bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Italian version of the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) for bipolar disorder
Authors: Barbato A. , Bossini L. , Calugi S. , D'Avanzo B. , Fagiolini A. , Koukouna D. , Parabiaghi A. , Rapisarda F. , Rucci P. , Vallarino M. 
Published: October 2012

Aim.The Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) is a useful instrument for the assessment of overall functioning of people with bipolar disorder, showing good psychometric properties. The aim of this study is to validate the Italian version of FAST.Methods.Translation and back-translation of the original FAST Spanish version were performed. Participants with bipolar disorder (n = 132) and healthy controls (n = 132) completed the FAST as a part of an assessment package including the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Young Mania Rating Scale. Internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, construct and discriminant validity were assessed.Results.The FAST Italian version showed good internal consistency, inter-rater reliability and discriminant validity. The cut-off discriminating patients from controls was 15, with a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity of 0.80. Principal component analysis with oblique rotation showed factor loadings consistent with the a priori structure of the instrument.Conclusions.This study confirmed the psychometric properties of FAST and extended its generalization and validity to the Italian population.
The Binalud Mountains: A key piece for the geodynamic puzzle of NE Iran
Authors: Shabanian Esmaeil , Bellier Olivier , Siame Lionel , Abbassi Mohammad R. , Bourlès Didier , Braucher Régis , Farbod Yassaman 
Published: October 2012

We applied a combined approach of morphotectonic analyzes of SPOT‐5 satellite images and field surveys complemented by in situ‐produced10Be exposure dating to determine the kinematics and rate of active faulting in the Binalud Mountains bounded by the Neyshabur Fault System to the southwest and the Mashhad Fault Zone to the northeast. Three regional episodes of alluvial surface abandonment were dated at ∼4.8 ka (Q1), ∼105 ka (Q3), and ∼255 ka (S3). Along the Neyshabur Fault System, cumulative offsets recorded by Q3fan surfaces yield slip rates of 2.4 ± 0.5 and 2.8 ± 0.6 mm/yr for right‐lateral and reverse components of active faulting (corresponding to an oblique slip rate of 3.6 ± 1.0 mm/yr), respectively. Reconstructing the cumulative right‐lateral offset recorded by S3surfaces, a maximum slip rate of 1.3 ± 0.1 mm/yr is suggested for the Mashhad Fault Zone. These imply an overall rate of 3.7 ± 0.6 mm/yr for the range‐parallel displacement and an uplift rate of ∼2.8 mm/yr due to the range‐normal shortening (1.6–2.2 mm/yr) during late Quaternary. The Binalud Mountains are deformed as a soft‐linked restraining relay zone, taking up the motion between central Iran and Eurasia at a rate of 4.0 ± 1.3 mm/yr; this translates central Iran in the ∼N340°E direction. Our data favor localized faulting, instead of distributed deformation, at the northeastern boundary of the Arabia‐Eurasia collision zone.
Radiomorphometric Quantitative Analysis of Vasculature Utilizing Micro–Computed Tomography and Vessel Perfusion in the Murine Mandible
Authors: Jing Xi Lin , Farberg Aaron S. , Monson Laura A. , Donneys Alexis , Tchanque-Fossuo Catherine N. , Buchman Steven R. 
Published: October 2012

Purpose Biomechanical, densitometric, and histological analyses have been the mainstay for reproducible outcome measures for investigation of new bone formation and osseous healing. Here we report the addition of radiomorphometric vascular analysis as a quantitative measure of vascularity in the murine mandible. To our knowledge this is the first description of using micro–computed tomography (micro-CT) to evaluate the temporal and spatial pattern of angiogenesis in the craniofacial skeleton. Methods The vessel perfusion technique was performed on 10 Sprague-Dawley rats using Microfil (MV-122, Flow Tech; Carver, MA). After decalcification, hemimandibles were imaged using high-resolution micro-CT. Six separate radiomorphometric vascular metrics were calculated. Results Radiomorphometric values were analyzed using three different thresholds on micro-CT. Experimentally, 1000 Hounsfield units was found to be the optimal threshold for analysis to capture the maximal vascular content of the bone. Data from seven hemimandibles were analyzed. Minimal statistical variance in each of the quantitative measures of vascularity resulted in reproducible metrics for each of the radiomorphometric parameters. Conclusions We have demonstrated that micro-CT vascular imaging provides a robust methodology for evaluation of vascular networks in the craniofacial skeleton. This technique provides 3D quantitative data analysis that differs significantly from laser Doppler and microsphere methods, which simply measure flow. This technique is advantageous over labor-intensive 2D conventional analyses using histology and X-ray microangiography. Our data establish the appropriate thresholding for optimal vascular analyses and provide baseline measurements that can be used to analyze the role of angiogenesis in bone regeneration and repair in the craniofacial skeleton.
First Report of Tomato mosaic virus Infecting Pepino in China
Authors: Ge B.-B. , Liu G.-J. , Wang H.-Q. 
Published: October 2012

Pepino (Solanum muricatum L.) is a vegetatively propagated plant that is native to South America and is commercially grown in many countries (4) including China for its juicy and fragrant fruits. An unusual disease of pepino characterized by a yield reduction of fruits and mosaic, puckering, and distortion of leaves was observed in surveys conducted during 2010 to 2011 in pepino growing regions of Gansu, Jilin, and Yunnan provinces. These symptoms were similar to a disease caused by the Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) first reported in Spain in 1998 (3). The sap from infected pepino was mechanically inoculated to 12 plants each of Chenopodium quinoa, Lycopersicon esculentum, and Gomphrena globosa, and the resulting symptoms were similar to those incited by ToMV (1). Symptoms included yellowish local lesions on inoculated leaves of C. quinoa and systemic mosaic in L. esculentum. Necrotic or semi-necrotic local lesions developed on inoculated leaves of G. globosa followed by systemic mosaic 7 dpi. Symptomatic pepino and indicator plants were tested for the presence of ToMV using commercial double-antibody sandwich-ELISA diagnostic kits (Agdia, Elkhart, IN). The virus incidence ranged from 33.3 to 75% in pepino and the other three indicator plants. To further confirm the presence of ToMV, ELISA-positive samples were subjected to total RNA extraction using Trizol (Invitrogen) followed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with ToMV-specific forward (5′-ATGTCTTACTCAATCACTTC-3′) and reverse primers (5′-TTAA(G)GAT(C) GCA(T)GGTGCAG(C)AGG-3′), designed to amplify a 480-bp fragment of the coat protein. Amplicons of the expected size were obtained from all ELISA-positive samples, but not from healthy pepino plants. The amplicons were cloned into the pMD18-T (TaKaRa, Da Lian, China) vector and transformed into E. coli DH-5α competent cells. The sequences obtained (GenBank Accession Nos. JX025562, JX025563, JX025565, and JX025566) shared 99.58 to 99.79% similarity with the ToMV reference sequence (Accession No. NC002692). To our knowledge, this is the first report of ToMV infecting pepino in China. ToMV is an important pathogen that is mechanically transmitted with high efficiency as a result of agricultural practices. The disease is difficult to control once infection occurs in the field. This disease has caused serious economic loss in Spain (2), thus it is important to survey and monitor the incidence and distribution of ToMV in China. References: (1) I. Kamenova et al. Acta Hort. 722:277, 2006. (2) L. Pérez-Benlloch et al. Euphytica. 120:247, 2001. (3) J. Prohens et al. Plant Dis. 82:1281, 1998. (4) J. Prohens et al. Acta Hort. 523:53, 2000.
First Report of Thiophanate-Methyl Resistance in Botrytis cinerea on Strawberry from South Carolina
Authors: Fernández-Ortuño D. , Schnabel G. 
Published: October 2012

Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr. is the causal agent of gray mold disease and one of the most important plant-pathogenic fungi affecting strawberry (Fragaria× ananassa). Control of gray mold mainly depends on fungicides, including the methyl benzimidazole carbamate (MBC) thiophanate-methyl. In 2011, strawberries with gray mold symptoms were collected from commercial fields near Chesnee, Florence, Lexington, McBee, Monetta, and North Augusta, all in South Carolina. MBC fungicides were used in most of these fields for gray mold control during the last 3 years. A total of 124 single spore B. cinerea isolates were obtained, each from a different fruit. Resistance to thiophanate-methyl (Topsin M 70WP, Cerexagri-Nisso LLC, King of Prussia, PA) was determined using a conidial germination assay as described previously (1). The majority of isolates (81.4%) were resistant; the rest were sensitive. Resistant isolates were found in all locations with some populations (Chesnee, McBee, and Lexington) revealing no sensitive isolates. Genomic DNA from 35 resistant isolates (representing all locations) and 10 sensitive isolates (from Chesnee, Monetta, and North Augusta, SC) was extracted, and the molecular basis of MBC fungicide resistance was determined as described previously (2). All MBC-resistant isolates possessed the E198A mutation known to confer high levels of MBC fungicide resistance in many fungi, including B. cinerea (2,3). Disease was assessed using a detached strawberry fruit assay. Commercially grown strawberry fruit (24 in total for each isolate and fungicide treatment) were rinsed with water, dried, and sprayed 4 h prior to inoculation with either water or 2.4 g/liter of Topsin M to runoff using a hand mister. Fruit was stab-wounded with a sterile syringe and inoculated with a 30-μl droplet of a conidial suspension (106 spores/ml) of either a sensitive or resistant isolate. After inoculation, the fruit were kept at 22°C for 4 days. The sensitive isolate developed gray mold disease in untreated but not Topsin M-treated fruit. The resistant isolate developed gray mold disease of equal severity in both, the control and fungicide-treated fruit. This experiment was repeated once. The results of the study show that resistance to MBC fungicides is common and widespread in B. cinerea from strawberry in South Carolina. Prior to this study, resistance to MBCs has only been reported in B. cinerea from ornamental crops grown in greenhouses in South Carolina (4). References: (1) J. E. Luck and M. R. Gillings. Mycol. Res. 99:1483, 1995. (2) R. W. S. Weber and M. Hahn. J. Plant Dis. Prot. 118:17, 2011. (3) O. Yarden and T. Katan. Phytopathology 83:1478, 1993. (4) L. F. Yourman and S. Jeffers. Plant Dis. 83:569, 1999.
Cationic-vacancy-induced room-temperature ferromagnetism in transparent, conducting anatase Ti

1−
x

Ta

x

O
2
(
x
∼0.05) thin films
Authors: Rusydi A. , Dhar S. , Barman A. Roy , Ariando  , Qi D.-C. , Motapothula M. , Yi J. B. , Santoso I. , Feng Y. P. , Yang K. , Dai Y. , Yakovlev N. L. , Ding J. , Wee A. T. S. , Neuber G. , Breese M. B. H. , Ruebhausen M. , Hilgenkamp H. , Venkatesan T. 
Published: October 2012

We report room-temperature ferromagnetism (FM) in highly conducting, transparent anatase Ti

1−
x

Ta

x

O
2
(
x
∼0.05) thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition on LaAlO
3
substrates. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), X-ray diffraction, proton-induced X-ray emission, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry indicated negligible magnetic contaminants in the films. The presence of FM with concomitant large carrier densities was determined by a combination of superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, electrical transport measurements, soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (SXMCD), XAS and optical magnetic circular dichroism, and was supported by first-principles calculations. SXMCD and XAS measurements revealed a 90 per cent contribution to FM from the Ti ions, and a 10 per cent contribution from the O ions. RBS/channelling measurements show complete Ta substitution in the Ti sites, though carrier activation was only 50 per cent at 5 per cent Ta concentration, implying compensation by cationic defects. The role of the Ti vacancy (
V
Ti
) and Ti
3+
was studied via XAS and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, respectively. It was found that, in films with strong FM, the
V
Ti
signal was strong while the Ti
3+
signal was absent. We propose (in the absence of any obvious exchange mechanisms) that the localized magnetic moments,
V
Ti
sites, are ferromagnetically ordered by itinerant carriers. Cationic-defect-induced magnetism is an alternative route to FM in wide-band-gap semiconducting oxides without any magnetic elements.
Drivers of agricultural profitability in the USA
Authors: Mishra Ashok K. , Harris J. Michael , Erickson Kenneth W. , Hallahan Charlie , Detre Joshua D. 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe aim of this study is to use a financial approach based on the Du Pont expansion to investigate the impact of demographics, specialization, tenure, vertical integration, farm type, and regional location on the three levers of performance (ROE) – namely, net profit margins, asset turnover ratio, and asset‐to‐equity ratio.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a system of equations in conjunction with 1996‐2009 farm‐level data from the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) to evaluate the factors driving farm‐level profitability, namely, net profit margins, asset turnover ratio, and asset‐to‐equity ratio. The methodology employed in this study corrects heterogeneity and uses repeated cross‐section estimation procedure to estimate the empirical models.FindingsThe study finds that key drivers of net profit margins are operator education, farm size and typology, specialization, and level of government payments. Key factors affecting the asset turnover ratio component of the Du Pont model include asset turnover ratio is driven by operator age, contracting, specialization, and receiving government payments. Finally, key factors affecting asset‐to‐equity ratio component of the Du Pont model are farm size, farm typology, contracting, and specialization drive asset‐to‐equity ratio.Originality/valueExisting research does not examine the factors affecting returns to equity in faring at the farm‐level. Specifically, a micro‐level analysis of American farm's future structure and financial performance that accounts for the spatial and inter‐temporal dimensions of profitability has never been conducted.
Why do credit cooperatives disappear?
Authors: Cabo Paula , Rebelo João 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to identify “problematic” agricultural credit co‐operatives (CCAM) and to evaluate their risk of insolvency as a function of financial indicators, providing regulators and other stakeholders with a set of tools that would be predictive of future insolvency and perhaps bankruptcy.Design/methodology/approachUsing a database of CCAM failures in the period between 1995 and 2009, statistical models of failure of CCAM, are estimated and compared, using logistic regression analysis and multiple discriminant analysis for assessing the potential failure of CCAM as a function of financial/economical indicators.FindingsThe paper identified the variables customer resources growth, transformation ratio, credit overdue, expenses ratio, structural costs, liquidity, indebtedness and financial margin as determinants of CCAM failure. It suggests that CCAM take measures geared to boosting business, to shoring up the financial margin and the deposit base, to bolstering the complementary margin and to improving the credit recovery processes. Additionally it is necessary to increase cost efficiency, rationalizing structures and procedures consistent with reducing operating costs without detriment to the quality of service provided.Originality/valueThis paper helps to understand why agricultural credit co‐operatives fail.
Is agricultural microcredit really more risky? Evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Weber Ron , Musshoff Oliver 
Published: October 2012

PurposeUsing a unique dataset of a commercial microfinance institution (MFI) in Tanzania, the purpose of this paper is to investigate first whether agricultural firms have a different probability to get a loan and whether their loans are differently volume rationed than loans to non‐agricultural firms. Second, the paper analyzes whether agricultural firms repay their loans with different delinquencies than non‐agricultural firms.Design/methodology/approachThe authors estimate a Probit‐Model for the probability of receiving a loan, a Heckman‐Model to investigate the magnitude of volume rationing for all loan applications and an OLS‐Model to examine the loan delinquencies of all microloans disbursed by the MFI.FindingsThe results reveal that agricultural firms face higher obstacles to get credit but as soon as they have access to credit, their loans are not differently volume rationed than those of non‐agricultural firms. Furthermore, agricultural firms are less often delinquent when paying back their loans than non‐agricultural firms.Research limitations/implicationsEven if the authors can show that access to credit and loan repayment is different for agricultural firms, the current regional focus of the MFI only allows for lending to agricultural firms in the greater Dar es Salaam area. Thus, these results might change in a rural setting. Besides general differences of the rural economic environment, the production type of agricultural firms might also differ in rural areas. Also, these results might change in different country contexts.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that a higher risk exposition typically attributed to agricultural production must not necessarily lead to higher credit risk. They also show that the investigated MFI overestimates the credit risk of agricultural clients and, hence, should reconsider its risk assessment practice to be able to increase lending to the agricultural sector. In addition, the results might indicate that farmers qualify less often for a loan as they do not fit into the standard microcredit product.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper which simultaneously investigates access to credit and the repayment behavior of agricultural firms.
The effects of government sponsored enterprise (GSE) status on the pricing of bonds issued by the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation (FFCB)
Authors: Turvey Calum G. , Wang Yiwo 
Published: October 2012

PurposeMotivated by recent congressional interest in eradicating government sponsored enterprises (GSE), the purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to price the implicit government guarantee embedded in the bonds issued by the Farm Credit System.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the Black‐Scholes model to extract the implied volatilities of the guarantee and then substitute into the model the volatility in historical land prices. The model is developed along the lines of Merton's bond pricing formulation of implicit calls and puts on bond yield risk and default.FindingsBottom line results show that the average bond yield for a 3M Farm Credit bond from January 13th 2009 to February 10th 2011 would be 0.3744 percent if the Farm Credit System had no GSE status, which is 13.62 bps higher than the actual bond yield. The difference between the hypothetical yield and the actual yield increases with increasing maturity and reaches its peak with 10Y bond where the difference between the hypothetical yield and the actual yield is 68.81 bps. The paper concludes that given the current state of the agricultural credit market in the USA that loss of GSE status and the implied guarantee of Farm Credit bonds would have a minimal effect on short term notes, with a more substantive increase in longer term yields.Practical implicationsThe GSE status of the Farm Credit System is an important political issue. This paper provides first estimates of what impact might result from its loss of GSE status. The methods employed are consistent with current models of bond pricing and the results are of direct relevance to Farm Credit System regulators and congressional discussions.Social implicationsFarm credit is important, if the Farm Credit System loses its GSE status this might affect the competitive balance between commercial and system lenders.Originality/valueThis paper uses option price theory based upon the spread between farm credit bonds and treasury. The approach used requires daily data, but not all attributes of bonds are known. Nonetheless, the results show remarkable consistency for a problem that is largely understudied. There is a need for policy makers, including the US congress to understand the value of government guarantees whether implicit or explicit.
Composition of trace and major minerals in different parts of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit cultivars
Authors: Amos Fawole Olaniyi , Linus Opara Umezuruike 
Published: October 2012

PurposePomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit is highly valued for its delicious edible arils and health benefits. In this study, a comparative study on elemental composition of seven pomegranate cultivars was determined in the fruit rind, mesocarp and arils.Design/methodology/approachThe concentrations of major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cl and Na) and trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, B, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, Se, Al, As, Li, Sr, Ti and V) were determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) calibrated with different concentrations of standard solutions of the minerals.FindingsThe highest amounts of N, P, S and Cl were found in Bhagwa cultivar, while Arakta, Ruby and Wonderful had the highest amount of Mg, Ca, and Na, respectively. P, Fe, Zn, Ti, V were more in quantity in the edible portion, while the other mineral elements were in larger proportions or in some cases were only found (Co, Al, As) in the non‐edible fractions of fruit. Among the major mineral elements investigated, P had the highest covering of the RDA, ranging from 6.78 to 8.53 per cent contribution to the RDA, followed by K (4.530‐4.95 per cent RDA), S (1.25‐1.54 per cent RDA), Ca (1.04‐1.54 per cent RDA), Mg (4.33‐5.26 per cent RDA), and Na (0.15‐0.17 per cent RDA).Practical implicationsKnowledge of the relative contributions of mineral elements in the edible fruit part (arils) to RDA will assist in nutrition planning against mineral deficiency.Originality/valuePomegranate fruit contains edible and non‐edible portions, and this study provided the first detailed report on the distribution of a wide range of trace and major mineral elements in the three parts of the fruit. This study also showed that the edible portion (arils) of pomegranate fruit is a good dietary source of essential nutrients such as K, Ca, Mg, and Se, while the non‐edible parts may provide valuable sources of minerals for other food and bioprocess industries.