bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of a model to assess aflatoxin risk in peanuts
Authors: CHAUHAN Y. S. , WRIGHT G. C. , RACHAPUTI R. C. N. , HOLZWORTH D. , BROOME A. , KROSCH S. , ROBERTSON M. J. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYWhen exposed to hot (22–35°C) and dry climatic conditions in the field during the final 4–6 weeks of pod filling, peanuts (Arachis hypogaeaL.) can accumulate highly carcinogenic and immuno-suppressing aflatoxins. Forecasting of the risk posed by these conditions can assist in minimizing pre-harvest contamination. A model was therefore developed as part of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) peanut module, which calculated an aflatoxin risk index (ARI) using four temperature response functions when fractional available soil water was <0·20 and the crop was in the last 0·40 of the pod-filling phase. ARI explained 0·95 (P⩽0·05) of the variation in aflatoxin contamination, which varied from 0 toc. 800 μg/kg in 17 large-scale sowings in tropical and four sowings in sub-tropical environments carried out in Australia between 13 November and 16 December 2007. ARI also explained 0·96 (P⩽0·01) of the variation in the proportion of aflatoxin-contaminated loads (>15 μg/kg) of peanuts in the Kingaroy region of Australia during the period between the 1998/99 and 2007/08 seasons. Simulation of ARI using historical climatic data from 1890 to 2007 indicated a three-fold increase in its value since 1980 compared to the entire previous period. The increase was associated with increases in ambient temperature and decreases in rainfall. To facilitate routine monitoring of aflatoxin risk by growers in near real time, a web interface of the model was also developed. The ARI predicted using this interface for eight growers correlated significantly with the level of contamination in crops (r=0·95,P⩽0·01). These results suggest that ARI simulated by the model is a reliable indicator of aflatoxin contamination that can be used in aflatoxin research as well as a decision-support tool to monitor pre-harvest aflatoxin risk in peanuts.
Shear-layers in magnetohydrodynamic spherical Couette flow with conducting walls
Authors: SOWARD A. M. , DORMY E. 
Published: February 2010

We consider the steady axisymmetric motion of an electrically conducting fluid contained within a spherical shell and permeated by a centred axial dipole magnetic field, which is strong as measured by the Hartmann number M. Slow axisymmetric motion is driven by rotating the inner boundary relative to the stationary outer boundary. For M ≫ 1, viscous effects are only important in Hartmann boundary layers adjacent to the inner and outer boundaries and a free shear-layer on the magnetic field line that is tangent to the outer boundary on the equatorial plane of symmetry. We measure the ability to leak electric current into the solid boundaries by the size of their relative conductance ɛ. Since the Hartmann layers are sustained by the electric current flow along them, the current inflow from the fluid mainstream needed to feed them increases in concert with the relative conductance, because of the increasing fraction ℒ of the current inflow leaked directly into the solids. Therefore the nature of the flow is sensitive to the relative sizes of ɛ−1 and M.The current work extends an earlier study of the case of a conducting inner boundary and an insulating outer boundary with conductance ɛo = 0 (Dormy, Jault & Soward, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 452, 2002, pp. 263–291) to other values of the outer boundary conductance. Firstly, analytic results are presented for the case of perfectly conducting inner and outer boundaries, which predict super-rotation rates Ωmax of order M1/2 in the free shear-layer. Successful comparisons are made with numerical results for both perfectly and finitely conducting boundaries. Secondly, in the case of a finitely conducting outer boundary our analytic results show that Ωmax is O(M1/2) for ɛo−1 ≪ 1 ≪ M3/4, O(ɛo2/3M1/2) for 1 ≪ ɛo−1 ≪ M3/4 and O(1) for 1 ≪ M3/4 ≪ ɛo−1. On increasing ɛo−1 from zero, substantial electric current leakage into the outer boundary, ℒo ≈ 1, occurs for ɛo−1 ≪ M3/4 with the shear-layer possessing the character appropriate to a perfectly conducting outer boundary. When ɛo−1 = O(M3/4) the current leakage is blocked near the equator, and the nature of the shear-layer changes. So, when M3/4 ≪ ɛo−1, the shear-layer has the character appropriate to an insulating outer boundary. More precisely, over the range M3/4 ≪ ɛo−1 ≪ M the blockage spreads outwards, reaching the pole when ɛo−1 = O(M). For M ≪ ɛo−1 current flow into the outer boundary is completely blocked, ℒo ≪ 1.
Indian Courts and International Law
Authors: HEGDE V. G. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe approach of Indian courts towards international law has been consistently evolving. Initially, the Indian constitutional framework provided a flexible basis for the application and use of international law, the reasons for which could be seen in the socio-political context of India as a developing country. India, for its part, continued to argue that it remained essentially at the periphery of the mainstream international law, as it had no role in formulating some of the basic principles of international law. For the Indian courts the first substantive encounter with international law emerges in the context of several territorial-related issues. The socio-political context forms the next phase, for the Indian courts to have recourse to diverse international legal norms relating to the environment and human rights and applying them as a persuasive tool. Later, the development context brings a complex array of commercial, environmental, and other related international legal norms into the Indian legal system. For Indian courts, in the present context, the correct sourcing and identification of international legal norms and their application remain a huge challenge. The majority of the legal systems of developing countries for varied historical reasons continue to treat international law as an exotic legal tool to be used sparingly, perhaps only to broaden the interpretation of or sustain a comparable domestic legal norm.
Unravelling the Confusion Concerning Successor Superior Responsibility in the ICTY Jurisprudence
Authors: SANDER BARRIE 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe recent jurisprudence of the ICTY concerning the proper interpretation of the doctrine of superior responsibility under Article 7(3) of the ICTY Statute has been stifled by division and uncertainty. In particular, the question of the responsibility of successor superiors for crimes committed by their subordinates prior to taking command has led to a number of 3–2 majority decisions. This paper seeks to reconcile the divergent judicial opinions by moving away from a narrow analysis of successor superior responsibility, instead focusing on the determination of the underlying nature of the doctrine of superior responsibility. While a polarity of opinions also exists in relation to the nature of the doctrine of superior responsibility, this paper argues that the opinions can be reconciled by adopting a more principled approach to customary international law, an approach justified by the international criminal law context. Such an approach involves two elements: first, ensuring that a clear distinction is drawn between international humanitarian and international criminal legal concepts; and, second, the invocation of the principle of individual culpability as a standard against which the weight to be attributed to authorities evidencing custom ought to be assessed. A principled approach would enable the identification of the nature of the doctrine of superior responsibility while ensuring that the doctrine reinforces international criminal law principles rather than acts as an exception to them; in addition, by determining the nature of the doctrine of superior responsibility, the principled approach would unravel the confusion concerning successor superior responsibility in the ICTY jurisprudence.
Multiparty Democracy: International and European Human Rights Law Perspectives
Authors: VIDMAR JURE 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAlthough multiparty elections are not explicitly required by international human rights instruments or the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), certain human rights provisions have been interpreted as leading to such a requirement. While a democratic interpretation of human rights law has been settled in the ECHR framework, it remains disputable at the universal level. Despite numerous references to democracy in the documents adopted in the UN framework in the post-Cold War era, this article argues that an explicit link between international human rights law and multiparty elections has yet to be established. On the other hand, such a link has been developed by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Multiparty elections are considered to be part of the European public order. Moreover, the ECtHR has shown that it understands democracy beyond the existence of electoral procedures. But the role and understanding of democracy within the ECHR cannot be universalized.
Hormonal nature of seed responses to fluctuating temperatures in Cynara cardunculus (L.)
Authors: Huarte H. Roberto , Benech-Arnold Roberto L. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractCynara cardunculus (L.) seeds require incubation at fluctuating temperatures to terminate dormancy. In this study, we analysed the physiological mechanisms underlying such a requirement, focusing on the role of abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA). As a conceptual framework, we considered the possibility that fluctuating temperatures and light trigger a similar set of hormonal processes after stimulus perception. To test this possibility, we (1) carried out hydrotime analysis of germination in seeds exposed to fluctuating temperatures (25/15°C) and constant temperature (20°C) with or without gibberellin (GA3) or red light; (2) determined the responses of seeds incubated at fluctuating or constant temperature to ABA, GA3, fluridone, an inhibitor of ABA biosynthesis, and paclobutrazol, an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis; and (3) determined the ABA content of seeds incubated at fluctuating or constant temperature. Incubation at 25/15°C or 20°C in the presence of GA3 reduced the mean base water potential [ψb(50)] of the population to a similar extent, compared to that observed with seeds incubated at 20°C without GA3. Irradiation with red light also reduced ψb(50) to a lesser extent than incubation in the presence of GA3. At all concentrations tested, exogenously applied GA3 did not promote germination of seeds incubated at 25/15°C. However, paclobutrazol inhibited germination, suggesting that fluctuating temperatures terminate dormancy through de novo GA biosynthesis. Fluctuating temperatures enhanced seed germination in the presence of ABA, but ABA content did not differ between seeds incubated at fluctuating and constant temperatures. This study provides clear evidence for the involvement of hormonal regulation in dormancy termination by fluctuating temperatures.
Calcineurin/Crz1 destabilizes Msn2 and Msn4 in the nucleus in response to Ca2+ in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Takatsume Yoshifumi , Ohdate Takumi , Maeta Kazuhiro , Nomura Wataru , Izawa Shingo , Inoue Yoshiharu 
Published: February 2010

Although methylglyoxal is derived from glycolysis, it has adverse effects on cellular function. Hence, the intrinsic role of methylglyoxal in vivo remains to be determined. Glyoxalase 1 is a pivotal enzyme in the metabolism of methylglyoxal in all types of organisms. To learn about the physiological roles of methylglyoxal, we have screened conditions that alter the expression of the gene encoding glyoxalase 1, GLO1, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that the expression of GLO1 is induced following treatment with Ca2+ and is dependent on the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) Hog1 protein and the Msn2/Msn4 transcription factors. Intriguingly, the Ca2+-induced expression of GLO1 was enhanced in the presence of FK506, a potent inhibitor of calcineurin. Consequently, the Ca2+-induced expression of GLO1 in a mutant that is defective in calcineurin or Crz1, the sole transcription factor downstream of calcineurin, was much greater than that in the wild-type strain even without FK506. This phenomenon was dependent upon a cis-element, the STRE (stress-response element), in the promoter that is able to mediate the response to Ca2+ signalling together with Hog1 and Msn2/Msn4. The level of Ca2+-induced expression of GLO1 reached a maximum in cells overexpressing MSN2 even when FK506 was not present, whereas in cells overexpressing CRZ1 the level was greatly reduced and increased markedly when FK506 was present. We also found that the levels of Msn2 and Msn4 proteins in Ca2+-treated cells decreased gradually and that FK506 blocked the degradation of Msn2/Msn4. We propose that Crz1 destabilizes Msn2/Msn4 in the nuclei of cells in response to Ca2+ signalling.
Crystal structure of the bifunctional proline utilization A flavoenzyme from
Bradyrhizobium japonicum
Authors: Srivastava Dhiraj , Schuermann Jonathan P. , White Tommi A. , Krishnan Navasona , Sanyal Nikhilesh , Hura Greg L. , Tan Anmin , Henzl Michael T. , Becker Donald F. , Tanner John J. 
Published: February 2010

The bifunctional proline catabolic flavoenzyme, proline utilization A (PutA), catalyzes the oxidation of proline to glutamate via the sequential activities of FAD-dependent proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and NAD
+
-dependent Δ
1
-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH) domains. Although structures for some of the domains of PutA are known, a structure for the full-length protein has not previously been solved. Here we report the 2.1 Å resolution crystal structure of PutA from
Bradyrhizobium japonicum
, along with data from small-angle x-ray scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, and steady-state and rapid-reaction kinetics. PutA forms a ring-shaped tetramer in solution having a diameter of 150 Å. Within each protomer, the PRODH and P5CDH active sites face each other at a distance of 41 Å and are connected by a large, irregularly shaped cavity. Kinetics measurements show that glutamate production occurs without a lag phase, suggesting that the intermediate, Δ
1
-pyrroline-5-carboxylate, is preferably transferred to the P5CDH domain rather than released into the bulk medium. The structural and kinetic data imply that the cavity serves both as a microscopic vessel for the hydrolysis of Δ
1
-pyrroline-5-carboxylate to glutamate semialdehyde and a protected conduit for the transport of glutamate semialdehyde to the P5CDH active site.
Structure of
Vibrio cholerae
ToxT reveals a mechanism for fatty acid regulation of virulence genes
Authors: Lowden Michael J. , Skorupski Karen , Pellegrini Maria , Chiorazzo Michael G. , Taylor Ronald K. , Kull F. Jon 
Published: February 2010

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium
Vibrio cholerae
. In order for
V. cholerae
to cause disease, it must produce two virulence factors, the toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) and cholera toxin (CT), whose expression is controlled by a transcriptional cascade culminating with the expression of the AraC-family regulator, ToxT. We have solved the 1.9 Å resolution crystal structure of ToxT, which reveals folds in the N- and C-terminal domains that share a number of features in common with AraC, MarA, and Rob as well as the unexpected presence of a buried 16-carbon fatty acid,
cis
-palmitoleate. The finding that
cis
-palmitoleic acid reduces TCP and CT expression in
V. cholerae
and prevents ToxT from binding to DNA in vitro provides a direct link between the host environment of
V. cholerae
and regulation of virulence gene expression.
Predicting strength and function for promoters of the
Escherichia coli
alternative sigma factor,
σ
E
Authors: Rhodius Virgil A. , Mutalik Vivek K. 
Published: February 2010

Sequenced bacterial genomes provide a wealth of information but little understanding of transcriptional regulatory circuits largely because accurate prediction of promoters is difficult. We examined two important issues for accurate promoter prediction: (1) the ability to predict promoter strength and (2) the sequence properties that distinguish between active and weak/inactive promoters. We addressed promoter prediction using natural core promoters recognized by the well-studied alternative sigma factor,
Escherichia coli
σ
E
, as a representative of group 4
σ
s, the largest
σ
group. To evaluate the contribution of sequence to promoter strength and function, we used modular position weight matrix models comprised of each promoter motif and a penalty score for suboptimal motif location. We find that a combination of select modules is moderately predictive of promoter strength and that imposing minimal motif scores distinguished active from weak/inactive promoters. The combined -35/-10 score is the most important predictor of activity. Our models also identified key sequence features associated with active promoters. A conserved “AAC” motif in the -35 region is likely to be a general predictor of function for promoters recognized by group 4
σ
s. These results provide valuable insights into sequences that govern promoter strength, distinguish active and inactive promoters for the first time, and are applicable to both in vivo and in vitro measures of promoter strength.
Predicting Virologic Failure in an HIV Clinic
Authors: Robbins Gregory K. , Johnson Kristin L. , Chang Yuchiao , Jackson Katherine E. , Sax Paul E. , Meigs James B. , Freedberg Kenneth A. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Background . We sought to use data captured in the electronic health record (EHR) to develop and validate a prediction rule for virologic failure among patients being treated for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Methods . We used EHRs at 2 Boston tertiary care hospitals, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, to identify HIV-infected patients who were virologically suppressed (HIV RNA level ⩽400 copies/mL) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) during the period from 1 January 2005 through 31 December 2006. We used a multivariable logistic model with data from Massachusetts General Hospital to derive a 1-year virologic failure prediction rule. The model was validated using data from Brigham and Women's Hospital. We then simplified the scoring scheme to develop a clinical prediction rule.
Results . The 1-year virologic failure prediction model, using data from 712 patients from Massachusetts General Hospital, demonstrated good discrimination (C statistic, 0.78) and calibration (X2=6.6; P=.58). The validation model, based on 362 patients from Brigham and Women's Hospital, also showed good discrimination (C statistic, 0.79) and calibration (X2=1.9; P=.93). The clinical prediction rule included 7 predictors (suboptimal adherence, CD4 cell count &lt;100 cells/µL, drug and/or alcohol abuse, highly ART experienced, missed ⩾1 appointment, prior virologic failure, and suppressed ⩽12 months) and appropriately stratified patients in the validation data set into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups, with 1-year virologic failure rates of 3.0%, 13.0%, and 28.6%, respectively.
Conclusions . A risk score based on 7 variables available in the EHR predicts HIV virologic failure at 1 year and could be used for targeted interventions to improve outcomes in HIV infection.
Review article: the modern management of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: BAJAJ J. S. 
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 537–547SummaryBackground  Hepatic encephalopathy, both overt and minimal, forms a continuum of cognitive change in cirrhosis. Strategies to diagnose and treat hepatic encephalopathy have evolved considerably.Aim To examine the updated diagnostic and treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy.Methods  Techniques for the clinical, psychometric and neurophysiological evaluation of hepatic encephalopathy are reviewed. The methods reviewed include pure clinical scales (West‐Haven), psychometric tests (PSE‐syndrome test), neurophysiological tests (EEG, Critical flicker frequency, CFF) and computerized tests (Inhibitory control test, ICT).Results  Clinical scales are limited, whereas psychometric tests (specifically PSE‐syndrome test), CFF and ICT can be used to diagnose minimal hepatic encephalopathy. However, there is no single test that can capture the entire spectrum of cognitive impairment. Treatment options and goals depend on the acuity of hepatic encephalopathy. In‐patient management should concentrate on supportive care, precipitating factor reversal and lactulose and/or rifaximin therapy. Out‐patient therapy should aim to prevent recurrences, and both lactulose and rifaximin have evidence to support their use.Conclusions  Diagnostic techniques for hepatic encephalopathy range from simple scales to sophisticated tools. Treatment options depend on the stage of hepatic encephalopathy. The future challenge is to evaluate cognitive function as a continuum with clinically relevant outcomes and to develop well‐tolerated and inexpensive treatments for hepatic encephalopathy.
Clinical trial: irsogladine maleate, a mucosal protective drug, accelerates gastric ulcer healing after treatment for eradication ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection – the results of a multicentre, double‐blind, randomized clinical trial (IMPACT study)
Authors: HIRAISHI H. , HARUMA K. , MIWA H. , GOTO H. 
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 824–833SummaryBackground Helicobacter pylorieradication therapy alone is not sufficient to heal all gastric ulcers.Aim To verify the efficacy of treatment with irsogladine maleate between the termination and assessment of treatment for eradicatingH. pyloriin a double‐blind study.MethodsThree hundred and twenty‐two patients with a singleH. pylori‐positive gastric ulcer were given eradication treatment, then assigned randomly to a treatment group [given 4 mg/day irsogladine maleate (n = 150)] or a control group [given a placebo (n = 161)]. The gastric ulcer healing rates were compared after 7 weeks of treatment.Results The healing rate was significantly higher in the irsogladine maleate group (83.0%) than in the placebo group (72.2%; χ2test,P = 0.0276). In the subgroup analysis of cases of eradication failure, the gastric ulcer healing rate was significantly higher in the irsogladine maleate group (57.9%) than in the placebo group (26.1%; χ2test,P = 0.0366).Conclusions Irsogladine maleate was effective for treating gastric ulcer afterH. pylorieradication. The high healing rates observed in patients with or without successful eradication demonstrate the usefulness of irsogladine maleate treatment regardless of the outcome of eradication.