bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of price and productivity changes on banana‐growing households in Uganda
Authors: Komarek Adam M. , Ahmadi‐Esfahani Fredoun Z. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis article compares the effects of changing market prices and farm productivity on the welfare of banana‐growing households in the Ntungamo district of Uganda. A heterogeneous‐agent model is applied via a series of mathematical optimization problems, to simulate production and consumption responses of 70 farm households surveyed in 2006. Results show that a given increase in productivity has a greater impact on poverty alleviation than that same increase in market prices. Despite the effects of productivity gains being comparable across different types of household groups, price improvements primarily benefit the incomes of households who are involved in rural producer organizations, who are located closer to markets, and who sell at the market.
Profile of Inflammatory Mediators in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Phenotype and Genotype
Authors: Gueuvoghlanian‐Silva Bárbara Yasmin , Torloni Maria Regina , Mattar Rosiane , de Oliveira Lilian Silveira , Scomparini Flávia Burim , Nakamura Mary Uchiyama , Daher Silvia 
Published: November 2011

Citation Gueuvoghlanian‐Silva BY, Torloni MR, Mattar R, de Oliveira LS, Scomparini FB, Nakamura MU, Daher S. Profile of inflammatory mediators in gestational diabetes mellitus: phenotype and genotype. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 241–250Problem  Our study aimed to assess in vitro production of IL‐10, IL‐6, TNF‐A, and adiponectin serum levels in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to investigate a possible association between GDM and IL‐10−1082 A>G (rs1800896), IL‐6−174 G>C (rs1800795), TNF‐A−308 G>A (rs1800629), adiponectin +45 T>G (rs2241766), and adiponectin−11377 C>G (rs266729) gene polymorphisms.Method of study  This case–control study included 79 women with GDM and 169 healthy controls (C) grouped according to pre‐pregnancy BMI. IL‐10, IL‐6, and TNF‐A culture supernatant and adiponectin serum levels were assessed by ELISA. DNA genotype was performed by PCR‐RFLP.Results  Adiponectin levels were significantly higher in C than GDM women, even within the same BMI category. Cytokines levels were similar between the groups. There were no associations between GDM and the analyzed gene polymorphisms.Conclusions  Women with GDM have significantly lower adiponectin levels in the third trimester, regardless of BMI.
Responses of riparian guilds to flow alterations in a Mediterranean stream
Authors: Bejarano María Dolores , González del Tánago Marta , de Jalón Diego García , Marchamalo Miguel , Sordo‐Ward Álvaro , Solana‐Gutiérrez Joaquín 
Published: November 2011

AbstractQuestionsDo Mediterranean riparian guilds show distinct responses to stream water declines? If observed, which are the most sensitive and resilient guilds and their most affected attributes?LocationTiétar river below the Rosarito dam, central‐western Spain.MethodsWe identified riparian guilds based on key woody species features and species distribution within this Mediterranean river corridor, and evaluated similarity of their responses to long‐term flow alteration (i.e. stream water declines since dam construction in 1959). Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to group surveyed vegetation bands according to species composition. The groups were designated as riparian guilds where each vegetation group comprising a guild: (1) contains species sharing similar features (using PCA); and (2) shares a similar environment (using DCA). Changes in several guild attributes (i.e. dominance and species composition, diversity and establishment patterns) during the regulated period were compared statistically. We used pre‐ and post‐dam established vegetation bands identified based on old (1956) and modern (2006) aerial photographs and field measurements of woody species diameter.ResultsResponses to flow alterations varied between guilds according to ecological requirements of their species. The ability to survive water stress (i.e. ‘Xeric’ guilds) and drag forces caused by floods (‘Torrential’ guilds) allowed certain pioneer shrub‐dominated guilds (e.g. Flueggea tinctoria and Salix salviifolia) to spread on newly emerged surfaces downward to the main channel after flow alterations, although new shrubland had less species diversity than pre‐dam shrubland. In contrast, new hydromorphological conditions following damming limited recruitment of native late‐successional tree guilds sensitive to floods (to drag forces, inundation and anoxia; i.e. ‘Slow‐water’ and ‘Flood‐sensitive’, respectively) and those with greater water requirements (i.e. ‘Hydric’) (e.g. Alnus glutinosa and Celtis australis), although species diversity increased in this mature forest through co‐existence of remaining riparian species and new arrival of upland species.ConclusionsChanges in several riparian attributes after flow alterations differed between guilds. Stream water declines after damming caused shifts in species‐poor pioneer shrubland downwards to the watered channel, resulting in severe declines of mature native forest. Understanding vegetation guild responses provides information about general trends in plant populations and assemblage structures expected to occur during river development and flow regulation, increasing our capacity to detect and synthesize complex flow alteration–riparian ecosystem response relationships, and anticipate irreversible impacts.
Self‐efficacy and physical activity in adolescent and parent dyads
Authors: Rutkowski Elaine M. , Connelly Cynthia D. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPurpose. The study examined the relationships between self‐efficacy and physical activity in adolescent and parent dyads.Design and Methods. A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used to explore the relationships among levels of parent physical activity, parent–adolescent self‐efficacy, and adolescent physical activity. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were conducted in a purposive sample of 94 adolescent/parent dyads.Results. Regression results indicated the overall model significantly predicted adolescent physical activity (R2= .20,R2adj= .14,F[5, 70]= 3.28,p= .01). Only one of the five predictor variables significantly contributed to the model. Higher levels of adolescent self‐efficacy was positively related to greater levels of adolescent physical activity (β= .29,p= .01).Practice Implications. Practitioners are encouraged to examine the level of self‐efficacy and physical activity in families in an effort to develop strategies that impact these areas and ultimately to mediate obesity‐related challenges in families seeking care.
AFLATOXIN DETERMINATION IN BLACK TEA (CAMELLIA SINENSIS) – STATUS AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTOCOL
Authors: VISWANATH PREMA , NANJEGOWDA DIVYASHREE KALLENAHALLI , GOVINDEGOWDA HEMALATHA , DATTATREYA AKSHATHA MALEBENNUR , SIDDAPPA VINUTHA 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTAflatoxins, toxic mold metabolites, are naturally contaminants of food and have been reported on tea (Camellia sinensis), but there are no validated methods published for its determination. A method has been standardized incorporating Tween‐20, a nonionic surfactant in the extraction solvent, with use of an immunoaffinity column for cleanup followed by postcolumn photochemical derivatization reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Acceptable recoveries of 76–100% were observed when spiked with aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2. Analysis of market samples of black tea showed the presence of aflatoxigenic molds in 25.9% of samples, and aflatoxin B1 was detected in one sample at a level of 19.2 µg/kg. Aflatoxin production was observed in tea samples artificially inoculated with the conidia of an aflatoxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus. Major portion of the aflatoxins added to the tea leaves remains in the residue when boiled with water, and 30.6% gets partitioned into the filtrate, which is the component used to prepare the beverage.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONTea (Camellia sinensis) beverage is widely consumed in the world. This manuscript discusses the prevalence and problems of aflatoxigenic molds and aflatoxins in black tea. A new protocol has been validated for determination of aflatoxins using a surfactant in the extraction solvent for better extraction, followed by column cleanup using immunoaffinity columns and quantification by postcolumn photochemical derivatization reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Aflatoxin production in tea artificially inoculated with the conidia of Aspergillus flavus (isolated in the laboratory) was also observed. The method of preparation of tea beverage by a large number of people in the country is by boiling the black tea leaves with water and using the filtrate to prepare the beverage with milk and sweetener. In the study on the partitioning of the aflatoxins added to black tea leaves before boiling, it was observed that about 30.6% of the added toxin is in the filtrate, a finding with relevance in risk assessment.
Sensory Characteristics and Consumer Acceptance and Purchase Intention Toward Fresh‐Cut Potatoes
Authors: Montouto‐Graña Mónica , Cabanas‐Arias Sonia , Porto‐Fojo Silvia , Vázquez‐Odériz Ma Lourdes , Romero‐Rodríguez Ma Angeles 
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  For a new product to succeed in the market, it must be accepted by consumers. This study investigates consumer opinions on fresh‐cut potatoes packaged under vacuum and under a modified atmosphere using home use tests. The data obtained were related to demographic characteristics and patterns of consumption and to purchase intention toward potatoes and other vegetables. The sensory characteristics evaluated by a panel of assessors trained in the sensory evaluation of potato were also considered. The results indicate that although both products were accepted by the consumer, vacuum‐packed potatoes received slightly higher ratings and more consumers intended to purchase this product.Practical Application:  The fresh‐cut potato packaged under vacuum is a product with all the sensory characteristics that will be accepted by the consumers. The adaptation to the productive process at the industrial level, it can be performed with enough guarantees that the product will definitely be purchased by the consumers.
Managing Ambiguity in Reference Generation: The Role of Surface Structure
Authors: Khan Imtiaz H. , Deemter Kees van , Ritchie Graeme 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis article explores the role of surface ambiguities in referring expressions, and how the risk of such ambiguities should be taken into account by an algorithm that generates referring expressions, if these expressions are to be optimally effective for a hearer. We focus on the ambiguities that arise when adjectives occur in coordinated structures. The central idea is to use statistical information about lexical co‐occurrence to estimate which interpretation of a phrase is most likely for human readers, and to avoid generating phrases where misunderstandings are likely. Various aspects of the problem were explored in three experiments in which responses by human participants provided evidence about which reading was most likely for certain phrases, which phrases were deemed most suitable for particular referents, and the speed at which various phrases were read. We found a preference for ‘‘clear’’ expressions to ‘‘unclear’’ ones, but if several of the expressions are ‘‘clear,’’ then brief expressions are preferred over non‐brief ones even though the brief ones are syntactically ambiguous and the non‐brief ones are not; the notion of clarity was made precise using Kilgarriff's Word Sketches. We outline an implemented algorithm that generates noun phrases conforming to our hypotheses.
Searching for General Principles in Cognitive Performance: Reply to Commentators
Authors: Stephen Damian G. , Van Orden Guy 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe commentators expressed concerns regarding the relevance and value of non‐computational non‐symbolic explanations of cognitive performance. But what counts as an “explanation” depends on the pre‐theoretical assumptions behind the scenes of empirical science regarding the kinds of variables and relationships that are sought out in the first place, and some of the present disagreements stem from incommensurate assumptions. Traditional cognitive science presumes cognition to be a decomposable system of components interacting according to computational rules to generate cognitive performances (i.e., component‐dominant dynamics). We assign primacy to interaction‐dominant dynamics among components. Though either choice can be a good guess before the fact, the primacy of interactions is now supported by much recent empirical work in cognitive science. Consequently, in the main, the commentators have failed so far to address the growing evidence corroborating the theory‐driven predictions of complexity science.
Mechanisms of aggregation inhibition by aspirin and nitrate-aspirin prodrugs in human platelets
Authors: Harmon Shona , Inkielewicz-Stepniak Iwona , Jones Michael , Ledwidge Mark , Santos-Martinez Maria Jose , Medina Carlos , Radomski Marek W , Gilmer John F 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Aspirin is the mainstay of anti-platelet therapy in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, problems with aspirin safety and resistance demand clinical strategies based on multiple pharmacological approaches. Prodrugs of aspirin may offer beneficial effects in terms of gastro-intestinal safety and multiple pharmacological approaches. However, the pharmacological profile of aspirin prodrugs in human platelets has not been completed yet. We aimed to compare the effects of aspirin and prodrugs of aspirin (1–5) on human platelet aggregation stimulated by ADP and collagen and associated receptor expression (GPIIb/IIIa and P-selectin) in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and washed platelets (WP).

Methods
As aspirin is released from prodrugs following esterase hydrolysis we studied the expression and activity of butyrylcholineterase (BuChE) and carboxyesterase (CE) in plasma and platelets. The mechanism of prodrug-induced platelet aggregation inhibition was explored by studying the effects of plasma and purified human BuChE on aggregation. Finally, the relative contribution of nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity to nitrate-containing prodrugs of aspirin-induced inhibition of aggregation was determined using 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ,) a selective inhibitor of the soluble guanylyl cyclase.

Key findings
ST0702, 2, a nicotinic acid-aspirin codrug was equipotent with aspirin with respect to inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Compound 4, a NO releasing aspirin was the most potent inhibitor of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, an effect partially reversed by ODQ. The platelet inhibitory effects of aspirin prodrugs were time-dependent as the maximal inhibitory effects against collagen-induced aggregation were achieved by aspirin at 2 min, 1 at 5 min and ST0702 at 15 min. The aspirin prodrugs were significantly less potent in WP than in PRP and the reverse was true of aspirin. In the presence of complete BuChE inhibition in PRP, there was almost complete loss of aspirin prodrug, but not aspirin anti-aggregatory activity. Interestingly, CE activity was observed in WP and platelet lysate with pNPA substrate. Accordingly, 1 and ST0702 retained 50% and 100% anti-aggregatory activity at maximal concentrations in WP, which was attenuated in the presence of esterase inhibitor phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride.

Conclusions
The inhibitory effect of aspirin prodrugs in PRP is due to prodrug activation by BuChE. In contrast, the platelet-inhibitory effects of aspirin prodrugs in WP may be mediated through the activity of platelet CE. Compound 4, a NO-containing aspirin prodrug, may exert dual inhibitory effects in platelets. Thus, aspirin prodrugs effectively inhibit human platelet aggregation and as such may be an alternative to conventional aspirin.
Polyfunctional T Cells Accumulate in Large Human Cytomegalovirus-Specific T Cell Responses
Authors: Lachmann Raskit , Bajwa Martha , Vita Serena , Smith Helen , Cheek Elizabeth , Akbar Arne , Kern Florian 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTLarge cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific CD8 T-cell responses are observed in both young and, somewhat more often, old people. Frequent CMV reactivation is thought to exhaust these cells and render them dysfunctional so that larger numbers of them are needed to control CMV. Expansions of CMV-specific CD4 T cells are also seen but are less well studied. In this study, we examined the T-cell response to the dominant CMV pp65 and IE-1 antigens in healthy CMV-infected people across a wide age range (20 to 84 years) by using multicolor flow cytometry. CMV-specific T cells were characterized by the activation markers CD40 ligand (CD40L), interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and the memory markers CD27 and CD45RA. The proportions of effector memory T cells increased in large responses, as did the proportions of polyfunctional CD8 (IFN-γ+IL-2+/−TNF-α+) and CD4 (CD40L+/−IFN-γ+IL-2+TNF-α+) T-cell subsets, while the proportion of naïve T cells decreased. The bigger the CD4 or CD8 T-cell response to pp65, the larger was the proportion of T cells with an advanced memory phenotype in the entire (including non-CMV-specific) T-cell compartment. In addition, the number of activation markers per cell correlated with the degree of T-cell receptor downregulation, suggesting increased antigen sensitivity in polyfunctional cells. In summary, our findings show that polyfunctional CMV-specific T cells were not superseded by dysfunctional cells, even in very large responses. At the same time, however, the memory subset composition of the entire T-cell compartment correlated with the size of the T-cell response to CMV pp65, confirming a strong effect of CMV infection on the immune systems of some, but not all, infected people.
Ex Vivo
and
In Vivo
Inhibition of Human Rhinovirus Replication by a New Pseudosubstrate of Viral 2A Protease
Authors: Falah Nisrine , Violot Sébastien , Décimo Didier , Berri Fatma , Foucault-Grunenwald Marie-Laure , Ohlmann Théophile , Schuffenecker Isabelle , Morfin Florence , Lina Bruno , Riteau Béatrice , Cortay Jean-Claude 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) remain a significant public health problem as they are the major cause of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Unfortunately, to date no vaccine or antiviral against these pathogens is available. Here, using a high-throughput yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified a 6-amino-acid hit peptide, LVLQTM, which acted as a pseudosubstrate of the viral 2A cysteine protease (2A
pro
) and inhibited its activity. This peptide was chemically modified with a reactive electrophilic fluoromethylketone group to form a covalent linkage with the nucleophilic active-site thiol of the enzyme.
Ex vivo
and
in vivo
experiments showed that thus converted, LVLQTM was a strong inhibitor of HRV replication in both A549 cells and mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report validating a compound against HRV infection in a mouse model.
Viral Adaptation to Host Immune Responses Occurs in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection, and Adaptation Is Greatest in HBV e Antigen-Negative Disease
Authors: Desmond Christopher P. , Gaudieri Silvana , James Ian R. , Pfafferott Katja , Chopra Abha , Lau George K. , Audsley Jennifer , Day Caroline , Chivers Sarah , Gordon Adam , Revill Peter A. , Bowden Scott , Ayres Anna , Desmond Paul V. , Thompson Alexander J. , Roberts Stuart K. , Locarnini Stephen A. , Mallal Simon A. , Lewin Sharon R. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTHepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T-cell responses are important in the natural history of HBV infection. The number of known HBV-specific T-cell epitopes is limited, and it is not clear whether viral evolution occurs in chronic HBV infection. We aimed to identify novel HBV T-cell epitopes by examining the relationship between HBV sequence variation and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type in a large prospective clinic-based cohort of Asian patients with chronic HBV infection recruited in Australia and China (n= 119). High-resolution 4-digit HLA class I and II typing and full-length HBV sequencing were undertaken for treatment-naïve individuals (52% with genotype B, 48% with genotype C, 63% HBV e antigen [HBeAg] positive). Statistically significant associations between HLA types and HBV sequence variation were identified (n= 49) at 41 sites in the HBV genome. Using prediction programs, we determined scores for binding between peptides containing these polymorphisms and associated HLA types. Among the regions that could be tested, HLA binding was predicted for 14/18 (78%). We identified several HLA-associated polymorphisms involving likely known anchor residues that resulted in altered predicted binding scores. Some HLA-associated polymorphisms fell within known T-cell epitopes with matching HLA restriction. Enhanced viral adaptation (defined as the presence of the relevant HLA and the escaped amino acid) was independently associated with HBeAg-negative disease (P= 0.003). Thus, HBV appears to be under immune pressure in chronic HBV infection, particularly in HBeAg-negative disease.
Contributions of CTCF and DNA Methyltransferases DNMT1 and DNMT3B to Epstein-Barr Virus Restricted Latency
Authors: Hughes David J. , Marendy Elessa M. , Dickerson Carol A. , Yetming Kristen D. , Sample Clare E. , Sample Jeffery T. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT
Establishment of persistent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection requires transition from a program of full viral latency gene expression (latency III) to one that is highly restricted (latency I and 0) within memory B lymphocytes. It is well established that DNA methylation plays a critical role in EBV gene silencing, and recently the chromatin boundary protein CTCF has been implicated as a pivotal regulator of latency via its binding to several loci within the EBV genome. One notable site is upstream of the common EBNA gene promoter Cp, at which CTCF may act as an enhancer-blocking factor to initiate and maintain silencing of EBNA gene transcription. It was previously suggested that increased expression of CTCF may underlie its potential to promote restricted latency, and here we also noted elevated levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and DNMT3B associated with latency I. Within B-cell lines that maintain latency I, however, stable knockdown of CTCF, DNMT1, or DNMT3B or of DNMT1 and DNMT3B in combination did not result in activation of latency III protein expression or EBNA gene transcription, nor did knockdown of DNMTs significantly alter CpG methylation within Cp. Thus, differential expression of CTCF and DNMT1 and -3B is not critical for maintenance of restricted latency. Finally, mutant EBV lacking the Cp CTCF binding site exhibited sustained Cp activity relative to wild-type EBV in a recently developed B-cell superinfection model but ultimately was able to transition to latency I, suggesting that CTCF contributes to but is not necessarily essential for the establishment of restricted latency.