bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p53‐Positive Tumor‐Distant Squamous Epithelia of the Head and Neck Reveal Selective Loss of Chromosome 17
Authors: Wolf Christina , Flechtenmacher Christa , Dietz Andreas , Weidauer Hagen , Abel Ulrich , Maier Heinz , Bosch Franz X.
Published: March 2004

Objectives/Hypothesis The progression of clinically manifest premalignant lesions in the head and neck region to primary or second primary cancer is characterized by numerical and structural chromosomal aberrations. However, many tumors arise from histologically inconspicuous mucosal sites. The objective was to investigate whether chromosomal aberrations can be detected in tumor‐distant mucosa and whether they can help predict the risk of second primary malignancy.

Study Design A retrospective series of 72 clinically healthy, arbitrarily taken mucosal samples from 53 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck was studied. A previous analysis of the p53 protein status had revealed both p53‐positive and p53‐negative samples.

Methods The samples were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using centromeric probes specific for the chromosomes 1, 10, 17, and 18.

Results Tumor‐distant mucosa generally showed increased numerical chromosomal aberrations, which consisted mainly of monosomies. In the group of patients with p53‐positive epithelia, all aberrations including gains of chromosomes (trisomies, tetrasomies) were more frequent. Monosomy for chromosome 17 was most significantly and selectively enhanced in this group (Wilcoxon Scores [rank sum] test, P = .0002).

Conclusion Detectable chromosomal aberrations occur in clinically healthy epithelia in patients at risk for secondary head and neck cancer. Specifically, unbalanced chromosome 17 monosomy in conjunction with p53 protein overexpression may constitute a valuable biomarker for progressive “field cancerization.”
Therapy for Acute Nonpurulent Rhinosinusitis With Cineole: Results of a Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Kehrl Wolfgang , Sonnemann Uwe , Dethlefsen Uwe
Published: March 2004

Objectives/Hypothesis Nonpurulent rhinosinusitis can be treated successfully with cineole.

Study Design Prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study.

Methods We compared efficacy and safety of cineole capsules with placebo capsules in 152 patients with acute rhinosinusitis (76 patients in each treatment group). The dosage of the active ingredient was two 100‐mg capsules of cineole three times daily. The primary end point was the reduction of a defined symptoms‐sum‐score based on symptoms and signs comparing baseline therapy difference from the beginning to the end of the 7‐day treatment.

Results All randomly selected patients were assigned to the intention‐to‐treat‐population. At the beginning, the mean symptoms‐sum‐score was 15.6 in both treatment groups. The mean values for the symptoms‐sum‐scores in the cineole group were 6.9 ± 2.9 after 4 days and 3.0 ± 2.8 after 7 days, and in the placebo group, 12.2 ± 2.5 after 4 days and 9.2 ± 3.0 after 7 days. The differences between both groups were clinically relevant and statistically significant after 4 and 7 days. The result for the primary end point was validated by the amelioration of the following secondary end points: headache on bending, frontal headache, sensitivity of pressure points of trigeminal nerve, impairment of general condition, nasal obstruction, and rhinological secretion. Mild side effects, possibly associated with medication, were observed in two patients as heartburn and exanthema after treatment with cineole.

Conclusion In patients with acute nonpurulent rhinosinusitis, timely treatment with cineole is effective and safe before antibiotics are indicated.
Mitomycin Does Not Prevent Laryngotracheal Repeat Stenosis After Endoscopic Dilation Surgery: An Animal Study
Authors: Eliashar Ron , Gross Menachem , Maly Bella , Sichel Jean‐Yves
Published: March 2004

Objectives/Hypothesis Conflicting data exist in the literature regarding the role of mitomycin in the prevention and treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. The purpose of the study was to assess the value of mitomycin in preventing repeat stenosis after endoscopic dilation surgery of well‐established stenoses.

Study Design Prospective controlled animal study.

Methods Laryngotracheal stenosis was induced in 16 dogs. After a period of 3 months the dogs underwent endoscopic dilation and were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received immediate topical application of normal saline. Dogs in the mitomycin group received immediate topical application of 0.5 mg mitomycin. The animals were then observed for 3 more months before euthanasia. The laryngeal lumens were measured endoscopically at baseline, before dilation, and before euthanasia. A comparison was made between the two study groups by means of the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test for change in the percentage of stenosis attained by the endoscopic dilation.

Results Nine dogs were included in the control group, and seven in the mitomycin group. Group comparison for initial occlusion before endoscopic dilation using Wilcoxon rank‐sum test showed no difference between the two groups (z = 0.16 [P = .87]). Three months after endoscopic dilation, no difference was observed between the two groups regarding the change in the percentage of occlusion (z = −0.21 [P = .83]).

Conclusion Mitomycin exerts a benefit equal to that of normal saline when applied to a well‐established laryngotracheal stenosis in dogs and does not prevent repeat stenosis after endoscopic dilation surgery.
Head and Neck Manifestations of Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Arnold Michelle G. , Arnold John C. , Bloom David C. , Brewster Douglas F. , Thiringer J. Kim
Published: March 2004

Objectives/Hypothesis Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease endemic to semiarid regions in the southwestern United States, northern Mexico, and parts of South America. Although this is primarily a pulmonary disease, approximately 0.5% to 1.0% of infected individuals develop disseminated disease affecting skin, subcutaneous tissue, bone, joints, and meninges. The objectives of the study were to present three cases of head and neck manifestations of disseminated coccidioidomycosis and to review the literature of head and neck presentations, diagnosis, and treatment of this potentially life‐threatening disease.

Study Design Case reports and literature review.

Methods A Medline search was performed with the keyword “coccidioidomycosis.” Of 1719 articles in all, 47 were selected for their relevance to otolaryngology, diagnosis, or treatment.

Results Virtually all head and neck manifestations in patients with disseminated coccidioidomycosis involved the skin, with a predilection for the central face. Systemic symptoms such as fever and cough are often subtle, making the diagnosis difficult. Infections of multiple sites of the head and neck have been reported, including life‐threatening airway lesions.

Conclusion The incidence of patients with coccidioidomycosis has been steadily increasing since the late 1980s in endemic areas. Otolaryngologists are increasingly being called on to diagnose and manage the head and neck manifestations of the disease caused by Coccidioides immitis.
Auditory‐Perceptual Scaling and Quality of Life in Tracheoesophageal Speakers
Authors: Eadie Tanya L. , Doyle Philip C.
Published: March 2004

Objectives/Hypothesis The purposes of the study were to determine listeners' auditory‐perceptual ratings of tracheoesophageal speakers, to determine quality of life in tracheoesophageal speakers, and to determine the potential relationship between listeners' ratings of speech and tracheoesophageal speakers' self‐rated quality of life.

Study Design Twenty‐eight laryngectomized individuals who used tracheoesophageal speech as their primary mode of communication were studied. Fifteen naïve listeners provided auditory‐perceptual ratings.

Methods Twenty‐eight tracheoesophageal speakers (22 men and 6 women) completed a general information form, in addition to the University of Michigan Head and Neck Quality of Life (HNQOL) instrument; speakers also provided connected speech samples of a standard passage. Fifteen naïve listeners evaluated the tracheoesophageal speech samples for overall speech severity, naturalness, acceptability, and pleasantness using direct magnitude estimation procedures.

Results Listeners were able to discriminate among tracheoesophageal speech samples relative to the auditory‐perceptual dimensions. Male tracheoesophageal speakers were judged as having significantly better, more acceptable, and more pleasant voices than women. Scores on the HNQOL instrument were determined to be higher among the group of tracheoesophageal speakers in the present study than those reported in previous studies. No significant differences were found among men and women for quality of life scores. Quality of life domains and auditory‐perceptual judgments of tracheoesophageal speech were moderately correlated.

Conclusion Women who use tracheoesophageal speech may be differentially penalized for dimensions related to voice quality. Limitations in voice did not necessarily translate into worse overall quality of life, indicating that auditory‐perceptual evaluation and quality of life questionnaires are evaluating different aspects of function after laryngectomy.
Hyaluronan Levels in Acute Vocal Fold Scar
Authors: Thibeault Susan L. , Rousseau Bernard , Welham Nathan V. , Hirano Shigeru , Bless Diane M.
Published: March 2004

Objectives/Hypothesis The objective was to measure the level of hyaluronan during the first 15 days after vocal fold biopsy in a rabbit model.

Study Design Experimental, nonrandomized prospective study.

Methods Twenty‐eight rabbits underwent unilateral vocal fold biopsy. The contralateral vocal fold was preserved as a control sample. On days 3, 5, 10, and 15 after biopsy, hyaluronan levels in the injured and normal vocal folds were measured immunohistologically and with an ELISA assay.

Results Hyaluronan levels in the injured vocal fold were lowest on day 3 and highest on day 5 after injury. Statistical analysis revealed that the injured vocal fold demonstrated significantly lower levels of hyaluronan on day 3 than on days 5, 10, and 15. On day 5, the injured vocal fold demonstrated significantly greater levels of hyaluronan than those observed on days 3, 10, and 15. Compared with the normal vocal fold, the injured vocal fold demonstrated significantly lower levels of hyaluronan on days 3, 10, and 15. No differences were observed between the injured and normal vocal fold on day 5, when the hyaluronan level was maximized in the injured vocal fold.

Conclusion Maximizing hyaluronan levels in the early stages of wound repair may have therapeutic potential for decreasing the incidence of vocal fold scar. Decreased hyaluronan levels may provide a less than optimal environment for normal tissue regeneration and may contribute to the formation of scar tissue in vocal fold lamina propria.
Learning in a Simple Motor System
Authors: Broussard Dianne M. , Kassardjian Charles D.
Published: March 2004

Motor learning is a very basic, essential form of learning that appears to
share common mechanisms across different motor systems. We evaluate and
compare a few conceptual models for learning in a relatively simple neural
system, the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) of vertebrates. We also compare the
different animal models that have been used to study the VOR. In the VOR, a
sensory signal from the semicircular canals is transformed into a motor signal
that moves the eyes. The VOR can modify the transformation under the guidance
of vision. The changes are persistent and share some characteristics with
other types of associative learning. The cerebellar cortex is directly linked
to the VOR reflex circuitry in a partnership that is present in all
vertebrates, and which is necessary for motor learning. Early theories of
Marr, Albus, and Ito, in which motor memories are stored solely in the
cerebellar cortex, have not explained the bulk of the experimental data. Many
studies appear to indicate a site of learning in the vestibular nuclei, and
the most successful models have incorporated long-term memory storage in both
the cerebellar cortex and the brainstem. Plausible cellular mechanisms for
learning have been identified in both structures. We propose that short-term
motor memory is initially stored in the cerebellar cortex, and that during
consolidation of the motor memory the locus of storage shifts to include a
brainstem site. We present experimental results that support our
hypothesis.
Research in progress. Part 2 – some preliminary insights into the information needs of the contemporary academic researcher
Authors: Herman Eti
Published: March 2004

The second part of a two‐part paper reports the preliminary conclusions derived from the pathfinder phase of a study devoted to a reassessment of the information needs of academic researchers. Proceeding from the notion that long‐established research information needs may not have remained wholly unaffected by the changing realities of the knowledge society, this exploration of researchers' current information requirements and information seeking practices has been undertaken with a special emphasis on examining the validity of anything and everything we have customarily been holding true as to the information component of academic research work. The groundwork for the investigation has been laid down in a pilot project of seven in‐depth critical incident method‐based information needs interviews with faculty at the University of Haifa (Israel). The qualitative data thus obtained as to researchers' information needs, how they go about meeting these needs, and the barriers they encounter in the process have been analysed within the comprehensive framework proposed by Nicholas for a systematic description of information needs. The ensuing evaluation reported here considers 11 aspects of the present‐day academic researcher's information needs. With the first part of the paper focusing on the insights gained into the two major aspects of subject and function, the subsequent discussion of the remaining aspects rounds out this portrayal of research information needs.
Towards a model of learning for educational informatics
Authors: Ford Nigel
Published: March 2004

Based on a review of constructs that have been the subject of both educational and information science research, a model of learning‐related information behaviour is developed. The model details components of such behaviour, including: basic information processes, information processing types and information processing approaches; and factors affecting information behaviour relating to educational environments (in particular, learning objectives) and mental (including cognitive and affective) states. The complexity of information needs and associated relevance judgements implied by the model are discussed, as are implications for the provision of cognitively and affectively ergonomic access to information, and for research into learning‐related information behaviour.
Why do business service firms employ fewer apprentices?
Authors: Smits Wendy , Zwick Thomas
Published: March 2004

This paper analyses why in Germany and The Netherlands the share of apprentices in the business service sector is lower than in other economic sectors. A theoretical introduction surveys the potential reasons that could be responsible for this. The subsequent empirical analysis shows that the level of skill apprentices gain is the main explanation for the relatively low supply of apprenticeships in German business service enterprises. In The Netherlands, the option to hire skilled employees from full‐time schools instead of training apprentices seems to be crucial. For these reasons, this paper proposes to offer obligatory extra formal training in areas such as IT skills and foreign languages for the apprentices in business service firms in Germany in order to increase the attractiveness of the dual apprenticeship system for prospective apprentices as well as business service firms.
The role of training in changing an economy specialising in tourism
Authors: Ramos Vicente , Rey‐Maquieira Javier , Tugores Maria
Published: March 2004

This paper compares the training requirements of alternative tourism development strategies which are differentiated by the quality of service offered. The paper focuses on the Balearic Islands and use an original database that consists of a representative sample of Balearic hotels. This database includes data on both employers and employees and allows us to identify differences in job characteristics, as well as differences in human capital, with respect to both education and on‐the‐job training, depending on the category of the hotel. The article uses a discrete choice model to identify the characteristics of both employer and employee that determine the provision of training. It concludes that educational level is not a strong constraint on the mobility of workers between categories, and we show that on‐the‐job training has a role to play in the transition to alternative tourism development strategies.
Training, task flexibility and the employability of low‐skilled workers
Authors: Sanders Jos , de Grip Andries
Published: March 2004

This paper analyses whether low‐skilled workers' training participation and task flexibility contribute to their firm‐internal and firm‐external mobility, and find that both training participation and task flexibility contribute only to firm‐internal employability. However, the workers' participation in training plays a much more explicit role in their firm‐internal career than their task flexibility does, as the former appears to be an important means to increase their opportunities in the firm‐internal labour market. Neither the low‐skilled workers' participation in training nor their task flexibility contributes to their external employability. Task‐flexible, low‐skilled workers are less likely to expect to be externally employable than non‐task flexible workers are. The focus of the low‐skilled workers on their firm‐internal employability can be explained by the fact that such workers usually have more opportunities to improve their position in the firm‐internal labour market than in the external labour market.
A balanced approach to strategy process
Authors: Acur Nuran , Bititci Umit
Published: March 2004

The aim of the paper is to demonstrate how business process‐based approach (PROPHESY) facilitates integration of resource‐based and market‐based approaches to strategy management. The paper begins by presenting resource‐based and market‐based strategy management approaches generally. It extends earlier research by examining the linkages between markets and resources as practised by three case study companies representing a cross‐section of the manufacturing industry. It continues with a discussion on the reasons behind the choice of the criteria used for cross case analysis. Although the results are exploratory, they provide a comparative analysis of how market‐based strategies could relate and integrate with resource‐based strategies through business processes.
Developing an understanding of corporate anorexia
Authors: Radnor Zoe J. , Boaden Ruth
Published: March 2004

“Lean working”, “leanness” or “lean” are terms that can be used to describe “doing more with less” i.e. improved utilisation of an organisation's resources. This paper outlines the concept of leanness before developing thinking to describe a state of “corporate anorexia” – the inability to utilise or balance effectively the facets/resources of the organisation. There may be a variety of causes of this state of anorexia; this paper will not however consider all of them in detail, since its main focus is around identifying the characteristics of an anorexic organisation. The case study analysis presented focuses on the process of change undergone by an organisation when becoming lean and the extent to which this may result in corporate anorexia. A review of literature is used to develop a set of questions that can be used to consider the impact of the process of change to a state of leanness on various facets of the organisation, and in particular the way in which they balance with each other. These questions are then applied to some case studies in order to assess how lean an organisation is, and conclusions drawn about what the cases show in relation to both leanness and anorexia.
Back to the workplace
Authors: Belling Ruth , James Kim , Ladkin Donna
Published: March 2004

This paper explores how organisations can become more sophisticated at supporting transfer of learning, by identifying the perceived barriers and facilitators to transfer of learning, by examining a range of individual characteristics and workplace features associated with these barriers and facilitators and then relating these to the type of programme that managers undertake. The longitudinal survey methodology and programme typology used in the research are described. Findings highlight 26 perceived barriers and 17 facilitators to the transfer of learning, significant associations are shown with particular features such as mentoring and personal values. The paper goes on to identify the characteristics associated with a lack of transfer and suggests a tentative model of perceived influences on transfer of learning. Based on this research, it is concluded that it is important to take programme learning design into account when considering support for transfer of learning from management development programmes back to the workplace.
Will the Euro be passé or handmaiden to global growth and development?
Authors: Salih Thamir M.
Published: March 2004

The capacity to generate and how to avoid the dismantling of wealth is the premise upon which the European Union (EU) has been established. The road to EU as a nation will not be as smooth as some European countries would have hoped. Structural incompatibilities, political rivalry and speculator's behavior are some of the factors that will affect the performance and unification of Europe. Ultimately, cooperation between rival nations is a vital factor to a successful unification of Europe, better global well being and trade and development.
Improving customer relationship management through database/Internet marketing
Authors: O'Leary Chris , Rao Sally , Perry Chad
Published: March 2004

Firms have only just begun to use the Internet to obtain customer information in their database marketing processes to enhance customer relationship management. This research uses an action research approach to develop a new framework about how they can do this. The action research project was carried out in a large Australian database company because no other sources of empirical information about the topic were available and it could provide rich findings about an under‐researched, practical area. Results showed that integration of the Internet and database marketing enhances the effectiveness of customer relationship management practices. For example, the Internet offers benefits such as increased consumer data collection accuracy and speed, cost savings, greater interaction and better relationships with customers. This research also identifies that organizational culture, top management support and collaboration between marketing and IT teams need to be in place to provide a supportive environment that is critical for the success of the integration.
Generalising results of an action research project in one work place to other situations
Authors: Thompson Frank , Perry Chad
Published: March 2004

An action research project is usually restricted to improving one workgroup's practices within one organisation. However, after that project is done, some academics or consultants may want to try to generalise the findings from that one particular project to several other situations. The aim of this paper is to identify the two scientific paradigms appropriate for each of these two purposes, and to identify the criteria that could be used to judge how well each purpose is achieved. Essentially, it argues that the critical theory paradigm underlies the action research project of a workgroup within one organisation, and the realism paradigm underlies the generalisation from those findings to other situations. Criteria from the two paradigms can be used to evaluate the validity and reliability of these two processes. An example of how this has been done in practice, is provided.
Adapting action research to marketing
Authors: Kates Steven M. , Robertson Judy
Published: March 2004

The purpose of this article is to offer a perspective on adapting action research principles and methods in academic marketing research contexts. From combined theoretical and practical perspectives, the article provides a dialogical argument about the issues associated with implementing action research, addressing three important and related questions. First, are marketers specifically (and people in organizations, more generally) truly reflective? Is reflection suited to some organizations' authoritarian realities? Second, how is a strong organizational culture a barrier to change and further learning, and how might this difficulty be overcome by action research? Third, what is the role of the researcher in the process, and what skills, knowledge, and influence must this person have to successfully implement an action research program? The article concludes by proposing that an incremental orientation to change and intervention effectiveness is needed for these approaches to work in demanding marketing contexts.
The impact of customer participation and service expectation on Locus attributions following service failure
Authors: Rebecca Yen HsiuJu , Gwinner Kevin P. , Su Wanru
Published: March 2004

This study explores the impact of two factors that are prominent in the service literature: customer participation and service expectation. Owing to the interactive nature of services, customers often participate in the co‐production of the service. In addition, customers normally enter into the service with certain expectations regarding the level of service they are likely to receive. The survey argues that the participative roles adopted by customers in service specification and delivery and their pre‐encounter service expectations influence how customers attribute the causes of service failure. Finally, the implications from the findings are discussed and directions for future research are provided. The effect of emotional response caused by a service failure on locus attributions remains to be further investigated.
Consumer price perceptions after translation to Euro currency
Authors: Anttila Mai
Published: March 2004

The membership in the European Union (EU) affected price perceptions of citizens in many European countries at the beginning of 2002. How did the transition from the national currency to the Euro, the new single currency of EU, actually take place? Examines the confusion among Finnish consumers concerning internal reference prices in different product and service categories immediately after the transition to the Euro. Proposes tentatively and empirically tests a framework model. Provides the relationships between the paper's key constructs of consumer price perception and some attitudinal and behavioral variables shortly after transition to Euro currency. Basically price perception took place in similar way, when Markka and Euro scales were utilized. This result was shown, first, by analyzing price perception strategies of consumers, and, second, by showing with correlation analysis that as internal reference price increases, the width of price latitude increases, and, third, by modelling reference price perception on the basis of Volkmann's range theory. Money illusion effect was found to exist to some extent.
Employee involvement in family and non‐family‐owned businesses in Great Britain
Authors: Harris Richard I.D. , Reid Renee S. , McAdam Rodney
Published: March 2004

Nationally representative data on family businesses is available in the 1998 Workplace Employee Relations Survey, alongside comparable information for other types of firms. We use this data to compare differences in the use of different consultation and communication procedures. We cover such practices as the use of direct communication schemes (e.g. briefings, the provision of information on financial performance to the workforce) as opposed to indirect methods such as the use of joint consultative committees. There is an a priori expectation in the literature that family‐owned businesses are either more likely to use direct forms of communication (vis‐à‐vis indirect forms) or that they will not be involved in direct communication or consultation with their employees, and we test this using multivariate techniques. Finally, we consider whether the type of consultation/communication structure matters in terms of establishment performance, and what differences exist with respect to family‐owned businesses. In particular this short paper reports the outcome of testing if those firms that consult directly with staff, as apposed to those that consult through joint consultative committees or trade unions, have higher productivity and/or other measures of performance.
I'm not wearing that!
Authors: Ross Jill , Harradine Rod
Published: March 2004

This study was conducted at a school in the north‐east of England using a range of research methods including pre‐focus groups, focus groups, a census of all children and a survey of parents. It was designed to address a series of research questions related to the relationship between young school children and branding. The findings indicated that brand recognition commences at an early age with older age groups having greater brand awareness. Differences in the perceptions of parents and their children towards brands were identified, with parents expressing their concerns over the effects of branding. Older children were aware of the role of branding in enhancing self‐esteem and acceptance in peer groups. It is suggested that the earlier the marketer establishes brand awareness and recognition in the child, the stronger the brand association and imagery are likely to be when they become independent as consumers.
Opportunities in the international textile and apparel marketplace for niche markets
Authors: Dodd Parrish Erin , Cassill Nancy L. , Oxenham William
Published: March 2004

With the present transient status of many countries’ economies, the international textile industry faces considerable challenges. There are many uncertainties surrounding the global textile market, exacerbated by the foreboding that in 2005, quotas will be eliminated, resulting in “free” trade flows. There is no doubt that manufacturers who have created niche markets will be better positioned to compete in the global marketplace and achieve higher margins for products while yielding greater profitability. This paper is an introduction of a larger study that will examine how niche market definitions are being recast, owing to changing global patterns. This paper addresses what role niche markets will play in 2005. Specific objectives are: to give a broad overview of various trade theories, including classical, neo‐classical, post‐neo‐classical, and modern, in order to determine what, theoretically, the future holds for the US textile and apparel industry. Specifically, focus will be given to the issue of specialization as a result of trade; to explain how the specialization advocated by trade economists relates to niche markets in the US textile and apparel industry; to illustrate how traditional marketing methods differ from niche marketing; and to examine what role niche markets will play in the US textile and apparel industry in 2005. The results of this research study will aid in the formulation of a business strategy that can by utilized to capitalize on niche markets and will provide a research framework for global textile researchers.
The dependency between returns from direct real estate and returns from real estate shares
Authors: Booth Philip M. , Marcato Gianluca
Published: March 2004

Despite improvements in certain countries in recent years, the provision of performance information on the direct real estate market still suffers from a lack of timeliness and reliability. The latter problem is particularly an issue for higher‐frequency data provision. This paper investigates whether there is information from the indirect market that might be useful in helping us understand better the direct real estate market. Direct real estate indices do not measure the performance of underlying transactions prices properly because they are based on valuations – and therefore may be subject to valuation smoothing. Indirect real estate indices do not properly measure the value investors put on the underlying assets of real estate companies because real estate companies are geared. Compares appropriately adjusted indices, and shows that there is information in indirect index returns that can usefully help us understand the performance of the direct market and an index is produced of de‐geared monthly real estate share returns for the UK.
Valuing leasing risks in commercial property with a discrete‐time binomialtree option model
Authors: Foo Sing Tien , Liang Tang Wei
Published: March 2004

This paper models the lessee's default options and estimates the economic value of the options for a lessee using a discrete time binomial American option pricing model. Results show a positive relationship of the option premium with the original rent and a negative relationship with the relocation costs. Finds that the default probability is higher for lessees who are more sensitive to rental changes and place less emphasis on the fitting‐out quality. Suggests that rental volatility and rental growth rate are two significant factors that have positive relationships with the default option values. The risk‐free rate, on the other hand, has an inverse relationship with the default option values because a higher risk‐free interest rate reduces the present value of rental savings. Lease term length to expiration has a positive effect on the default option value, implying that the default option premium will decay as the term to expiry is shortened.
Less inhibition of interferon‐γ to organism growth in host cells may contribute to the high susceptibility of C3H mice to Chlamydia trachomatis lung infection
Authors: Qiu Hongyu , Yang Jie , Bai Hong , Fan Yijun , Wang Shuhe , Han Xiaobing , Chen Lijun , Yang Xi
Published: March 2004

T‐helper‐1‐like cytokine response and cell‐mediated immunity have been shown to be critical in host resistance to Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Using a murine pneumonia model, we compared the susceptibility of C3H/HeN (C3H) and C57BL/6 mice to C. trachomatis mouse pneumonitis (MoPn) infection. C3H mice exhibited significantly higher mortality, greater organism growth and much more severe pathological changes in the lung compared with C57BL/6 mice. However, the pattern of adaptive immune responses including organism‐specific delayed‐type hypersensitivity, antibody responses and cytokine [interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), IL‐4, IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor α] production by spleen and local draining lymph node cells in these two strains of mice appeared comparable during the process of infection. Interestingly, MoPn growth in the cultured ex vivo macrophages from C3H mice was found to be significantly less inhibited by the exogenous IFN‐γ present in the culture compared to C57BL/6 mice. The lower inhibition of MoPn growth in C3H mice was associated with significantly lower nitric oxide production by the infected macrophages following IFN‐γ stimulation. The data suggest that the cellular events downstream of cytokine production in chlamydia host cells may be important in determining the different susceptibility of hosts to chlamydial infection.
High expression of myeloid‐related proteins 8 and 14 characterizes an inflammatorily active but ineffective response of macrophages during leprosy
Authors: Sunderkötter Cord H. , Tomimori‐Yamashita Jane , Nix Verena , Maeda Solange M. , Sindrilaru Anca , Mariano Mario , Sorg Clemens , Roth Johannes
Published: March 2004

Macrophages are decisive cells for the course of leprosy as they phagocytose Mycobacterium leprae and have the potential to influence the specific immune response. Expression and release of the myeloid‐related protein (MRP) 8 and MRP14 (S100A8 and S100A9) characterize a proinflammatory subtype of macrophage that is prominent in, for example, murine infection with lack of a T helper 1 cell response and in certain highly active chronic inflammations of mice and humans. We investigated cutaneous biopsies of the different forms of leprosy (41 untreated patients) including leprosy reaction type 1 (reversal reaction) and type 2 (erythema nodosum leprosum) (n = 18) for expression of MRP8 and MRP14 by subtypes of macrophages. Concomitantly we determined serum levels of MRP8 and MRP14 by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of MRP8 and MRP14 by CD68‐positive macrophages was low in tuberculoid leprosy and rose significantly in borderline tuberculoid leprosy and especially in multibacillary forms, there being expressed by mycobacteria‐loaded foam cells. A significant rise of MRP8 and MRP14 expression also occurred in lepra reactions compared to the corresponding non‐reactional forms. In type 2 reactions this additional increase was associated with a sigificant elevation of serum levels. In type 1 it was associated with expression of MRP8 and MRP14 by epitheloid and giant cells, which so far were considered not to express both proteins. In conclusion, we present evidence that the two prominent proteins MRP8 and MRP14 can be re‐expressed in vivo by tissue macrophages in chronic infection, that their increased expression is characteristic for a macrophage subtype associated with high inflammatory but low antimycobacterial activity in the absence of a T helper 1 response, and that their significant rise in serum during erythema nodosum leprosum bears diagnostic and pathophysiological relevance.
Allicin inhibits SDF‐1α‐induced T cell interactions with fibronectin and endothelial cells by down‐regulating cytoskeleton rearrangement, Pyk‐2 phosphorylation and VLA‐4 expression
Authors: Sela Uri , Ganor Sharon , Hecht Iris , Brill Alexander , Miron Talia , Rabinkov Aharon , Wilchek Meir , Mirelman David , Lider Ofer , Hershkoviz Rami
Published: March 2004

Allicin, a major ingredient of fresh garlic extract that is produced during the crushing of garlic cloves, exerts various beneficial biological effects, including a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, antihyperlipidaemic and antihypertensive effects. However, how allicin affects the immune system is less well known, and its effect on human T cells has never been studied. Here, we examined the in‐vitro effects of allicin on the functioning of T cells related to their entry to inflamed extravascular sites. We found that allicin (20–100 µm) inhibits the SDF‐1α (CXCL12)‐induced T cell migration through fibronectin (FN), and that this inhibition is mediated by the down‐regulation of (i) the reorganization of cortical actin and the subsequent T cell polarization, and (ii) T cell adhesion to FN. Moreover, allicin also inhibited T cell adhesion to endothelial cells and transendothelial migration. The mechanisms underlying these inhibitory effects of allicin are associated with its ability to down‐regulate the phosphorylation of Pyk2, an intracellular member of the focal adhesion kinases, and to reduce the expression of the VCAM‐1‐ and FN‐specific α4β1‐integrin (VLA‐4). The ability of allicin to down‐regulate these chemokine‐induced and VLA‐4‐mediated T cell functions explains its beneficial biological effects in processes where T cells play an important role and suggests that allicin may be used therapeutically with chronic inflammatory diseases.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘Ecstasy’): a stressor on the immune system
Authors: Connor Thomas J.
Published: March 2004

Drug abuse is a global problem of considerable concern to health. One such health concern stems from the fact that many drugs of abuse have immunosuppressive actions and consequently have the potential to increase susceptibility to infectious disease. This article is focused on the impact of the amphetamine derivative, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘Ecstasy’) on immunity. Research conducted over the last 5 years, in both laboratory animals and humans, has demonstrated that MDMA has immunosuppressive actions. Specifically, MDMA suppresses neutrophil phagocytosis, suppresses production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐1β, and increases production of the endogenous immunosuppressive cytokine (IL‐10), thereby promoting an immunosuppressive cytokine phenotype. MDMA also suppresses circulating lymphocyte numbers, with CD4+ T cells being particularly affected, and alters T‐cell function as indicated by reduced mitogen‐stimulated T‐cell proliferation, and a skewing of T‐cell cytokine production in a T helper 2 (Th2) direction. For the most part, the aforementioned effects of MDMA are not the result of a direct action of the drug on immune cells, but rather caused by the release of endogenous immunomodulatory substances. Consequently, the physiological mechanisms that are thought to underlie the immunosuppressive effects of MDMA will be discussed. As many of the physiological changes elicited by MDMA closely resemble those induced by acute stress, it is suggested that exposure to MDMA could be regarded as a ‘chemical stressor’ on the immune system. Finally, the potential of MDMA‐induced immunosuppression to translate into significant health risks for abusers of the drug will be discussed.
Systolic Left Atrial Failure in Elderly Women with Severe Aortic Stenosis: Mitral and Pulmonary Vein Doppler Analysis by Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Pascual J. García , Pajuelo C. Gómez , Bodes R. Salguero , Pérez I. Sánchez , Casares S. Fernández , Romero F. Lombera , Meneses R. Tello , Sánchez J.J. Rufilanchas , De La Calzada C. Saenz
Published: March 2004

We studied prospectively 35 elder women aged 65–82 years, with isolated severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, referred for aortic valve surgery. We assessed diastolic function by TEE before and after cardiac surgery, although follow‐up data were collected in 26 patients. The examination was performed prior to surgery and 6 months after. The control group consisted of 32 patients referred for TEE. In the preoperative study, the velocities and integrals of the waves in the pulmonary vein flow were similar to the people of their same age, except the A‐wave of atrial contraction and the integral of the systolic wave, which were significantly smaller (Control A‐wave 26.1 ± 5.1 vs preoperative A‐wave 22.6 ± 5.6, P = 0.009 and control double product A vel ×A dur 2,748 ± 835 vs preoperative 2,273 ± 968, P = 0.03; systolic integral 14.6 ± 3.8 vs 11.3 ± 4, P = 0.0009). Six months after surgery, the PV flow was similar to the control group except for the wave of atrial contraction, which was significantly smaller but tended to normalization (postoperative A‐wave 23.3 ± 5, P = 0.04 vs control, and postoperative double product A vel × A dur 2460 ± 893, P = 0.21 vs control). Mitral flow parameters did not change in the preoperative and postoperative period. Left ventricular mass index changed from 166 ± 54 g/m2 to 105 ± 39 g/m2 (P< 0.0001). The results of this study show that in elderly women with symptomatic severe AS, diastolic function does not change, left ventricular mass reduces, with improvement in symptoms, and the left atrium function, considered by pulmonary vein flow, is preoperative depressed and tends to mild recovery in the postoperative period, suggesting systolic LA failure. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography of Post‐Myocardial Infarction Cardiac Rupture
Authors: Puri Timothy , Liu Zheng , Doddamani Sanjay , Coon Patrick D. , Entwistle John W.C. , Strong Michael , Vannan Mani
Published: March 2004

Ventricular septal defects and pseudoaneurysms are two serious complications of acute myocardial infarction and are associated with a high mortality if not surgically treated. Two‐dimensional echocardiography provides excellent diagnostic information in such cases, but three‐dimensional echocardiography may provide superior anatomic data of these potentially fatal complications. We describe two cases in which three‐dimensional echocardiography provided incremental morphological information. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
Transpharyngeal Ultrasound Detection of Carotid Body Paraganglioma
Authors: Khanna Deepak , Cheng Peter H. , C. Nanda Navin , Sinha Ashish , Htay Thein , Singh Vikramjit , Elkhier Abdalla
Published: March 2004

We report a patient in whom a right carotid body paraganglioma was delineated using a transpharyngeal approach during a transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) study. Color Doppler‐guided pulsed‐Doppler interrogation of the right internal carotid artery in the tumor region, revealed high maximum systolic and maximum diastolic velocities of 1.5 m/s and 1.0 m/s, respectively, suggestive of tumor compression. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
The myoepithelial cell differentiation of mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a collagen gel‐based coculture model
Authors: Yook Jong In , Lee Seoung Ae , Chun Yong Chan , Huh Jung , Cha In Ho , Kim Jin
Published: March 2004

Background:  Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) are the most common malignant tumor of the salivary glands; however, the histogenesis of MECs has been still controversial. This study was undertaken to investigate the histogenesis of MECs by the examination of their collagen gel‐based coculture tissue and transplanted tumors.

Methods:  Two cell lines from a primary and a metastatic MECs were established and characterized by the mutational analysis of the p53 gene and in vivo tumorigenicity in athymic nude mice. Collagen gel‐based organotypic cocultures were performed, and the ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings were examined.

Results:  Two cell lines demonstrated p53 point mutation at the same codon. A metastatic cell line of MEC showed in vivo tumorigenicity. Transplanted tumors and the collagen gel‐based culture tissues showed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas devoid of mucous cell differentiation; however, they disclosed the differentiation of myoepithelial cells.

Conclusions:  MECs appear to be centered on the squamous cell differentiation, and the specific differentiation of myoepithelial or mucous cells seems to be modulated by the property of microenvironment.