Showing papers by "University of Western Australia published in 2001"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a 19-item measure, PERVAL, that can be used to assess customers' perceptions of the value of a consumer durable good at a brand level.
4,906 citations
TL;DR: The chemistry of advanced glycated end-product formation and their patho-biochemistry particularly in relation to the diabetic microvascular complications of retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy as well as their role in the accelerated vasculopathy observed in diabetes are discussed.
Abstract: Advanced glycation end-products are a complex and heterogeneous group of compounds that have been implicated in diabetes related complications At present it is not known if they are the cause or the consequence of the complications observed We discuss the chemistry of advanced glycated end-product formation and their patho-biochemistry particularly in relation to the diabetic microvascular complications of retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy as well as their role in the accelerated vasculopathy observed in diabetes The concept of carbonyl stress as a cause for advanced glycated end-product toxicity is mentioned We discuss alterations in the concentrations of advanced glycated end-products in the body, particularly in relation to changes occurring with age, diabetes and its complications such as nephropathy Problems relating to current methods of advanced glycated end-product detection and measurement are highlighted including the lack of a universally established method of detection or unit of measurement Agents used for the treatment of advanced glycated end-product accumulation are reviewed, with an emphasis on the results of the recent phase III trials using aminoguanidine and diabetes related complications
2,308 citations
TL;DR: Orogenic gold deposits have formed over more than 3 billion years of Earth's history, episodically during the MiddleArchean to younger Precambrian, and continuously throughout the Phanerozoic as discussed by the authors.
1,125 citations
Imperial College London1, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust2, University of Western Australia3, Queensland University of Technology4, St. Vincent's Health System5, University of New South Wales6, Charles University in Prague7, University of Paris8, French Institute of Health and Medical Research9, Max Planck Society10, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich11, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens12, University of Massachusetts Boston13, University of Hong Kong14, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland15, University of Palermo16, Kanazawa University17, University of Fukui18, Tokyo Medical and Dental University19, Dokkyo Medical University20, Maastricht University21, Rikshospitalet–Radiumhospitalet22, Tan Tock Seng Hospital23, Autonomous University of Barcelona24, Linköping University25, University of Lausanne26, National Cheng Kung University27, University of Leeds28, University of Edinburgh29, University of Birmingham30, AstraZeneca31, University of Glasgow32, University of Manchester33, Cancer Research UK34, Yale University35, Brown University36, University of Pittsburgh37, Vanderbilt University38, Yeshiva University39, Military Medical Academy40
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of the Kirsten ras (Ki-ras) tumour genotype and outcome of patients with colorectal cancer was investigated using a multivariate analysis.
Abstract: Researchers worldwide with information about the Kirsten ras (Ki-ras) tumour genotype and outcome of patients with colorectal cancer were invited to provide that data in a schematized format for inclusion in a collaborative database called RASCAL (The Kirsten ras incolorectal-cancer collaborative group). Our results from 2721 such patients have been presented previously and for the first time in any common cancer, showed conclusively that different gene mutations have different impacts on outcome, even when the mutations occur at the same site on the genome. To explore the effect of Ki-ras mutations at different stages of colorectal cancer, more patients were recruited to the database, which was reanalysed when information on 4268 patients from 42 centres in 21 countries had been entered. After predetermined exclusion criteria were applied, data on 3439 patients were entered into a multivariate analysis. This found that of the 12 possible mutations on codons 12 and 13 of Kirsten ras, only one mutation on codon 12, glycine to valine, found in 8.6% of all patients, had a statistically significant impact on failure-free survival (P=0.004, HR 1.3) and overall survival (P=0.008, HR 1.29). This mutation appeared to have a greater impact on outcome in Dukes' C cancers (failure-free survival, P=0.008, HR 1.5, overall survival P=0.02, HR 1.45) than in Dukes' B tumours (failure-free survival, P=0.46, HR 1.12, overall survival P=0.36, HR 1.15). Ki-ras mutations may occur early in the development of pre-cancerous adenomas in the colon and rectum. However, this collaborative study suggests that not only is the presence of a codon 12 glycine to valine mutation important for cancer progression but also that it may predispose to more aggressive biological behaviour in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. ⌐ 2001 Cancer Research Campaign.
753 citations
TL;DR: It is determined that the NK cell activation receptor, Ly-49H, is critically involved in resistance to murine cytomegalovirus in vivo.
Abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that can be distinguished from T and B cells through their involvement in innate immunity and their lack of rearranged antigen receptors. Although NK cells and their receptors were initially characterized in terms of tumor killing in vitro, we have determined that the NK cell activation receptor, Ly-49H, is critically involved in resistance to murine cytomegalovirus in vivo. Ly-49H requires an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing transmembrane molecule for expression and signal transduction. Thus, NK cells use receptors functionally resembling ITAM-coupled T and B cell antigen receptors to provide vital innate host defense.
623 citations
TL;DR: Responses to extracellular stimuli are often transduced from cell-surface receptors to protein tyrosine kinases which, when activated, initiate the formation of protein complexes that transmit signals throughout the cell.
Abstract: Responses to extracellular stimuli are often transduced from cell-surface receptors to protein tyrosine kinases which, when activated, initiate the formation of protein complexes that transmit signals throughout the cell. A prominent component of these complexes is the product of the proto-oncogene c-Cbl, which specifically targets activated protein tyrosine kinases and regulates their signalling. How, then, does this multidomain protein shape the responses generated by these signalling complexes?
619 citations
TL;DR: Evidence suggests that saccades trigger two distinct neural processes: a suppression of visual sensitivity, specific to the magnocellular pathway, that dampens the sensation of motion and a gross perceptual distortion of visual space in anticipation of the repositioning of gaze.
607 citations
TL;DR: Measurements of the intraretinal oxygen distribution in two species of laboratory animal possessing such retinas, the rabbit and the guinea pig, are presented and new data and mathematical models which identify three dominant oxygen-consuming layers in the rat retina are presented.
590 citations
TL;DR: The authors propose a theoretical framework that specifies five categories of work design variables that span individual, group and organizational levels of analysis, including antecedents of work characteristics, expansion of the traditional work characteristics to include aspects salient to the modern context, extension of the range of outcome variables beyond the existing narrow focus on affective reactions, and analysis of the mechanisms or processes that explain why work characteristics lead to particular outcomes.
Abstract: Developments in work design theory have not kept pace with the changes occurring in the organizational landscape. We propose a theoretical framework that specifies five categories of work design variables that span individual, group and organizational levels of analysis. Specifically, we propose an elaborated model of work design that includes: systematic consideration of antecedents of work characteristics; expansion of the traditional range of work characteristics to include aspects salient to the modern context; extension of the range of outcome variables beyond the existing narrow focus on affective reactions; analysis of the mechanisms, or processes, that explain why work characteristics lead to particular outcomes; and consideration of contingencies that moderate the effects of work characteristics. We argue that the particular choice of work design variables should be guided by theory and an analysis of the organizational context.
542 citations
TL;DR: A semiautomated computerized vascular ultrasound analysis system that will improve the power of clinical intervention studies to detect small changes in arterial diameter is developed.
Abstract: Brachial artery ultrasound is commonly employed for noninvasive assessment of endothelial function. However, analysis is observer dependent and susceptible to errors. We describe studies on a compu...
541 citations
TL;DR: In the last 1000 million years, Australia has been part of two supercontinents: Palaeozoic Gondwanaland and Neoproterozoic Rodinia as discussed by the authors.
TL;DR: The authors argue that lexical studies of personality structure suggest the existence of six major dimensions of personality: (I) Surgency, (II) Agreeableness, (III) Conscientiousness, (IV) Emotional Stabil...
Abstract: We argue that lexical studies of personality structure suggest the existence of six major dimensions of personality: (I) Surgency, (II) Agreeableness, (III) Conscientiousness, (IV) Emotional Stabil...
TL;DR: The combination of a single injection of SIR-Spheres plus HAC is substantially more effective in increasing tumor responses and progression free survival than the same regimen of HAC alone.
TL;DR: If endothelial dysfunction is an integral component of the pathogenesis of vascular disease, as currently believed, this study supports the value of an exercise program in the management of type 2 diabetes.
TL;DR: The combined external moments applied to the knee joint during stance phase of the cutting tasks are believed to place the ACL and collateral ligaments at risk of injury, particularly at knee flexion angles between 0 degrees and 40 degrees, if appropriate muscle activation strategies are not used to counter these moments.
Abstract: BESIER, T. F., D. G. LLOYD, J. L. COCHRANE, and T. R. ACKLAND. External loading of the knee joint during running and cutting maneuvers. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 33, No. 7, 2001, pp. 1168–1175.PurposeTo investigate the external loads applied to the knee joint during dynamic cutting tasks and ass
TL;DR: Compared N, P and K uptake by wheat, maize, and soybean in two field experiments in Gansu province revealed interspecific facilitation in nutrient acquisition during co-growth and showed that wheat had greater capability to acquire nutrients compared to soybean and maize.
01 Jan 2001
TL;DR: This work establishes the problem's intrinsic complexity, and gives a direct algorithm operating on "size-change graphs" (without the passage to automata), which turns out to be surprisingly high, complete for PSPACE, in spite of the simplicity of the principle.
Abstract: The "size-change termination" principle for a first-order functional language with well-founded data is: a program terminates on all inputs if every infinite call sequence (following program control flow) would cause an infinite descent in some data values.Size-change analysis is based only on local approximations to parameter size changes derivable from program syntax. The set of infinite call sequences that follow program flow and can be recognized as causing infinite descent is an ω-regular set, representable by a Buchi automaton. Algorithms for such automata can be used to decide size-change termination. We also give a direct algorithm operating on "size-change graphs" (without the passage to automata).Compared to other results in the literature, termination analysis based on the size-change principle is surprisingly simple and general: lexical orders (also called lexicographic orders), indirect function calls and permuted arguments (descent that is not in-situ) are all handled automatically and without special treatment, with no need for manually supplied argument orders, or theorem-proving methods not certain to terminate at analysis time.We establish the problem's intrinsic complexity. This turns out to be surprisingly high, complete for PSPACE, in spite of the simplicity of the principle. PSPACE hardness is proved by a reduction from Boolean program termination. An ineresting consequence: the same hardness result applies to many other analyses found in the termination and quasitermination literature.
TL;DR: Cutting maneuvers performed without adequate planning may increase the risk of noncontact knee ligament injury due to the increased external varus/valgus and internal/external rotation moments applied to the knee.
Abstract: BESIER, T F, D G LLOYD, T R ACKLAND, and J L COCHRANE Anticipatory effects on knee joint loading during running and cutting maneuvers Med Sci Sports Exerc, Vol 33, No 7, 2001, pp 1176–1181PurposeTo determine how unanticipated performance of cutting maneuvers in sport affects the ext
TL;DR: Analysis of full-length putative protein sequences using bioinformatic tools to predict subcellular targeting (TargetP, Psort, and MitoProt) revealed significant variation in predictions, and also a lack of mitochondrial targeting prediction for several characterized mitochondrial proteins.
Abstract: The complete set of nuclear genes that encode proteins targeted to mitochondria in plants is currently undefined and thus the full range of mitochondrial functions in plants is unknown. Analysis of two-dimensional gel separations of Arabidopsis cell culture mitochondrial protein revealed approximately 100 abundant proteins and 250 low-abundance proteins. Comparison of subfractions of mitochondrial protein on two-dimensional gels provided information on the soluble, membrane, or integral membrane locations of this protein set. A total of 170 protein spots were excised, trypsin-digested, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight mass spectrometry spectra obtained. Using this dataset, 91 of the proteins were identified by searching translated Arabidopsis genomic databases. Of this set, 81 have defined functions based on sequence comparison. These functions include respiratory electron transport, tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism, amino acid metabolism, protein import, processing, and assembly, transcription, membrane transport, and antioxidant defense. A total of 10 spectra were matched to Arabidopsis putative open reading frames for which no specific function has been determined. A total of 64 spectra did not match to an identified open reading frame. Analysis of full-length putative protein sequences using bioinformatic tools to predict subcellular targeting (TargetP, Psort, and MitoProt) revealed significant variation in predictions, and also a lack of mitochondrial targeting prediction for several characterized mitochondrial proteins.
TL;DR: Breeding for resistance (genetic, disease escape or tolerance), stubble management, crop rotation and fungicide seed treatments are important strategies for control of phoma stem canker in all areas.
Abstract: Phoma stem canker (blackleg), caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is an important disease on oilseed rape (canola, rapeseed, Brassica napus, Brassica juncea, Brassica rapa) causing seedling death, lodging or early senescence in Australia, Canada and Europe, but not in China. The two forms of L. maculans (A group and B group) that occur on oilseed rape are now considered to be separate species. The epidemiology and severity of phoma stem canker differs between continents due to differences in the pathogen population structure, oilseed rape species and cultivars grown, climate and agricultural practices. Epidemics are most severe in Australia, where only the A group occurs, and can be damaging in Canada and western Europe, where both A and B groups occur, although their proportions vary within regions and throughout the year. Epidemics are slight in China, where the A group has not been found. Dry climates (Australia, western Canada) lengthen the persistence of infected debris and may synchronize the release of airborne ascospores (after rain) with seedling emergence. L. maculans spreads from cotyledon and leaf infections down petioles to reach the stem, with infections on cotyledons and leaves early in the season producing the most damaging stem cankers at the stem base (crown). Development of both crown cankers and phoma stem lesions higher up stems is most rapid in regions with high temperatures from flowering to harvest, such as Australia and Canada. Breeding for resistance (genetic, disease escape or tolerance), stubble management, crop rotation and fungicide seed treatments are important strategies for control of phoma stem canker in all areas. Fungicide spray treatments are justified only in regions such as western Europe where high yields are obtained, and accurate forecasts of epidemic severity are needed to optimize their use.
TL;DR: It seems that the generally accepted notion that sexual traits are costly is in fact based almost exclusively on indirect evidence and that direct empirical evidence is very scarce.
Abstract: Costs of sexual traits are of central importance to the theory of sexual selection. To qualify as a cost in line with theoretical models, empirical studies must demonstrate that sexual traits cause negative effects on one component of fitness of the trait bearer. Moreover, it must be demonstrated that the costs are differential such that negative effects on fitness are more severe for individuals in poor condition than for individuals in good condition. However, in the current literature, there is confusion over what qualifies as a cost, and costs are often anticipated based on findings of increased expenditure. Consequently, it seems that the generally accepted notion that sexual traits are costly is in fact based almost exclusively on indirect evidence and that direct empirical evidence is very scarce.
TL;DR: It is shown that c-Cbl promotes ubiquitination of the Met RTK, a Met receptor where the juxtamembrane tyrosine is replaced by phenylalanine, is not ubiquitinated and has transforming activity in fibroblast and epithelial cells.
TL;DR: In this paper, a farm-level indicator of agricultural sustainability, based on patterns of input use, is constructed for a sample of 80 organic and 157 conventional producers in the UK.
TL;DR: This approach should reduce the severity of DMD by allowing a dystrophic gene transcript to be modified, such that it can be translated into a Becker-dystrophin-like protein.
Abstract: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle wasting disease arising from defects in the dystrophin gene, typically nonsense or frameshift mutations, that preclude the synthesis of a functional protein. A milder, allelic version of the disease, Becker muscular dystrophy, generally arises from in-frame deletions that allow synthesis of a shorter but still semifunctional protein. Therapies to introduce functional dystrophin into dystrophic tissue through either cell or gene replacement have not been successful to date. We report an alternative approach where 2′-O-methyl antisense oligoribonucleotides have been used to modify processing of the dystrophin pre-mRNA in the mdx mouse model of DMD. By targeting 2′-O-methyl antisense oligoribonucleotides to block motifs involved in normal dystrophin pre-mRNA splicing, we induced excision of exon 23, and the mdx nonsense mutation, without disrupting the reading frame. Exon 23 skipping was first optimized in vitro in transfected H-2Kb-tsA58 mdx myoblasts and then induced in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the synthesis and correct subsarcolemmal localization of dystrophin and γ-sarcoglycan in the mdx mouse after intramuscular delivery of antisense oligoribonucleotide:liposome complexes. This approach should reduce the severity of DMD by allowing a dystrophic gene transcript to be modified, such that it can be translated into a Becker-dystrophin-like protein.
TL;DR: Results suggest that healing in chronic venous leg ulcers may be impaired by inflammatory mediators rather than inhibited by a deficiency of growth factors in these chronic wounds.
Abstract: The cause of impaired healing in chronic leg ulcers is not known. However, recent attempts to modify the healing process have focused on adding growth factors to stimulate healing and have failed to produce dramatic improvements in healing. This study used a unique model of chronic wound healing in humans to obtain wound fluid samples from chronic venous leg ulcers that had changed from a nonhealing to a healing phase. These samples were used to assess cytokine and growth factor levels, and mitogenic activity in these nonhealing and healing chronic wounds. The pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alphawere found to be present in significantly higher concentrations in wound fluid from nonhealing compared to healing leg ulcers. There were detectable levels but, no significant change in the levels of platelet derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor or transforming growth factor-betaas ulcers healed. Wound fluid was added to fibroblasts in vitro to assess mitogenic activity. There was a significantly greater proliferative response to healing wound fluid samples compared to nonhealing samples. These results suggest that healing may be impaired by inflammatory mediators rather than inhibited by a deficiency of growth factors in these chronic wounds.
TL;DR: In this paper, the most common isotherm equations used in soil science are classified into rational, power, and transcendental functions which are related to the classification of isotherms.
TL;DR: It is found that SET is associated with a significantly greater risk of death than DET, and monotherapy may be suboptimal for patients with severe bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia who have Pneumonia Severity Index scores higher than 90.
Abstract: Background Although monotherapy for pneumococcal pneumonia is standard, a survival benefit of combination β-lactam and macrolide therapy has been suggested. Hypothesis Initial empirical therapy with a combination of effective antibiotic agents would have a better outcome than a single effective antibiotic agent in patients with bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia. Methods A review of adult bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia within the Methodist Healthcare System, Memphis, Tenn, between January 1, 1996, and July 31, 2000. Empirical therapy was defined as all antibiotic agents received in the first 24 hours after presentation. On the basis of culture results, empirical therapy was classified as single effective therapy (SET), dual effective therapy (DET), or more than DET (MET). Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II)–based predicted mortality, and Pneumonia Severity Index scores were calculated. Results Of the 225 patients identified, 99 were classified as receiving SET, 102 as receiving DET, and 24 as receiving MET. Compared with the other groups, patients who received MET had statistically significantly more severe pneumonia as measured by the Pneumonia Severity Index score ( P = .04) and predicted mortality ( P = .03). Mortality within the SET group was significantly higher than within the DET group ( P = .02, odds ratio, 3.0 [95% confidence intervals, 1.2-7.6]), even when the DET and MET groups ( P = .04) were combined. In a logistic regression model including antibiotic therapy and clinical risk factors for mortality, SET remained an independent predictor of mortality with a predicted mortality–adjusted odds ratio for death of 6.4 (95% confidence intervals, 1.9-21.7). All deaths occurred in patients with a Pneumonia Severity Index score higher than 90, and the predicted mortality–adjusted odds ratio for death with SET in this subgroup was 5.5 (95% confidence intervals, 1.7-17.5). Conclusions We found that SET is associated with a significantly greater risk of death than DET. Therefore, monotherapy may be suboptimal for patients with severe bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia who have Pneumonia Severity Index scores higher than 90.
TL;DR: It appears that there are activation strategies with the specific purpose to support varus and valgus moments, albeit small, which suggest dual goals of the neuromotor system during the support of varUS and valGus moments.
TL;DR: A model using human capital theory and an immigrant adjustment process to generate hypotheses on the acquisition of destination-language skills among immigrants is developed and tested for adult male immigrants in the 1991 Census of Canada.
Abstract: We develop a model using human capital theory and an immigrant adjustment process to generate hypotheses on the acquisition of destination-language skills among immigrants. The model is tested for adult male immigrants in the 1991 Census of Canada. Use of English or French is greater, the younger the age at migration, the longer the duration of residence, the higher the educational attainment, the farther the country of origin from Canada, and the linguistically closer the mother tongue to English or French, and among those who are not refugees, those from a former British, French, or American colony, and those who live in an area where fewer people speak the respondent’s mother tongue. The explanatory variables based on birthplace have behavioral interpretations and possess almost as much explanatory power as the birthplace dummy variables
TL;DR: The best explored link between NF-kappaB activation and cell cycle progression involves cyclin D(1), a cyclin which is expressed relatively early in the cell cycle and which is crucial to commitment to DNA synthesis.