bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wake-up Test in Total Hip Arthroplasty With High-riding Developmental Dysplasia
Authors: Chen Kun-Hui , Wang Hsin-Yi , Sung Chun-Sung , Wu Po-Kuei , Chen Cheng-Fong , Liu Chien-Lin , Chen Wei-Ming
Published: July 2014

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip is technically challenging. This group of patients has a higher incidence of nerve injury during THA. Although neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring has been developed to provide nerve monitoring, it is not always available. The wake-up test has been used for intraoperative spinal cord monitoring during major spinal surgery, but no study has reported the use of the wake-up test for neurologic monitoring during THA in patients with severe developmental dysplasia of the hip. The authors retrospectively reviewed 22 THA procedures in 20 patients with Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip who underwent the wakeup test during THA. In the current study, 1 patient could not dorsiflex her foot during the wake-up test. Therefore, the authors immediately reduced the length of limb lengthening by 1 cm. Postoperative drop foot and numbness occurred but resolved completely 2 months later. None of the patients who showed no deficits in motion of the feet during the intraoperative wake-up test had signs of postoperative nerve injury. In the current study, there was no false-positive or false-negative finding. The authors concluded that the wake-up test, which is simple, safe, and reliable, is a useful technique and a possible alternative to neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring in checking nerve function during THA in patients with severe developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Effect of High Hip Center on Stress for Dysplastic Hip
Authors: Nie Yong , Pei Fuxing , Li Zongming
Published: July 2014

High hip center reconstruction has been advocated in treating deficient acetabulum. However, there is no consensus on the clinical outcome of this technique. In addition, it remains unclear to what extend this technique restores the normal hip biomechanics. The goal of this study was to investigate stress above the acetabular dome in response to a range of high hip center positioning for Crowe type I and II hip dysplasia. This study consisted of 2 main parts, radiologic and biomechanical. Pelvic radiographs of 18 patients were studied to determine the amount of displacement of the hip center in the superior direction compared with the normal side. Second, qualitative and quantitative changes in stress on cortical and trabecular bone in the region of the acetabular dome as a result of superior displacement of the hip center were analyzed with subject-specific finite element models. The results showed that the range of the hip center position in the superior direction for Crowe type I and II hip dysplasia was 0 to 15 mm above the contralateral femoral head center. When superior displacement of the hip center exceeded 5 mm above the anatomic hip center, cortical bone mass on the 2 thickest cross-sections above the acetabular dome decreased quickly and the stress value on posterolateral cortical bone was obviously lower than the normal level. This study showed that to restore the normal load above the acetabular dome, there is a limit of 5 mm above the anatomic hip center for high hip center acetabular reconstruction for Crowe type I and II hip dysplasia.
Radiologic Bone Remodeling Pattern Around DCPD-coated, Metaphyseal-loading Cementless Short Stems in Elderly Patients
Authors: Oh Kwang-Jun , Mishra Amit , Yang Jae-Hyuk
Published: July 2014

Concerns exist regarding using short stems during total hip arthroplasties performed in elderly patients. For this study, the authors assessed sequential bone remodeling findings in metaphyseal-loading short stems using serial radiography. A total of 100 consecutive primary THAs using short stems were performed in patients with an average age of 78.3 years. The presence and patterns of radiolucent lines, radiopaque lines, calcar rounding, proximal bone resorption, spot welds, cortical hypertrophy, and intramedullary bone formation around the distal tip were assessed. The final study group comprised 92 hips, and mean follow-up was 60±3 months (range, 48–72 months). At final follow-up, condensations of spot welds were noted in 84 (91.3%) hips. Spot weld formation occurred in all zones except 1 and 4. Calcar rounding was observed in 90 (97.8%) hips. Atrophy of the calcar was noted in 19 (20.6%) hips. Analysis of the proximal zones revealed reactive radiodense lines in zones 1 and 2 (tensile area/shoulder of stem) in 22 (23.9%) hips. A prominent reactive line around the tip of the stem was recorded in 32 (34.8%) hips on radiographs at final follow-up. However, there was no increase in space between the tip of the stem and the radiopaque line. No acetabular or femoral component migrated by more than 1 mm at final follow-up. No acetabular or femoral osteolysis was identified. The radiographic findings of metaphyseal-loading short stems in elderly patients suggest that 91.3% of implants were osseointegrated. No patient required stem revision. Metaphyseal-loading short stems in elderly patients provide continued fixation with adaptive bone remodeling.
Custom-made Locked Plating for Acetabular Fracture: A Pilot Study in 24 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Xu Meng , Zhang Li-Hai , Zhang Ying-Ze , Zhang Li-Cheng , He Chun-Qing , Wang Yan , Tang Pei-Fu
Published: July 2014

Clinical implementation of site-specific locking plates for acetabular fracture remains untested. Custom-made locking plates were manufactured using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture techniques for acetabular fractures to test this procedure. The 3-dimensional images constructed from computed tomography data of pelvises in patients with acetabular fractures were used for preoperative planning and to design the plates. Data for each plate were input into software for programming, and the generated code was transferred into a computerized numerical control digital milling machine for manufacturing. These plates were clinically implemented, and the implementation parameters, reduction quality, and Postel Merle d’Aubigné score were evaluated. Forty-nine custom-made locking plates were manufactured for 24 unilateral acetabular fractures. The manufacturing process for the plates averaged 6.9±2.2 days. Processing the plates delayed operations by 2.6±1.3 days in one-third of the cases. Plate contouring was avoided in 48 plates. The plates had anatomical shapes, excellently matching reduced bone surface. The screws locked with the obtained plates avoided intra-articular penetration and provided secure fixation that allowed early out-of-bed rehabilitation. No indications of implant failures or observations of screw back-outs were observed during follow-up. The clinical application of such plates is associated with the avoidance of plate contouring, low risk of intra-articular penetration, early out-of-bed rehabilitation, and a low rate of implant failure. Implementing such plates in clinical practice is worthy of further investigation, with a focus on selecting patient population and minimizing the time required for and cost of plate manufacturing.
Wear of a Composite Ceramic Head Caused by Liner Fracture
Authors: Morlock Michael M. , Witt Florian , Bishop Nick , Behn Rainer , Pria Paolo Dalla , Barrow Rob , Dymond Ian
Published: July 2014

Third-generation composite ceramics (eg, Delta; DePuy Orthopaedics, Warsaw, Indiana; Ceramtec, Plochingen, Germany) have greatly improved material characteristics compared with second-generation products. This case report presents a patient after total hip arthroplasty with a fractured ceramic liner and a heavily worn ceramic head (both third-generation ceramics) retrieved 9 months after surgery. The patient showed no symptoms in the involved hip but presented to the hospital because of other symptoms. The failure was caused by a tilted liner that was overlooked after surgery and fractured consecutively. Rim chipping and splitting were the 2 fracture modes observed for the liner. The head did not fracture completely because of its high strength but became roughened by the ceramic fragments, causing major wear of the metal back of the cup. The phase transformation of the zirconium grains from tetragonal to monoclinic in the aluminum oxide matrix was shown by radiographic diffraction analysis in the heavily worn areas of the head. This transformation increases the fracture strength of the head. Metal debris caused by a roughened ceramic head without fracture is an unreported phenomenon for third-generation ceramic bearings in hip arthroplasty. This case shows that proper impaction of the ceramic liner into the metal shell to prevent later tiling during reduction is as important as correct component positioning. If a tilted ceramic liner is observed postoperatively, the position must be corrected immediately to prevent the major consequences observed in this patient.
Lateral Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using a Free Gracilis Autograft
Authors: Borbas Paul , Koch Peter P. , Fucentese Sandro F.
Published: July 2014

Medial patellofemoral instability is a rare, disabling condition that is often associated with the wrong indication for lateral retinacular release or overcorrection with medializing tibial tubercle osteotomy. It is an even less common complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The lateral patellofemoral ligament is an important lateral stabilizer of the patella against medial subluxation or dislocation. Until now, no report in the literature has described lateral patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with a free gracilis tendon autograft. Furthermore, there has not been a single case report of lateral patellofemoral ligament reconstruction after TKA. The authors describe a novel technique for reconstruction of the lateral patellofemoral ligament in a symptomatic medial subluxated patella resulting from TKA and extended lateral release in a 62-year-old patient. The result 1 year postoperatively was deemed successful. Clinically, the patella was stable, with correct tracking, and radiologically the patella was correctly positioned. With a technique similar to that used for the medial patellofemoral ligament, the lateral patellofemoral ligament can be reconstructed with a gracilis tendon autograft to permit stabilization independent of resting scar tissue of the lateral retinaculum. This operation can be performed in a minimally invasive way, without opening the joint, therefore decreasing the risk of joint infection. The authors showed a successful clinical and radiologic outcome 1 year after lateral patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in a patient with medial patellar instability after TKA and lateral release.
Revision of Nearctic Stylogaster (Diptera: Conopidae)
Authors: Burt Trevor O. , Skevington Jeffrey H. , Rocha Leonardo
Published: July 2014

Nearctic Stylogaster Macquart (Diptera: Conopidae) species concepts are revised. We provide redescriptions of S. biannulata (Say) and S. neglecta Williston, description of S. beresfordinew species, an illustrated key to species, range maps, and ecological data. Stylogaster beresfordi ranges from southern Mexico to southern New Mexico, United States of America. DNA barcode data are provided with neighbour-joining and Bayesian analyses and relationships of the three species are discussed. We hypothesise that S. neglecta and S. beresfordi are sister taxa, while S. biannulata is in a different clade.
Immune Suppression via Glucocorticoid-Stimulated Monocytes: A Novel Mechanism To Cope with Inflammation
Authors: Varga Georg , Ehrchen Jan , Brockhausen Anne , Weinhage Toni , Nippe Nadine , Belz Michael , Tsianakas Athanasios , Ross Matthias , Bettenworth Dominik , Spieker Tilmann , Wolf Marc , Lippe Ralph , Tenbrock Klaus , Leenen Pieter J. M. , Roth Johannes , Sunderkötter Cord
Published: July 2014

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used as first-line therapies for generalized suppression of inflammation (e.g., allergies or autoimmune diseases), but their long-term use is limited by severe side effects. Our previous work revealed that GCs induced a stable anti-inflammatory phenotype in monocytes, the GC-stimulated monocytes (GCsMs) that we exploited for targeted GC-mediated therapeutic effects. We demonstrate that GCsMs interact with T cells in suppressing proliferation, as well as cytokine release of CD8+ and, especially, CD4+ T cells in vitro, and that they support generation of Foxp3+ cells. Therefore, we tested their immunosuppressive potential in CD4+ T cell–induced colitis in vivo. We found that injection of GCsMs into mice with severe colitis abolished the inflammation and resulted in significant clinical improvement within a few days. T cells recovered from GCsM-treated mice exhibited reduced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17. Furthermore, clusters of Foxp3+ CD4+ T cells were detectable at local sites of inflammation in the colon. Thus, GCsMs are able to modify T cell responses in vitro and in vivo, as well as to downregulate and clinically cure severe T cell–mediated colitis.
DHX15 Senses Double-Stranded RNA in Myeloid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Lu Hongbo , Lu Ning , Weng Leiyun , Yuan Bin , Liu Yong-jun , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: July 2014

Many members of the DEXD/H box helicase family play important roles in the innate immune system against viral infection. Therefore, we isolated dsRNA complex in myeloid dendritic cells. We found that DHx15, a DEXDc helicase family member, is one of the components of this complex. Knockdown of DHX15 expression by short hairpin RNA efficiently reduced the ability of myeloid dendritic cells to produce IFN-β, IL-6, and TNF-α in response to dsRNA and RNA virus. DHX15 specifically bound polyinosine-polycytidylic acid via its helicase C-terminal domain. DHX15 interacted with MAVS and formed a complex following stimulation with polyinosine-polycytidylic acid. The N-terminal domain containing a DEXDc motif in DHX15 bound the C terminus of MAVS. DHX15 is required to activate IRF3 phosphorylation as well as NF-κB and MAPK signaling during RNA virus infection. We, therefore, identified DHX15 as a new RNA virus sensor mediated by MAVS to activate the immune responses to RNA.
Influenza-Specific Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity: Toward a Universal Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Jegaskanda Sinthujan , Reading Patrick C. , Kent Stephen J.
Published: July 2014

There is an urgent need for universal influenza vaccines that can control emerging pandemic influenza virus threats without the need to generate new vaccines for each strain. Neutralizing Abs to the influenza virus hemagglutinin glycoprotein are effective at controlling influenza infection but generally target highly variable regions. Abs that can mediate other functions, such as killing influenza-infected cells and activating innate immune responses (termed “Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity [ADCC]-mediating Abs”), may assist in protective immunity to influenza. ADCC-mediating Abs can target more conserved regions of influenza virus proteins and recognize a broader array of influenza strains. We review recent research on influenza-specific ADCC Abs and their potential role in improved influenza-vaccination strategies.
Enhancement of Tumor-Specific T Cell–Mediated Immunity in Dendritic Cell–Based Vaccines by Mycobacterium tuberculosis Heat Shock Protein X
Authors: Jung In Duk , Shin Sung Jae , Lee Min-Goo , Kang Tae Heung , Han Hee Dong , Lee Seung Jun , Kim Woo Sik , Kim Hong Min , Park Won Sun , Kim Han Wool , Yun Cheol-Heui , Lee Eun Kyung , Wu T.-C. , Park Yeong-Min
Published: July 2014

Despite the potential for stimulation of robust antitumor immunity by dendritic cells (DCs), clinical applications of DC-based immunotherapy are limited by the low potency in generating tumor Ag-specific T cell responses. Therefore, optimal conditions for generating potent immunostimulatory DCs that overcome tolerance and suppression are key factors in DC-based tumor immunotherapy. In this study, we demonstrate that use of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein X (HspX) as an immunoadjuvant in DC-based tumor immunotherapy has significant potential in therapeutics. In particular, the treatment aids the induction of tumor-reactive T cell responses, especially tumor-specific CTLs. The HspX protein induces DC maturation and proinflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-β) through TLR4 binding partially mediated by both the MyD88 and the TRIF signaling pathways. We employed two models of tumor progression and metastasis to evaluate HspX-stimulated DCs in vivo. The administration of HspX-stimulated DCs increased the activation of naive T cells, effectively polarizing the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to secrete IFN-γ, as well as enhanced the cytotoxicity of splenocytes against HPV-16 E7 (E7)–expressing TC-1 murine tumor cells in therapeutic experimental animals. Moreover, the metastatic capacity of B16-BL6 melanoma cancer cells toward the lungs was remarkably attenuated in mice that received HspX-stimulated DCs. In conclusion, the high therapeutic response rates with tumor-targeted Th1-type T cell immunity as a result of HspX-stimulated DCs in two models suggest that HspX harnesses the exquisite immunological power and specificity of DCs for the treatment of tumors.
Los programas radiofónicos españoles de prime time en Facebook y Twitter: Sinergias entre la radio convencional y las redes sociales
Authors: Gutiérrez María , Martí Josep Maria , Ferrer Iliana , Monclús Belén , Ribes Xavier
Published: July 2014

Introducción: Operadores públicos y privados de las emisoras radiofónicas generalistas buscan en las redes sociales nuevas formas de explotación de contenidos que generen cambios en la cadena de valor de la marca y desarrollen un modelo de negocio diferente. Objetivos: Definir las sinergias entre la radio convencional y las redes sociales en la radio generalista española a partir del análisis de cuatro programas de prime-time considerados máximos exponentes de la marca radiofónica. Metodología: A través de la técnica cuantitativa de análisis de contenido se estudian los roles del emisor y la audiencia en las redes sociales y la radio convencional. Conclusión: Pese a la ampliación de las vías para la participación de la audiencia, el estudio demuestra una ausencia casi total de interacción lo que exige el establecimiento de sinergias entre la radio convencional y las redes sociales como estrategia para explotar el potencial de estos espacios virtuales.
Assessing and Documenting the Cognitive Performance of Family Medicine Residents Practicing Outpatient Medicine
Authors: Shaughnessy Allen F. , Chang Katherine T. , Sparks Jennifer , Cohen-Osher Molly , Gravel Joseph
Published: July 2014

Background

Development of cognitive skills for competent medical practice is a goal of residency education. Cognitive skills must be developed for many different clinical situations.

Innovation

We developed the Resident Cognitive Skills Documentation (CogDoc) as a method for capturing faculty members' real-time assessment of residents' cognitive performance while they precepted them in a family medicine office. The tool captures 3 dimensions of cognitive skills: medical knowledge, understanding, and its application. This article describes CogDoc development, our experience with its use, and its reliability and feasibility.

Methods

After development and pilot-testing, we introduced the CogDoc at a single training site, collecting all completed forms for 14 months to determine completion rate, competence development over time, consistency among preceptors, and resident use of the data.

Results

Thirty-eight faculty members completed 5021 CogDoc forms, documenting 29% of all patient visits by 33 residents. Competency was documented in all entrustable professional activities. Competence was statistically different among residents of different years of training for all 3 dimensions and progressively increased within all residency classes over time. Reliability scores were high: 0.9204 for the medical knowledge domain, 0.9405 for understanding, and 0.9414 for application. Almost every resident reported accessing the individual forms or summaries documenting their performance.

Conclusions

The CogDoc approach allows for ongoing assessment and documentation of resident competence, and, when compiled over time, depicts a comprehensive assessment of residents' cognitive development and ability to make decisions in ambulatory medicine. This approach meets criteria for an acceptable tool for assessing cognitive skills.
Analysing IT Investments in the Public Sector: A Project Portfolio Approach
Authors:   Federal University of Tocantins, Brazil, Proc´opio Fernandes Rigel , Juarez Alencar Antonio , Assis Schmitz Eber , Luis Correa Alexandre
Published: July 2014

Since the first electronic computers hit the market in the 1950’s, governments have been amongst the biggest users of Information Technology (IT) worldwide. Therefore, it is in the general public’s best interests that government officials are provided with concepts, methods and tools that help them to optimise the results yielded by IT investments. This paper presents a method that identifies the best implementation order for a portfolio of IT projects that has been broken down into a large number of subprojects. The method builds on previous proposals by providing a framework that properly considers the intangible benefits that are a matter of common concern in the public sector.
Exploring the severe winter haze in Beijing
Authors: Zheng G. J. , Duan F. K. , Ma Y. L. , Cheng Y. , Zheng B. , Zhang Q. , Huang T. , Kimoto T. , Chang D. , Su H. , Pöschl U. , Cheng Y. F. , He K. B.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Extreme haze episodes repeatedly shrouded Beijing during the winter of 2012–2013, causing major environmental and health problems. To better understand these extreme events, we analyzed the hourly observation data of PM2.5 and its major chemical composition, with support of model simulations. Severe winter haze was shown to result from stable synoptic meteorological conditions over a large part of northeastern China, rather than from an abrupt increase in emissions. Build-up of secondary species, including organics, sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium, was the major driving force behind these polluted periods. The contribution of organic matter decreased with increasing pollution level while sulfate and nitrate contributions increased. Correspondingly, the ratio of secondary organic carbon to elemental carbon decreased and had a stable diurnal pattern during heavily polluted periods, indicating weakened photochemical activity due to the dimming effect of high loading of aerosol particles. Under such conditions, the strong increase in sulfate and nitrate contributions to PM2.5 was attributed to an elevated conversion ratio, reflecting more active heterogeneous reactions with gradually increasing relative humidity. Moreover, we found that high aerosol concentration was a regional phenomenon. The accumulation process of aerosol particles occurred successively from southeast cities to Beijing. The "apparent" sharp increase in PM2.5 concentration of up to several hundred μg m−3 per hour recorded in Beijing represented rapid "recovery" from an "interruption" to the continuous pollution accumulation over the region, rather than purely local chemical production. This suggests that regional transport of pollutants played an important role during these severe pollution events.
Direct aerosol chemical composition measurements to evaluate the physicochemical differences between controlled sea spray aerosol generation schemes
Authors: Collins D. B. , Zhao D. F. , Ruppel M. J. , Laskina O. , Grandquist J. R. , Modini R. L. , Stokes M. D. , Russell L. M. , Bertram T. H. , Grassian V. H. , Deane G. B. , Prather K. A.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Controlled laboratory studies of the physical and chemical properties of sea spray aerosol (SSA) must be underpinned by a physically and chemically accurate representation of the bubble mediated production of nascent SSA particles. Since bubble bursting is sensitive to the physicochemical properties of seawater, any important differences in the SSA production mechanism are projected into SSA composition. Using direct chemical measurements of SSA at the single-particle level, this study presents an inter-comparison of three laboratory-based, bubble-mediated SSA production schemes: gas forced through submerged sintered glass filters ("frits"), a pulsed plunging waterfall apparatus, and breaking waves in a wave channel filled with natural seawater. The size-resolved chemical composition of SSA particles produced by breaking waves is more similar to particles produced by the plunging waterfall than sintered glass filters. Aerosol generated by disintegrating foam produced by sintered glass filters contained a larger fraction of organic enriched particles and a different size-resolved elemental composition, especially in the 0.8–2 μm size range. These particles, when dried, had more spherical morphologies compared to the more cubic structure expected for pure NaCl particles, which can be attributed to the presence of additional organic carbon. In addition to an inter-comparison of three SSA production methods, the role of the episodic or "pulsed" nature of the waterfall method utilized in this study on SSA composition was undertaken. In organic-enriched seawater, the continuous operation of the plunging waterfall mechanism resulted in the accumulation of surface foam and an over-expression of organic matter in SSA particles compared to pulsed plunging waterfall. Throughout this set of experiments, comparative differences in the SSA number size distribution were coincident with differences in aerosol composition, indicating that the production mechanism of SSA exerts important controls on both the physical and chemical properties of the resulting aerosol. This study provides insight into the physicochemical differences between each of these bubble-mediated SSA generation mechanisms and serves as a guideline for future laboratory studies of SSA particles.
Site-dependent decrease of odour-related peak-to-mean factors with distance
Authors: Piringer M. , Knauder W. , Petz E. , Schauberger G.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The peak-to-mean concept developed earlier by the authors to calculate odour-related separation distances is applied here to meteorological input for dispersion models provided by ultrasonic anemometers. In addition to conventional meteorological input parameters like wind direction, wind speed and stability classes, three-dimensional sonics provide also turbulence information via the Obukhov stability parameter and the variance of the wind speed, which can be used directly to determine peak-to-mean ratios depending on the distance from the source. The influence and importance of these site-specific peak-to-mean ratios on the resulting direction-dependent separation distances is investigated and discussed.
Impacts of management practices on soil organic carbon in degraded alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chang X. F. , Zhu X. X. , Wang S. P. , Cui S. J. , Luo C. Y. , Zhang Z. H. , Wilkes A.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Grassland soil organic carbon (SOC) is sensitive to anthropogenic activities. Increased anthropogenic disturbance related to overgrazing has led to widespread alpine grassland degradation on the Tibetan Plateau. The degraded grasslands are considered to have great potential for carbon sequestration after adoption of improved management practices. Here, we calibrated and employed the Century model to investigate the effects of overgrazing and improved managements on the SOC dynamics in alpine meadows. We calibrated the Century model against plant productivity at the Haibei Research Station. SOC stocks for validation were obtained in 2009–2010 from degraded alpine meadows in two communes. We found that Century model can successfully capture grassland SOC changes. Overall, our simulation suggests that degraded alpine meadow SOC significantly increased with the advent of restoration management from 2011 to 2030. Carbon sequestration rates ranged between 0.04 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in lightly degraded winter grazing grasslands and 2.0 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in moderately degraded summer grazing grasslands. Our modelling work also predicts that improve management in degraded Tibetan grasslands will contribute to an annual carbon sink of 0.022–0.059 Pg C yr−1. These results imply that restoration of degraded grasslands in the Tibetan Plateau has great potential for soil carbon sequestration to mitigate greenhouse gases.
Evaluating snow weak-layer rupture parameters through inverse Finite Element modeling of shaking-platform experiments
Authors: Podolskiy E. A. , Chambon G. , Naaim M. , Gaume J.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Snowpack weak layers may fail due to excess stresses of various natures, caused by snowfall, skiers, explosions or strong ground motion due to earthquakes, and lead to snow avalanches. This research presents a model describing the behavior of "sandwich" snow samples subjected to shaking. The Finite Element model treats weak layers as interfaces with variable constitutive behavior parameters. This approach is validated by reproducing cyclic loading snow fracture experiments. The model evaluation revealed that the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion, governed by cohesion and friction angle, was adequate to describe the experiments. The "best fit" cohesion and friction angle were ≈1.6 kPa and 22.5–60°, indicating that the cohesion mainly determines the outcome of tests. The model showed complex, non-homogeneous stress evolution within snow samples and especially the significance of tension for fracture initiation at the edges of the weak layer, caused by dynamic stresses due to shaking. Accordingly, the previously used analytical solution, ignoring the inhomogeneity of tangential and normal stresses along the failure plane, may incorrectly estimate the shear strength of weak layers. The obtained parameters may constitute valuable elements in mechanical models used for avalanche forecasting.
An observed 20-year time series of Agulhas leakage
Authors: Le Bars D. , Durgadoo J. V. , Dijkstra H. A. , Biastoch A. , De Ruijter W. P. M.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. We provide a time series of Agulhas leakage anomalies over the last 20-years from satellite altimetry. Until now, measuring the interannual variability of Indo-Atlantic exchange has been the major barrier in the investigation of the dynamics and large scale impact of Agulhas leakage. We compute the difference of transport between the Agulhas Current and Agulhas Return Current, which allows us to deduce Agulhas leakage. The main difficulty is to separate the Agulhas Return Current from the southern limb of the subtropical "supergyre" south of Africa. For this purpose, an algorithm that uses absolute dynamic topography data is developed. The algorithm is applied to a state-of-the-art ocean model. The comparison with a Lagrangian method to measure the leakage allows us to validate the new method. An important result is that it is possible to measure Agulhas leakage in this model using the velocity field along a section that crosses both the Agulhas Current and the Agulhas Return Current. In the model a good correlation is found between measuring leakage using the full depth velocities and using only the surface geostrophic velocities. This allows us to extend the method to along-track absolute dynamic topography from satellites. It is shown that the accuracy of the mean dynamic topography does not allow us to determine the mean leakage but that leakage anomalies can be accurately computed.
Remedying Disregard in Global Regulatory Governance: Accountability, Participation, and Responsiveness
Authors: Stewart Richard B.
Published: July 2014

A myriad of specialized and fragmented global regulatory bodies wield ever-increasing power and influence. In making decisions, these mission-oriented authorities tend systematically, due to deep-seated structural factors, to give greater regard to the interests and concerns of some actors, especially powerful states and well-organized economic actors, and lesser regard to the often peripheral interests and concerns of more weakly organized and less powerful groups and of vulnerable individuals. The overall pattern of global regulation reflects a similar bias. The most powerful global regulatory regimes promote the objectives of dominant states and economic actors, whereas regimes to protect weaker groups and individuals are often less effective or virtually nonexistent and are thus unable to protect their interests and concerns. As a result of these two types of disregard, the dominant actors in global regulatory governance enjoy disproportionate benefits from international cooperation, while weaker groups and individuals suffer deprivation and often serious harm.
Affective Medicine:
Authors: Ritchey Sara
Published: July 2014

This essay uses saints' lives and miracle stories to demonstrate the various ways that religiously affiliated women managed for a socially marginalized population the daily experience of health and illness. In this essay I explore how people came to believe in a saint's ability to heal, how they adapted their feelings and intentions to affective models provided by her vita and miracles, and how they recounted their experiences of this adaptation in stories of bodily healing. I argue that, by examining the healing community that sick petitioners formed around female saints, we might come to recognize whole new categories of health on which medieval medical resources were premised. Furthermore, as scholars of religion, we may better understand the affective and devotional mechanisms through which the sick and indigent came to experience relief.
Ascetic Desire and the Enclosed Body in the Middle English Patience
Authors: Easterling Joshua
Published: July 2014

As many of its readers have acknowledged, the Middle English poem Patience owes much of its overall effects to late medieval ascetic and contemplative culture and its constructions of spiritual reform. So, too, were the ascetic discourses of enclosure, obedience, and desire by no means restricted to “official” ascetic literature, such as rules and hagiographical writing. This essay argues that the Jonah of Patience encodes and explores the relationship between ascetic desire and the obligation to serve a divine law through bodily enclosure. The poem articulates how the law of patient obedience, however burdensome, effectively generates and structures the desire of both Jonah and the ascetic, including the desire to resist the same obligations on which it is founded.
Inventing a Male Writer in Mechtild of Hackeborn's Booke of Gostlye Grace
Authors: Rydel Courtney E.
Published: July 2014

The translator of The Booke of Gostlye Grace, a Middle English translation of Mechtild of Hackeborn's mystical text, presents his readers with a familiar narrative of how the mystic composed her text with the assistance of a male confessor. In the original Latin Liber Specialis Gratiae, however, two nuns act as scribes for Mechtild, composing the book in secret before permitting her to read and approve the work. The Middle English translator, I argue, deliberately changes the gender and number of nouns and pronouns and highlights this false narrative of a single male scribe in order to make the mystic's revelations more appealing to a fifteenth-century English audience. This systematic rewriting of the text emphasizes Helfta's role as a worshiping and reading community, rather than a writing one, with implications for the reception of Mechtild's visions then and now.
Effect of irrigation and potassium application in melon (Cucumis melo L.) production. II: Quality
Authors: Ribas F. , Cabello M.J. , Moreno M.M. , Moreno A. , López-Bellido L.
Published: July 2014

The influence of different watering regimes and of potassium applications on the quality of the melon cultivar «Pielde Sapo» was studied over a two-year period (1995 and 1996). The statistical design was a split-plot with four replications,where irrigation was the main factor and applied potassium was the secondary factor. Water levels were determinedaccording to the watering needs (NRc) calculated on the basis of crop evapotranspiration. Four irrigationtreatments were tested: 1.25 NRc; 1.00 NRc; 0.75 NRc and 0.50 NRc. Two potassium treatments were applied: K0 (0UF) and K1 (375 UF K2O in 1995 and 2 L ha1 of a commercial product for spraying 20% of K2O in 1996). The potassiumdoses tested did not significantly influence any of the quality parameters studied except for flesh firmness inthe placenta area in 1995. Both in 1995 and 1996, the water deficit significantly reduced fruit size and flesh thickness.The severe water restriction caused a strict decrease in the percentage of fruits with recorded weight above 2.5kg. However, the weight percentage of the placenta plus the seeds in relation to the whole fruit, and the sugar content,both increased significantly in water deficient treatments. In 1995, skin thickness decreased with less irrigation whileflesh firmness increased. Following quality concerns, and in order to obtain large fruits with appropriate levels ofsugar, it is advisable to provide water amounts that meet the crops watering needs
Forages resources in "dehesa" systems: fertilization, tillage, and forage sowing. 2. Productivity and use of rain water
Authors: Martin Polo J.L. , Valle Gutierrez C.J. , Blanco de Pablos A. , Sánchez Rodríguez M.E.
Published: July 2014

In two «dehesa» grasslands with different soils, one over slate and the other over granite, studies were carried out toinvestigate the influence that phosphoric fertilization, surface tillage of pastures and oat sowing have on the primaryproduction and its nutritive value, on the index of utilization of raining water, and on the evolution of oat stubble withtime. Additionally, economic studies of the previous results have been carried out. Phosphoric fertilization and superficialtilling of pastures did not have a relevant influence on the primary production. Additionally, in the successive regrowthover oat stubble there was no response to phosphoric fertilization. The production increments with respect tocontrols are related to the preparatory tillage for sowing the oats, and the changes that the vegetation experimented.This effect decreased with time. The dry matter production in the oat treatments was higher than in the pastures, bothin slate and granite soils. In dehesa systems the use of raining water for the production of 1 kg dry matter ha-1 was verylow, and, on the average, 0.278 and 0.588 l m-2 were needed in pastures, but this amount decreased significantly in theoats: 0.059 and 0.110 l m-2 in slates and granites, respectively; with better use of the water in the more fertile soils. Theeconomic response to the oat sowing was about 252 and of 160 euros ha-1 year-1 in slates and granites, but there was noeconomic response to the fertilization and superficial tilling of pastures during the period of the experiment.
Courtship and mating behaviour of the Mediterranean corn borer, Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: López C. , Eizaguirre M. , Albajes R.
Published: July 2014

The behavioural sequence of courtship and mating of Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre males and females in laboratorycages is described. The attractant capacity of both sexes was studied by tethering males or females. The courtshipand mating sequence of tethered females was the same as untethered ones, but tethered males were absolutely inactive.Age (1 day versus 2 days) did not affect the mating rate. Differences in calling time onset and first calling agewere found between north-eastern Spanish and Greek populations. The role of hair pencils in courtship flight is discussed,rejecting that they stimulate calling behaviour of females or that they attract females. The influence of adultpopulation density was studied in laboratory and field tests, and was found to have no effect on the mating rate in thecontrols. However, moth density influenced mating rates where mating disruption treatments were applied. Several consequences for investigations into pheromone composition and its use in monitoring and population control are reported in the discussion.
Influence of abscisic acid and other plant growth regulators on citrus defense mechanisms to salt stress
Authors: Arbona Mengual V. , Foó Serra M.L. , Escrig Marín P. , Marco Casanova A.J. , Jacas Miret J.A. , Gómez Cadenas A.
Published: July 2014

Citrus yield and growth are deeply affected by salinity. In the present work we have studied the effectiveness of differentplant growth regulators such as abscisic acid, jasmonic acid and 8-methylene methyl abscissate in protectingcitrus from salt-induced damage. Plants of Salustiana cultivar grafted onto Carrizo citrange were used for this purpose.Plants were watered with 100 mM NaCl and leaf abscission, ethylene production, chloride accumulation and net photosyntheticrate were measured. Non-treated plants showed a dramatic drop in photosynthetic activity in response tosalinity, an increase in leaf ethylene production and a high abscission rate as a result of a massive leaf chloride accumulation.Plants treated with jasmonic acid or 8-methylene methyl abscisate did not show any physiological changein response to salt stress. However, plants treated with abscisic acid showed a high reduction in the parameters considered.These results suggest that abscisic acid plays a role in modifying citrus physiological behaviour in responseto salinity and could be helpful in their acclimation to saline conditions
Tributary specialities for determination of agrarian income. The function of neutrality-price as analysis tool
Authors: Juliá Igual J.F. , Marí Vidal S.
Published: July 2014

The existence of tributary specialities to obtain simplification in calculating net yields of agrarian activity in IndividualIncome Tax is real, not only in Spain but also in other European countries. This makes necessary the developmentof models that allow to evaluate the goodness of these methods against General or Direct Estimation ones, as forif the obtained yield differs between both methods. In this paper, it is developed an analysis model that allows the establishmentof intervals of prices for agricultural products that determine the convenience of the election of one oranother estimation method. We apply this methodology to analyze tax situation on citrus production using data fromthe National Agricultural Accounting Net. The price that would discriminate the election of simplified methods againstnormal ones is located in 0.14  kg-1. The neutrality index of a simplified method for the price perceived by citrusproducers in 1998 (0.21  kg-1) was 0.46. This value indicates that the net yield calculated using the simplifiedmethod represents a 46% which is obtained using the normal one. So simplified methods are better for farmers.
Organic seed production of leek (Allium porrum L.) in the Northeastern of Buenos Aires, 1: Yield components and quality
Authors: Paunero I.E. , Corbino G.B. , Bazzigalupi O. , Uviedo R.
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to characterize the organic seed production of leek for a representative site of thenortheastern of Buenos Aires. The Monstruoso de Carentán cultivar was studied in an Argiudol vertic soil, Ramalloseries. The seed to seed method was used. Green manure and earthworm compost were used as fertilizers. Phenology,climatic parameters, seed yield components and quality were evaluated. Phenological records showed that conditionswere appropriate for the seed to seed method. The leek vernalization requirements were met, and this contributed togood flowering (91%) and seed production. Seed yield was 78.4 g m-2 with 86% of seed germination (average of the2000/01 and 2001/02 cycles). The results of this study show that the agroecological conditions of northeastern of BuenosAires, can be considered as adequate for organic seed production of leek.
Regulated deficit irrigation in "Clementina de Nules" citrus tree, 2. Effects on vegetative growth
Authors: González-Altozano P. , Castel J.R.
Published: July 2014

This article describes the effects of three seeding unit designs on plant residue clearance along the central line ofdirect corn (Zea Mays L.) seeding and the subsequent influence on crop emergence. The equipment assemblies testedwere three different combinations of the implements turbo coulter blade (TCB), double disc opener with a seed presswheel and covering/packing wheels (DDO), notched disc row cleaner with a track wheel or floating star cleaner (RC)as follows: (1) TCB+DDO, (2) RC+TCB+DDO and (3) TCB+RC+DDO. Under the field conditions tested, residueclearance before the cutting action of the turbo coulter blade (combination 2) gave rise to the best crop stand and cropuniformity. The seeding assembly that moves soil and clears away plant debris along the seeding furrow shows a directeffect on seed emergence.
Short communication : organoleptic and pshysical characteristics of propolis from Northeastern Argentina
Authors: Sosa López A. , Subovsky M. , Maidana J.F. , Castillo A.
Published: July 2014

Propolis is a combination of resinous, gummy, and balsamic substances of slimy consistency, which is collected bybees from different botanical sources and then transported to hives, where their physical and chemical properties aremodified. Propolis contains active pharmacological substances and its demand as a natural drug is increasing in internationalmarkets. The objective of this work was to determine the organoleptic characteristics and physical parametersof propolis samples taken from 14 beehives in northeastern Argentina. In general, propolis came in irregular,opaque and shiny fragments with a hard consistency and contained external impurities. In most cases, the aroma wasaromatic-resinous, attributed to the predominant flora in the geographical zone studied. This could be a positive factorfor its commercialisation. Its flavour was predominantly insipid and it was a chestnut-brown colour. The water andash contents found in different samples were very variable, indicating the presence of mineral elements from additionalsubstances that bees introduce to make the propolis a more solid consistency. This preliminary study with noprecedents in northeastern Argentina suggests that, in spite of the variability found, this natural product meets basicrequirements for its commercialisation, and can be competitive on international markets.
Short communication : Phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization in sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata Bailey)
Authors: De Grazia J. , Tittonell P.A. , Germinara D. , Chiesa A.
Published: July 2014

To evaluate the effect of combining different levels of P and N fertilisation on yield and uniformity of a sweet corncrop hybrid Freshy, a factorial trial combining three levels of N (0, 100 and 200 kg of N ha-1) and three levels of P (0,40 and 80 kg of P2O5 ha-1) was carried out. Total leaf number, height up to ear insertion, leaf width and length, leaf area,plant height, stem diameter, biomass production, shoot dry matter content, harvest index and yield with and withouthusk, husk proportion and ear diameter were measured. Significant differences in leaf width and length, leaf area, plantheight, ear diameter, biomass production and yield with and without husk were observed with N fertilisation. On theother hand, significant differences in leaf length, unit leaf area, ear diameter and biomass production were observedwith P fertilisation. A N x P interaction was only observed for shoot dry matter content