bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors for the onset of functional decline among initially non‐disabled older people living in a community during a 6‐year follow‐up
Authors: Shinkai Shoji , Kumagai Shu , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Amano Hidenori , Yoshida Yuko , Watanabe Shuichiro , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Suzuki Takao , Shibata Hiroshi 
Published: December 2003

Background:  Predictors for functional decline in basic activities of daily living (BADL) among older people have been extensively studied. However, relatively little is known about predictors for decline in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).Objectives:  To identify predictors for functional decline in IADL as well as predictors for decline in BADL among initially non‐disabled older people living in a community by a longitudinal epidemiological study.Methods:  Out of 748 older persons aged 65 years and over who participated in the interview survey and medical examination at baseline in 1992, 601 persons were identified as being independent in both BADL and IADL, and were followed‐up yearly for 6 years until 1998. Outcome events were the onset of IADL disability prior to the onset of BADL disability as well as the onset of BADL disability. A wide range of variables obtained in the baseline survey was entered into the model predicting functional decline in BADL and IADL during the follow‐up period.Results:  Common predictors for BADL and IADL disability included: (1) advanced age; (2) lower levels in performance‐based measures; (3) a history of hospitalization in the past year; and (4) poor chewing ability. Longer sleep‐hours, poor intellectual activities, and poor self‐rated health were identified as significant predictors for only IADL disability. Not having an occupation, a history of heart disease, and higher blood β2‐microglobulin level were identified as a significant predictors of BADL disability.Conclusions:  Good intellectual activities, good self‐rated health, good chewing ability, and good physical performance are closely associated with remaining independent in IADL for non‐disabled older people. Significance of blood β2‐microglobulin in predicting the onset of functional decline merits further study.
Trends and determinants of Australian managed fund transaction costs
Authors: Parwada Jerry T. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe present paper examines the often‐overlooked managed fund fee that is incurred when investors enter and exit managed fund products. The present paper documents that transaction costs for investors, measured by the application‐redemption spread, are above stock market brokerage rates although they have declined since 1995. The study analyses the relationship between this transaction fee and several variables. In summary, retail fund transaction costs are positively related to retail funds’ assets under management, whilst this relationship is negative for larger wholesale funds, consistent with economies of scale. Direct entry and exit fees and initial commissions are positively related to transaction costs which raises the possibility that the commissions are used to levy soft‐dollar payments. The paper also documents a relationship between transaction costs and fund flows which differs between retail and wholesale funds. Overall, the findings are consistent with the proposition that the various fees are used by managers as interchangeable and the different fee regimes reflect different products and markets.
An Integrated GIS Approach to Accessibility Analysis
Authors: Liu Suxia , Zhu Xuan 
Published: December 2003

AbstractAccessibility is an important element in evaluating existing land‐use patterns and transportation services, predicting travel demands and programming transportation investments in urban transportation planning. This paper presents an integrated GIS approach to accessibility analysis, which provides a general framework for integrated use of GIS, travel impedance measurement tools and accessibility measures to support the accessibility analysis process, including formulating the concept of accessibility, selecting or developing accessibility measures, specifying the accessibility measures, deriving the accessibility values using the selected or developed accessibility measures, and presenting and interpreting the accessibility values. An integrated GIS tool, ACCESS, designed for implementing the integrated approach is also described and illustrated.
Quality Assessment of Cartographic Generalisation
Authors: Bard Sylvain 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis paper proposes a methodology to assess the quality of cartographic generalisa‐tion, which consists of representing geographic space in a simplified way according to the scale and the objectives of the intended map. The automation of this process makes the derivation of data easier, but the quality of the results is often not evaluated. This paper proposes an assessment model based on: (1) characterisation of the data in their initial and final states at different levels of analysis; (2) a data quality assessment by comparison of the two characterisations; and (3) aggregation of the various assessment results to summarise data quality. The assessment algorithm has been implemented and the method has been tested to assess the generalisation of a small urban area. A visualisation tool for assessment of the results has been developed to validate the generalisation evaluation. The results of the research are presented and discussed at the end of the paper.
The Effect of DEM Raster Resolution on First Order, Second Order and Compound Terrain Derivatives
Authors: Kienzle Stefan 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIt is well known that the grid cell size of a raster digital elevation model has significant effects on derived terrain variables such as slope, aspect, plan and profile curvature or the wetness index. In this paper the quality of DEMs derived from the interpolation of photogrammetrically derived elevation points in Alberta, Canada, is tested. DEMs with grid cell sizes ranging from 100 to 5 m were interpolated from 100 m regularly spaced elevation points and numerous surface‐specific point elevations using the ANUDEM interpolation method. In order to identify the grid resolution that matches the information content of the source data, three approaches were applied: density analysis of point elevations, an analysis of cumulative frequency distributions using the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test and the root mean square slope measure. Results reveal that the optimum grid cell size is between 5 and 20 m, depending on terrain com‐plexity and terrain derivative. Terrain variables based on 100 m regularly sampled elevation points are compared to an independent high‐resolution DEM used as a benchmark. Subsequent correlation analysis reveals that only elevation and local slope have a strong positive relationship while all other terrain derivatives are not represented realistically when derived from a coarse DEM. Calculations of root mean square errors and relative root mean square errors further quantify the quality of terrain derivatives.
Economic Integration and Convergence Processes in the EU Cohesion Countries
Authors: BARRY FRANK 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis article compares the economic performance of the EU cohesion countries—Greece, Spain, Portugal and Ireland — from 1960 to the present, in order to identify the processes that have promoted or inhibited real convergence prospects at various points in time. The likely impacts of EMU in strengthening or weakening these processes are then analysed. Amongst the factors studied are labour‐market performance, macroeconomic stability and the efficacy of microeconomic policy‐making.
Greece and EMU: Between External Empowerment and Domestic Vulnerability
Authors: FEATHERSTONE KEVIN 
Published: December 2003

AbstractEMU was an agenda determined outside Greece and it represents the importation of a radical new policy paradigm. In gaining entry into the ‘euro’ system, EMU has been the stimulus to profound change in Greek macroeconomic policy. However, the developing EU agenda on structural reform highlights the dilemmas of policy‐making in Athens: the uncertain political commitment; the domestic vetoes from rent‐seeking behaviour; and the imprecise external constraint. Threee central questions are raised here. What were the Greek priorities and expectations at the time of negotiating EMU? How did Greece qualify for entry into the euro system?. And how has Greece responded to the post‐Maastricht EU agenda on structural reform? These questions relate to fundamental issues of the contemporary Greek state: the capability to bring about reform; the political and cultural impediments to reform by consensus; and the challenges posed by deeper ‘Europeanization’. For the EU, the Greek case raises issues of relevance to the cohesion of the euro area and the management of the enlargement process.
A microbial survey of food service can openers, food and beverage can tops and cleaning methodology effectiveness
Authors: Michaels Barry , Gangar Vidhya , Schultz Ann , Curiale Michael S. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA can opener and food/beverage can top survey was undertaken to identify potential microbiological hazards. Results indicated the potential for high levels of bacterial and fungal contamination. Characterization of microorganisms from 10 can openers indicated the most common contaminants as Klebsiella pneumoniae and a variety of Staphylococcus and spore‐forming Bacillus species. In contrast to previous commercial food service surveys, no Escherichia coli or Salmonella species were found on the cans or can openers, however, low numbers of Bacillus cereus (22 of 25 cans) and Clostridium perfringens (15 of 25 cans) were identified. The effectiveness of various can‐cleaning methods was evaluated using marker bacteria (Serratia marcescens) suspended in soil consisting of tryptone soya broth, ground beef or vacuum cleaner dust. In addition to rinsing under running water, two paper towel types and a paper napkin product were used for wiping, moist wiping and wiping after rinsing. The most effective cleaning method was rinsing and wiping combined (P < 0.0003), while wiping alone was not as effective as moist wiping (P = 0.038) or rinsing with water (P = 0.061). Food cans were more easily cleaned than beverage cans because of the tab area. Soil type influenced the degree of effectiveness of the cleaning methods, with mean log10 reduction values for each type at 3.4 and 3.1 for food and beverage cans (tab area excluded), respectively. No significant difference was observed in the effectiveness of paper products (P = 0.433).
Coagulation profiles in 27 horses with large colon volvulus
Authors: Dallap Barbara L. , Dolente Brett , Boston Ray 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective:The objective of this study was to evaluate coagulation profiles in horses with surgical treatment of large colon volvulus (LCV), and determine if an association exists between hemostatic dysfunction and outcome.Design:Prospective clinical investigation from February to December 2000.Setting:Large animal intensive care unit in a veterinary teaching hospital.Interventions:Blood was collected from horses intra‐operatively, 24, and 48 hours following surgical treatment for LCV.Measurements:Coagulation profiles, thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) levels, and D‐dimer concentrations were determined for each time point. The number of tests abnormal in the standard coagulation profile, defined as the degree of hemostatic dysfunction, was determined for each horse for the duration of the study period. The association between each test and outcome, as well as the degree of hemostatic dysfunction for each horse and outcome, was determined using univariate analysis and logistic regression. TAT levels and D‐dimer concentrations were compared to the results of the standard coagulation profile and to patient outcome using univariate analysis and logistic regression.Main results:Seventy percent of horses evaluated with surgical treatment of LCV had evidence of hemostatic dysfunction (3/6 tests abnormal). Only 18% of those patients had clinical signs recognized by the attending clinician as a coagulopathy. There was an association between the development of a coagulopathy and outcome, with horses with 4/6 tests abnormal being more likely to be euthanized, and those with 3/6 tests abnormal having a prolonged hospital stay. Platelet count, prothrombin time, and TAT levels may be helpful in predicting outcome in horses with LCV.Conclusions:Hemostatic function should be evaluated in horses with surgical treatment of LCV to detect subclinical coagulopathies and direct subsequent intervention.
Co‐expression of p53 and Ki67 and lack of EBV expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Iamaroon Anak , Khemaleelakul Udomrat , Pongsiriwet Surawut , Pintong Jarupan 
Published: December 2003

Background:  The objectives of the study were to determine the association between Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), to compare the expression of p53 and Ki67 between normal oral mucosa, oral hyperkeratosis, oral pre‐malignant dysplasia, and OSCC, and to determine the correlation between the expression of p53 and Ki67 in OSCC.Methods:  The expression of EBV mRNA was studied by in situ hybridization technique in 24 cases of OSCC, and the expression of p53 and Ki67 was investigated by immunohistochemical method in 19 cases of OSCC, 7 cases of oral pre‐malignant dysplasia, 6 cases of oral hyperkeratosis, and 5 cases of normal oral epithelium.Results:  None of OSCC cases expressed EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER) transcripts. The labeling indices (LI) of p53‐ and Ki67‐positive cells were significantly higher in OSCC than in oral pre‐malignant dysplasia, oral hyperkeratosis, and normal oral mucosa (P < 0.05). A significant correlation between the LI of p53‐ and Ki67‐positive cells was observed in OSCC (r = 0.6; P = 0.01).Conclusions:  These findings suggested that the co‐expression of p53 and Ki67 may play roles in carcinogenesis of OSCC and p53 overexpression may promote cell proliferation in OSCC. Furthermore, EBV does not appear to be a risk factor for OSCC particularly in the population of northern Thailand.
Prevalence of oral mucosal alterations in children from 0 to 12 years old
Authors: Bessa C. F. N. , Santos P. J. B. , Aguiar M. C. F. , Do Carmo M. A. V. 
Published: December 2003

Background:  As the exact prevalence of oral alterations in children is still not known and the findings are controversial, other studies about this subject are necessary.Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was carried out on 1211 Brazilian children divided in two age groups: 0–4 and 5–12 years. The patients were economically classified and data of medical history were obtained from medical records.Results:  The frequency of children presenting alterations was 27.0%, and it was higher in older children. The most common lesions were geographic tongue, cheek biting, and melanotic macule. Candidiasis was associated with antibiotic therapy and use of pacifiers. Fissured tongue was associated with congenital anomalies, allergy; age from 5 to 12 years. There was a lack of association of patient's economic status and prevalence of oral mucosal alterations.Conclusions:  The frequency of mucosal alterations in children is high and increases with age, and some of them are associated with habits and medical history of the patients.
Expression of parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP), osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF)/receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) in ameloblastomas
Authors: Kumamoto Hiroyuki , Ooya Kiyoshi 
Published: December 2003

Background:  To clarify the roles of osteoclast regulatory factors in progression of odontogenic tumors, expression of parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP), osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF)/receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) were analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as tooth germs.Methods:  Tissue specimens of nine tooth germs and 36 benign and one malignant ameloblastomas were examined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry for the expression of PTHrP, ODF/RANKL, and OCIF/OPG.Results:  Expression of PTHrP, ODF/RANKL, and OCIF/OPG mRNA was detected in all tooth germ and ameloblastoma samples. Immunohistochemical reactivity for PTHrP was recognized in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic epithelial cells. In ameloblastomas, PTHrP reactivity in peripheral columnar or cuboidal cells was stronger than that in central polyhedral cells, and keratinizing cells showed increased PTHrP reactivity. ODF/RANKL and OCIF/OPG were expressed predominantly in mesenchymal cells rather than in odontogenic epithelial cells in both tooth germs and ameloblastomas. Epithelial ODF/RANKL and OCIF/OPG expression was slightly lower in ameloblastomas than in tooth germs. Tumor cells in plexiform ameloblastomas showed slightly higher reactivity for PTHrP and ODF/RANKL than tumor cells in follicular ameloblastomas.Conclusion:  Expression of PTHrP, ODF/RANKL and OCIF/OPG in tooth germs and ameloblastomas suggests that these factors might locally regulate bone metabolism and dynamics in tooth development as well as in progression of ameloblastomas. These factors might also be involved in tumor cell differentiation and/or tumor tissue structuring in ameloblastomas.
Evidence of Sexual Recombination among
Cryptococcus neoformans
Serotype A Isolates in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Litvintseva Anastasia P. , Marra Robert E. , Nielsen Kirsten , Heitman Joseph , Vilgalys Rytas , Mitchell Thomas G. 
Published: December 2003

ABSTRACT

The most common cause of fungal meningitis in humans,
Cryptococcus neoformans
serotype A, is a basidiomycetous yeast with a bipolar mating system. However, the vast majority (>99.9%) of
C. neoformans
serotype A isolates possess only one of the two mating type alleles (
MATα
). Isolates with the other allele (
MAT
a) were recently discovered and proven to mate in the laboratory. It has been a mystery whether and where
C. neoformans
strains undergo sexual reproduction. Here, we applied population genetic approaches to demonstrate that a population of
C. neoformans
serotype A clinical isolates from Botswana contains an unprecedented proportion of fertile
MAT
a isolates and exhibits evidence of both clonal expansion and recombination within two partially genetically isolated subgroups. Our findings provide evidence for sexual recombination among some populations of
C. neoformans
serotype A from sub-Saharan Africa, which may have a direct impact on their evolution.
Mating and Pathogenic Development of the Smut Fungus
Ustilago maydis
Are Regulated by One Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascade
Authors: Müller Philip , Weinzierl Gerhard , Brachmann Andreas , Feldbrügge Michael , Kahmann Regine 
Published: December 2003

ABSTRACT

In the phytopathogenic fungus
Ustilago maydis
, pheromone-mediated cell fusion is a prerequisite for the generation of the infectious dikaryon. The pheromone signal elevates transcription of the pheromone genes and elicits formation of conjugation hyphae. Cyclic AMP and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling are involved in this process. The MAPK cascade is presumed to be composed of Ubc4 (MAPK kinase kinase), Fuz7 (MAPK kinase), and Ubc3/Kpp2 (MAPK). We isolated the
kpp4
gene and found it to be allelic to
ubc4
. Epistasis analyses with constitutively active alleles of
kpp4
and
fuz7
substantiate that Kpp4, Fuz7, and Kpp2/Ubc3 are components of the same module. Moreover, we demonstrate that Fuz7 activates Kpp2 and shows interactions in vitro. Signaling via this cascade regulates expression of pheromone-responsive genes, presumably through acting on the transcription factor Prf1. Interestingly, the same cascade is needed for conjugation tube formation, and this process does not involve Prf1. In addition,
fuz7
as well as
kpp4
deletion strains are nonpathogenic, while
kpp2
deletion mutants are only attenuated in pathogenesis. Here we show that strains expressing the unphosphorylatable allele

kpp2
T182A/Y184F

are severely affected in tumor induction and display defects in early infection-related differentiation.
The Yeast Protein Kinase C Cell Integrity Pathway Mediates Tolerance to the Antifungal Drug Caspofungin through Activation of Slt2p Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling
Authors: Reinoso-Martín Cristina , Schüller Christoph , Schuetzer-Muehlbauer Manuela , Kuchler Karl 
Published: December 2003

ABSTRACT

The echinocandin caspofungin is a new antifungal drug that blocks cell wall synthesis through inhibition of β-(1-3)-glucan synthesis.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
cells are able to tolerate rather high caspofungin concentrations, displaying high viability at low caspofungin doses. To identify yeast genes implicated in caspofungin tolerance, we performed a genome-wide microarray analysis. Strikingly, caspofungin treatment rapidly induces a set of genes from the protein kinase C (PKC) cell integrity signaling pathway, as well as those required for cell wall maintenance and architecture. The mitogen-activated protein kinase Slt2p is rapidly activated by phosphorylation, triggering signaling through the PKC pathway. Cells lacking genes such as
SLT2
,
BCK1
, and
PKC1
, as well as the caspofungin target gene,
FKS1
, display pronounced hypersensitivity, demonstrating that the PKC pathway is required for caspofungin tolerance. Notably, the cell surface integrity sensor Wsc1p, but not the sensors Wsc2-4p and Mid2p, is required for sensing caspofungin perturbations. The expression modulation of PKC target genes requires the transcription factor Rlm1p, which controls expression of several cell wall synthesis and maintenance genes. Thus, caspofungin-induced cell wall damage requires Wsc1p as a dedicated sensor to launch a protective response through the activated salvage pathway for de novo cell wall synthesis. Our results establish caspofungin as a specific activator of Slt2p stress signaling in baker's yeast.
Glycosyl Phosphatidylinositol-Anchored Proteins in Chemosensory Signaling: Antisense Manipulation of
Paramecium tetraurelia PIG-A
Gene Expression
Authors: Yano Junji , Rachochy Villa , Van Houten Judith L. 
Published: December 2003

ABSTRACT

Glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins are peripheral membrane proteins tethered to the cell through a lipid anchor. GPI-anchored proteins serve many functions in cellular physiology and cell signaling. The
PIG-A
gene codes for one of the enzymes of a complex that catalyzes the first step in anchor synthesis, and we have cloned the
Paramecium tetraurelia pPIG-A
gene using homology PCR. To understand the function of
pPIG-A
and the significance of GPI-anchored proteins in
Paramecium
, we reduced the mRNA for
pPIG-A
in transformed cells using an expression vector that transcribed antisense mRNA. The amount of transcript is reduced to ∼0.3% of the mRNA in control-transformed cells. Compared to control cells, cells transformed with the antisense pPIG-A vector show reduced synthesis of GPI anchor intermediates catalyzed in their endoplasmic reticula and a very few GPI-anchored proteins among the peripheral proteins that can be recovered from their surfaces. They also show specific defects in chemoresponse to glutamate and folate. Other cellular functions, such as growth and mating, seem to be normal.