bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contract Farming and McKinsey’s Plan for Transforming Agriculture into Agribusiness in West Bengal
Authors: Sarkar Swagato 
Published: November 2014

Agriculture has been the target of modernization for a long time. The earlier interventions of deploying ‘green revolution’ technologies were a statist project and aimed at increasing productivity. The focus of public policy has shifted from increasing productivity to finding and servicing consumer markets. It is in this context that contract farming and linkages with formal retail sector have been proposed.  The erstwhile Left Front government in West Bengal, India, had drafted the management consultancy firm McKinsey & Company to strategize a rejuvenation plan for the state’s agriculture. McKinsey suggested that the government should encourage farmers to enter into contract farming, which would allow them to access market, especially international and domestic metropolitan markets. The documents produced by McKinsey were confidential, but have recently been leaked. In this article, I analyze these confidential documents and the proposal to transform agriculture into agribusiness. I try to locate such a proposal at the global level to understand the dynamics of (global) agribusiness and why global agri-capital advocates contract farming. Thereafter, I try to critically evaluate the prospect of contract farming in Bengal and India.
Evaluation Capacity Building
Authors: Kaye-Tzadok Avital , Spiro Shimon E. 
Published: November 2014

Purpose: Growing emphasis on program and practice evaluation in social work education coalesces with a growing interest in evaluation capacity building (ECB) within the interdisciplinary field of evaluation. However, the literature on ECB, while recognizing the importance of imparting knowledge and skills to individuals, largely ignores the potential contribution of courses that are offered as part of academic degree-granting programs. Methods: This article describes a seminar on program evaluation within a postgraduate course leading to a master of social work degree attended by currently employed social workers. The students were required to plan the evaluation of a program conducted by their respective agencies and carry out the evaluation, if possible. A survey was conducted among the graduates. Results: Almost all respondents reported that the seminar had improved their own evaluation capacity, and about a third reported enhanced evaluation capacity of their respective agencies. The ECB effect was strongest when stakeholders were involved in the evaluation. Discussion: An academic seminar can contribute to ECB, this contribution could be enhanced by designing the seminar with this purpose in mind.
ADAMTS13 Levels in Young Patients With β-Thalassemia Major
Authors: Hamed Ahmad A. , Darwish Yasser W. , El-Sayed Manal Hamdy 
Published: November 2014

We measured levels of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) in 50 children and adolescents with β-thalassemia major (25 without hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection and 25 with HCV infection) compared to 25 healthy controls and assessed their relation to iron overload, HCV infection, and liver cirrhosis. Hematological and coagulation profiles, serum ferritin, and von Willebrand factor antigen were assessed. Levels of ADAMTS13 were significantly lower in β-thalassemia major with and without HCV infection compared to healthy controls, with a more significant reduction in levels among patients with HCV ( P < .001). HCV-positive patients with thalassemia having liver cirrhosis had the lowest ADAMTS13 levels than those without cirrhosis ( P = .012) or HCV-negative patients with thalassemia ( P < .001). Levels of ADAMTS13 were positively correlated with platelet count while inversely correlated with partial thromboplastin time, serum ferritin, and VWF: Ag ( P < .05). Conclusion: Patients with β-thalassemia major infected with HCV have low ADAMTS13 levels, and a marked reduction was observed among patients with liver cirrhosis and, therefore, may be liable to thromboembolic manifestations.
Hierarchical Linear Modeling
Authors: Turner John R. 
Published: November 2014

The Problem While nested structures occur naturally in organizational and educational settings, past research has failed to recognize these nested structures. Ordinary least squares (OLS) methods assume independence of observation, fixing the intercepts and slopes across all groups. By not accounting for nested structures, errors of inference can occur with the risk of compromising the validity of the results. The Solution As new theories become more complex multilevel representations of phenomena, testing these complex theories require hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). HLM provides human resource development (HRD) practitioners with a better method to test multilevel theories while taking into account nested structures, providing a more accurate representation across the different levels. The Stakeholders The intended audience includes HRD scholars, scholar-practitioners, and students interested in testing multilevel theories, conducting research using HLM, or those who are involved in reviewing/editing HLM research articles.
Clinicopathologic characteristics and management trends of cutaneous invasive and in situ melanoma in older patients: a retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Data Base
Authors: Bhatt Vijaya Raj , Shrestha Rajesh , Krishnamurthy Jairam , Mosalpuria Kailash , Loberiza Fausto R. , Ganti Apar Kishor , Silberstein Peter T. 
Published: November 2014

Background: The incidence of melanoma in older patients is on the rise. Prior studies have shown disparities in surgical management and poor survival of older patients with melanoma. Methods: This is a retrospective study of adult patients diagnosed with cutaneous invasive and in situ melanoma between 2000 and 2011 in the National Cancer Data Base. Characteristics and management of older patients (≥60 years) were compared with younger patients (20–59 years) using χ2 testing. Results: Of 476,623 total cases, 54% ( n = 258,153) were diagnosed among older patients. The reported cases in the older patients increased by 1.74-fold between 2000 and 2011. The majority were white (96%), men (65%), with early-stage disease (76% stage 0-II), and superficial spreading melanoma histology (39%). Older patients, compared with younger patients, were more likely to be men (65% versus 49%, p < 0.0001), and have in situ melanoma (28% versus 21%, p < 0.0001); less likely to have nodal metastases (7% versus 9%, p < 0.0001), receive care in academic centers (30% versus 35%, p < 0.0001), undergo wide excision or major amputation for stage I–III disease (68% versus 72%, p < 0.0001) and systemic therapy for stage III (18% versus 45%, p < 0.0001) and IV disease (30% versus 50%, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Older patients with melanoma are less likely to receive care in academic centers, undergo wide excision for stage I–III disease and receive systemic therapy for stage III–IV disease. Particularly, the utilization of systemic therapy is markedly low. This disparity is particularly important with the availability of less intense more effective therapies.
Clinical detection and characterization of bacterial pathogens in the genomics era
Authors: Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Dubourg Gregory , Raoult Didier 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe availability of genome sequences obtained using next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the field of infectious diseases. Indeed, more than 38,000 bacterial and 5,000 viral genomes have been sequenced to date, including representatives of all significant human pathogens. These tremendous amounts of data have not only enabled advances in fundamental biology, helping to understand the pathogenesis of microorganisms and their genomic evolution, but have also had implications for clinical microbiology. Here, we first review the current achievements of genomics in the development of improved diagnostic tools, including those that are now available in the clinic, such as the design of PCR assays for the detection of microbial pathogens, virulence factors or antibiotic-resistance determinants, or the design of optimized culture media for ‘unculturable’ pathogens. We then review the applications of genomics to the investigation of outbreaks, either through the design of genotyping assays or the direct sequencing of the causative strains. Finally, we discuss how genomics might change clinical microbiology in the future.
Application of geographical information system in disposal site selection for hazardous wastes
Authors: Rezaeimahmoudi Mehdi , Esmaeli Abdolreza , Gharegozlu Alireza , Shabanian Hassan , Rokni Ladan 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to provide a scientific method based on Geographical Information System (GIS) regarding all sustainable development measures to locate a proper landfill for disposal of hazardous wastes, especially industrial (radioactive) wastes.

Methods
Seven effective factors for determining hazardous waste landfill were applied in Qom Province, central Iran. These criteria included water, slope, population centers, roads, fault, protected areas and geology. The Analysis Hierarchical Process (AHP) model based on pair comparison was used. First, the weight of each factor was determined by experts; afterwards each layer of maps entered to ARC GIS and with special weight multiplied together, finally the best suitable site was introduced.

Results
The most suitable sites for burial were in northwest and west of Qom Province and eventually five zones were introduced as the sample sites.

Conclusion
GIs and AHP model is introduced as the technical, useful and accelerator tool for disposal site selection. Furthermore it is determined that geological factor is the most effective layer for site selection. It is suggested that geological conditions should be considered primarily then other factors are taken into consideration.
The Steroids in the Maintenance of Remission of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis (SIMPL) Pilot Trial
Authors: Galbraith Lauren , Manns Braden , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Walsh Michael 
Published: November 2014

Background: Patients with proliferative lupus nephritis are at risk of frequent relapses. Whether low- dose prednisone prevents relapses is uncertain. Objectives: We undertook a pilot RCT to determine the feasibility of a larger trial. Design: Pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting: Single center Canadian outpatient nephrology clinic. Patients: Participants with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a history of class III or IV lupus nephritis that achieved at least partial remission and remained on prednisone were eligible. Measurements: Feasibility: proportion of eligible patients randomized and adherence to tapering regimen. Clinical: occurrence of renal or major non-renal flare of SLE. Methods: We conducted a blinded, two-parallel-group randomized controlled trial of prednisone 7.5 mg/day (continuation) compared to a matching placebo (withdrawal). Results: Of nineteen eligible patients screened, 15 (79%) were recruited and randomized; 8 to prednisone continuation and seven to withdrawal. All participants adhered to the tapering protocol to their assigned withdrawal or low-dose maintenance target. Over 36 months, the primary outcome occurred in four (50%) patients in the continuation group (three renal and one major non-renal flare), compared with one patient (14%) in the withdrawal group (one renal flare). Three participants (38%) in the continuation group had minor flares, while no patients in the withdrawal group did. Limitations: This pilot RCT was small and not designed to assess the efficacy or safety of maintenance with low-dose prednisone. Conclusions: The high proportion of eligible patients recruited, and success of protocol adherence suggest a large trial of prednisone maintenance therapy compared to withdrawal is feasible. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN31327267.
Prevalence of serum N-methyl-d-aspartate
receptor autoantibodies in refractory psychosis
Authors: Beck Katherine , Lally John , Shergill Sukhwinder S. , Bloomfield Michael A. P. , MacCabe James H. , Gaughran Fiona , Howes Oliver D. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryN-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) autoantibodies have
been reported in people with acute psychosis. We hypothesised that their
presence may be implicated in the aetiology of treatment-refractory
psychosis. We sought to ascertain the point prevalence of NMDA-R antibody
positivity in patients referred to services for treatment-refractory
psychosis. We found that 3 (7.0%) of 43 individuals had low positive NMDA-R
antibody titres. This suggests that NMDA-R autoantibodies are unlikely to
account for a large proportion of treatment-refractory psychosis.
Participant views on involvement in a trial of social recovery
cognitive–behavioural therapy
Authors: Notley Caitlin , Christopher Rose , Hodgekins Joanne , Byrne Rory , French Paul , Fowler David 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe PRODIGY trial (Prevention of long term social disability amongst
young people with emerging psychological difficulties, ISRCTN47998710) is
a pilot trial of social recovery cognitive–behavioural therapy
(SRCBT).AimsThe PRODIGY qualitative substudy aimed to (a) explore individual
experiences of participating in the pilot randomised, controlled trial
(recruitment, randomisation, assessment) and initial views of therapy,
and (b) to explore perceived benefits of taking part in research
v. ethical concerns and potential risks.MethodQualitative investigation using semi-structured interviews with thematic
analysis.ResultsAnalysis revealed participant experiences around the key themes of
acceptability, disclosure, practicalities, altruism and engagement.ConclusionsParticipants in both trial arms perceived themselves as gaining benefits
from being involved in the study, above and beyond the intervention. This
has implications for the design of future research and services for this
client group, highlighting the importance of being flexible and an
individualised approach as key engagement tools.
A preclinical orthotopic model for glioblastoma recapitulates key features of human tumors and demonstrates sensitivity to a combination of MEK and PI3K pathway inhibitors
Authors: El Meskini Rajaa , Iacovelli Anthony J. , Kulaga Alan , Gumprecht Michelle , Martin Philip , Baran Maureen , Householder Deborah B. , Van Dyke Terry , Weaver Ohler Zoë 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Current therapy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the highest grade malignant brain tumor, is mostly ineffective, and better preclinical model systems are needed to increase the successful translation of drug discovery efforts to the clinic. Previous work described a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model which contains perturbations in the most frequently aberrant networks in GBM (driven by RB, KRAS/PI3K signaling and PTEN), that induce development of Grade IV astrocytoma with human disease properties. Here, we developed and characterized an orthotopic mouse model derived from the GEM that retains the features of the GEM model in an immunocompetent background, but is tractable and efficient for preclinical evaluation of candidate therapeutic regimens. Orthotopic brain tumors are highly proliferative, invasive, vascular, and express histologic markers characteristic of human GBM. Primary tumor cells were examined for sensitivity to chemotherapeutics and targeted drugs. PI3K and MAPK pathway inhibitors used as single agents inhibited cell proliferation but did not result in significant apoptosis. However, in combination, these inhibitors resulted in a substantial increase in cell death. Moreover, these findings translated to the in vivo orthotopic model: PI3K or MAPK inhibitor treatment regimens resulted in incomplete pathway suppression and feedback loops, whereas dual treatment delayed tumor growth through increased apoptosis and decreased tumor cell proliferation. Analysis of downstream pathway components revealed a cooperative effect on target downregulation. These concordant results, together with the morphologic similarities to human GBM disease characteristics of the model, validate it as a new platform for the evaluation of GBM treatment.
Fabrication of Antibacterial Photocatalytic Titanium Foil by Anodic Oxidation
Authors: Miura Yuta , Fujii Yuki , Miyao Yukimitsu , Mizukoshi Yoshiteru , Masahashi Naoya 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Pure titanium foils were anodized in an aqueous electrolyte containing sodium tartrate dihydrate and hydrogen peroxide. The annealed anodic oxide mainly consisted of anatase TiO2 and showed high antibacterial activity under UV illumination. The amount of photocatalytically formed hydroxyl radicals correlated well with the antibacterial activity, which was enhanced by an increase in the annealing temperature.
Spiro-1,3-dioxolanofullerenes with Low-lying LUMO Level for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Mikie Tsubasa , Saeki Akinori , Ikuma Naohiko , Kokubo Ken , Seki Shu 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
A series of spiro-1,3-dioxolanofullerenes with 6-, 7-, 8-, and 12-membered ring were synthesized by the acid-catalyzed reaction of fullerene epoxide with cycloalkanones. The LUMO levels of these fullerenes are 0.07–0.08 eV lower than that of PCBM, due to the electron-withdrawing ester directly bonded to the C60 core. However, good power conversion efficiencies of 2.9 and 5.4% were obtained for the P3HT and PTB7 blend films, respectively. Characterization by solubility and morphology aided the understanding of the limiting factors behind the photovoltaic performance.
Effects of salinity stress on the growth and chlorophyll fluorescence of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Chaetoceros gracilis (Bacillariophyceae)
Authors: Liang Ying , Sun Minghui , Tian Chuanyuan , Cao Chunhui , Li Zebang 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
In this study, we investigated changes of fluorescence parameters, specific growth rate, and relative chlorophyll content (the ratio of the chlorophyll content after salinity exposure to that of the same samples at inoculation) in the two diatoms Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin and Chaetoceros gracilis Schuett, during exposure of the cultures to different salinities (1–90 psu for P. tricornutum and 1–70 psu for C. gracilis) for different times (12, 24, and 48 h). The results indicated that the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), maximal relative electron transport rate (rETRmax), and photochemical quenching (qP) decreased significantly with the degree of salinity stress and increased with increasing exposure times in the two diatoms. For P. tricornutum, the values of Fv/Fm at salinities of 20–40 psu were always higher than those in other salinity treatments, rETRmax reached maximal values at salinities of 20–30 psu, and qP peaked at salinities of 10–20 psu. For C. gracilis, the values of Fv/Fm at salinities of 5–40 psu were always higher than those at 1 psu or at 50–70 psu. The highest values of rETRmax were also observed at salinities of 5–40 psu, whereas qP decreased slowly with increasing salinity from 10 to 60 psu. The changes in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) were different in the two diatoms. For P. tricornutum, there were no significant differences below 60 psu for all three exposure times. Above 60 psu, however, NPQ in P. tricornutum increased with salinity up to 80 psu and decreased at 90 psu. For C. gracilis, NPQ decreased with increasing salinity from 1 to 20 psu, but increased at salinities of 20–70 psu during the 12- and 24-h periods, and was always low after 48 h. The specific growth rate of the two diatoms was inhibited at both low and high salinities, and decreased with increasing exposure times. The relative chlorophyll content of the two diatoms showed a similar trend to each other, with lower chlorophyll content occurring at extremely low and high salinities. These results indicated that extremely low and high salinity stress negatively influenced the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and growth of these two diatoms.
Comparison of the photosynthetic characteristics of two Isochrysis galbana strains under high light
Authors: Zhang Litao , Li Ling , Liu Jianguo 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The photoprotection mechanisms in the marine microalga Isochrysis galbana were examined by comparing the photosynthetic characteristics in two I. galbana strains IOAC724S and IOAC683S under high light. The rDNA ITS regions of IOAC724S and IOAC683S were closely clustered in the Neighbor-Joining tree, suggesting that the two strains are very similar to each other genetically. Regulated energy dissipation in photosystem (PS) II (NPQ) and cyclic electron flow with PSI (CEF-I) can protect the photosynthetic apparatus against photodamage. There were no significant differences in NPQ and CEF-I between IOAC724S and IOAC683S under high light. In both strains, NPQ was very low, and CEF-I was maintained at a high level. This suggested that NPQ was not strong enough to dissipate the excess excitation energy, and CEF-I might protect the photosynthetic apparatus against photodamage in I. galbana. Photosynthetic linear electron flow was lower, but the alternative electron flow within PSII (AEF-II) was significantly higher in IOAC724S than in IOAC683S. The higher AEF-II in IOAC724S efficiently removed excess excitation energy, thereby, protecting the photosynthetic apparatus, as indicated by the lower value of quantum yield of the nonregulated energy dissipation of PSII and the lower content of hydrogen peroxide in IOAC724S.
Geometric analysis on Cantor sets and trees
Authors: Björn Anders , Björn Jana , Gill James T. , Shanmugalingam Nageswari 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Using uniformization,
Cantor type sets can be regarded as boundaries
of rooted trees.
In this setting, we show that the trace of a first-order Sobolev space
on the boundary of a regular rooted tree
is exactly a Besov space with an explicit smoothness exponent. Further, we study quasisymmetries between the boundaries of two trees,
and show that they have rough quasiisometric extensions to the trees.
Conversely, we show that
every rough quasiisometry between two trees
extends as a quasisymmetry between their
boundaries.
In both directions we give sharp estimates for the involved constants.
We use this to obtain quasisymmetric
invariance of certain Besov spaces
of functions on Cantor type sets.
On the insecurity of XML Security
Authors: Somorovsky Juraj 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
XML Encryption and XML Signature describe how to apply encryption and signing algorithms to XML documents. These specifications are implemented in a wide range of systems and frameworks processing sensitive data, including banking, eGovernment, eCommerce, military, and eHealth infrastructures. The article presents practical and highly critical attacks which allow to forge signed XML documents or reveal contents of encrypted XML data.
Checking probabilistic noninterference using JOANA
Authors: Snelting Gregor , Giffhorn Dennis , Graf Jürgen , Hammer Christian , Hecker Martin , Mohr Martin , Wasserrab Daniel 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
JOANA is a tool for software security analysis, checking up to
100 kLOC of full multi-threaded Java. JOANA is based on sophisticated
program analysis techniques and thus very precise. It includes a new
algorithm guaranteeing probabilistic noninterference, named
RLSOD. JOANA needs few annotations and has a nice GUI. The tool is
open source and was applied in several case studies. The article
presents an overview of JOANA and its underlying technology.