinh Q. , Cryer A. , Zweng M. , Noga O. , Peiser C. , Melvan M. , Witt C. , Fischer A. , Groneberg D.A. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryBackground
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common allergic disease affecting the respiratory tract. Next to inflammatory changes, the airway innervation plays an important modulatory role in the pathogenesis of the disease.Objective
To examine the participation of different neuropeptides in the human nasal mucosa of intermittent (seasonal) AR tissues in the allergic season.Methods
Immunohistochemistry for substance P (SP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY) was related to the characterization of inflammatory cells in tissues of patients with seasonal AR (n=18).Results
While there was a significant increase in the number of eosinophils present if compared with a control group, no changes occurred in mast cell numbers. Immunostaining was abundantly found in different nerve fibre populations of both groups. SP expression was significantly increased in mucosal nerve fibres of patients with intermittent (seasonal) AR. Also, significantly increased numbers of VIP‐ and NPY‐immunoreactive nerve fibres were found in biopsies of rhinitis patients in comparison with sections of normal human nasal mucosa. In contrast, CGRP expression did not change significantly.Conclusion
The increase of neuropeptide expression in mucosal nerve fibres indicates a major role of the autonomous mucosal innervation in the pathophysiology of intermittent (seasonal) AR.
Compliance of asthmatic families with a primary prevention programme of asthma and effectiveness of measures to reduce inhalant allergens – a randomized trial
Authors: Schönberger H. J. A. M. , Maas T. , Dompeling E. , Knottnerus J. A. , Van Weel C. , Van Schayck C. P. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryBackground
Compliance to and the effect of pre‐ and post‐natal exposure reduction measures to prevent asthma in high‐risk children from asthmatic families were studied.Method
Families were randomized to a special care group (n=222) and a control group (n=221). Educational advice on measures to reduce their newborn's exposure to allergens and smoke was provided to the special care group during three visits (two pre‐natal and one post‐natal). The control group (n=221) received usual care.Result
After the intervention, the special care group differed significantly (P<0.01) from the usual care group in: use of anti‐mite encasings (parental: 88% vs. 14%; baby: 98% vs. 10%); keeping pets outside (51% vs. 19%); combined breast‐ and hypoallergenic formula feeding (55% vs. 22%); first solids postponement until after the sixth month (71% vs. 28%); maternal post‐natal smoking (52% vs. 28%). Little or no compliance was found for other sanitary measures (cleaning habits, providing a smooth floor covering, ventilation/airing, pet removal), exclusive breastfeeding, pre‐natal smoking and partner smoking. In spite of pre‐existent low allergen levels in both groups, there was a significant reduction of mite, cat, and dog allergens on the mattresses and mite and cat allergens in the living room in the special care group and were significantly lower compared with the usual care group after 1 year.Conclusion
High compliance was found for the use of anti‐mite encasings; substantial compliance for using hypoallergenic formula, solid food postponement, keeping pets outside and reported post‐natal maternal smoking. There was no compliance for sanitary measures and the reduction of maternal pre‐natal passive smoking. Mite and pet allergens on mattresses were strongly reduced by anti‐mite encasings.
Anaphylaxis after hamster bites – identification of a novel allergen
Authors: Lim D. L. , Chan R. M. E. , Wen H. , Van Bever H. P. S. , Chua K. Y. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryBackground
Hamsters are popular household pets and anaphylaxis after their bites have described. However, the putative allergen has not been identified.Objective
This study was conducted to identify the allergen causing dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungoris) bite‐induced anaphylaxis.Methods
Two children with hamster bite‐induced anaphylaxis were enrolled. They both had negative results to skin testing and specific IgE to hamster epithelium. However, they were both allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p). Identification of the putative IgE‐binding allergens from the hamster saliva was performed using immunoblot analysis.Results
A specific IgE‐binding component at 21 kD in the hamster saliva was identified. ELISA inhibition tests showed partial inhibition with Der p.Conclusions
The putative allergen from the hamster saliva causing dwarf hamster‐induced anaphylaxis was identified. Possible cross‐reactivity with Der p was demonstrated. Further studies will be needed to identify the exact nature and function of this allergen.