bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addition of an Anti-rotation Screw to the Dynamic Hip Screw for Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Makki Daoud , Mohamed Ahmed M. , Gadiyar Rajeev , Patterson Marc
Published: July 2013

The authors investigated the use of an anti-rotation screw with the dynamic hip screw (DHS) during internal fixation of Garden I and II femoral neck fractures. Sixty-five patients with Garden I and II femoral neck fractures (mean age, 70 years) were treated with internal fixation at the authors’ institution. In 31 patients, a 2-hole DHS was used alone (group 1), and in 34 patients, the DHS was combined with an anti-rotation screw placed in the cranial part of femoral head and neck (group 2). Patients’ preinjury function and mental level were assessed using the Barthel index and the Abbreviated Mental test, respectively. The outcome measures included cost implications, operative time, and intraoperative radiation dose. The modified Harris Hip Score and a radiological assessment were performed at a mean of 11 months (range, 8–24 months) postoperatively. The use of the anti-rotation screw was associated with a longer operative time (mean, 44.54 minutes in group 1 vs 51.52 minutes in group 2;
P<
.0001) and more fluoroscopy screening (mean dose area product, 28.39 cGy/cm
2
in group 1 vs 44.33 cGy/cm
2
in group 2;
P=
.03). The additional cost of using an anti-rotation screw was £106 ($170) per case. No difference existed between the 2 groups with regard to radiological union, onset of avascular necrosis, and rate of revision surgeries.

An anti-rotation screw, used with the dynamic hip screw, involves extra costs, prolongs operative time, and requires more intraoperative fluoroscopy screening but offers no advantages with regard to fracture union.
Time Orientation and Visual Construction Subdomains of the MMSE as Independent Risk Factors for Hip Fractures
Authors: Tseng Wo-Jan , Hung Li-Wei , Lin Jinn
Published: July 2013

Hip fractures may result in severe morbidity and mortality among elderly patients. Many risk factors for hip fracture have been identified, including cognitive impairment. The authors used the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a screen test for cognitive impairment, as the study material for their hip fracture survey. The authors hypothesized that certain subdomains would have a strong association with hip fractures.

A total of 217 individuals with hip fracture and 215 individuals without hip fractures matched by age and sex were recruited for the study. A standardized questionnaire was used to register their MMSE performance and demographic data. Scores for these subdomains were analyzed using conditional logistic regression with adjustment of 5 clinically important risk factors for hip fractures, including educational level, difficulty with activities of daily living, physical activities, body mass index, and bone mineral density. In univariate analyses, those subdomains with lower scores had significantly higher hip fracture risks. In multivariate analyses, only the subdomains time orientation and visual construction remained significant. Further receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that these 2 subdomains could differentiate hip fractures from nonfractures better than total MMSE.

Time orientation and visual construction subdomains are strong predictors for hip fractures and can be used effectively in the hospital to screen patients at high risk of hip fractures. Prospective cohort studies are warranted to further validate this finding.
Intermediate Outcome of a Cruciate-retaining Tibia
Authors: Mesko J. Wesley , Heath Sara , Shen Jianhua
Published: July 2013

The use of an all-polyethylene tibia in total knee arthroplasty is being revisited as a means to decrease backside polyethylene wear and lessen cost. The Depuy Sigma all-polyethylene tibia (Depuy Orthopedics, Warsaw, Indiana) has been reported with good outcomes at a greater than 10-year interval, whereas the Biomet AGC I beam design (Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana) has had a high failure rate at an early interval. This is a retrospective review of another design. One hundred seventy patients (190 cruciate-retaining total knee replacements) with a Scorpio (Stryker, Mahwah, New Jersey) all-polyethylene implant and tibia were identified in the authors’ registry. This implant was chosen for all octogenarians deemed fit for a cruciate-retaining knee and a few septuagenarians who were deemed likely to remain inactive postoperatively for reasons other than knee arthritis. Mean follow-up was 38 months (range, 24–83 months). Mean patient age was 83.1 years (range, 72.7–93.8 years). Twenty-seven patients (29 knees) were lost to follow-up. Nineteen patients (24 knees) died before 24-month follow-up; all implants were in place, and no deaths were associated with the index procedure. Fifty-one patients (55 knees) were followed by telephone interview only and 75 patients (81 knees) by an office visit with radiograph analysis. One tibia revision was performed 2 months postoperatively for an implant placed in extension and varus. No infections, component wear, radiolucent lines, or impending revisions of the remaining cohort occurred. Lower Extremity Activity Scale scores ranged from 2 to 10 (mean score, 6.8), which demonstrated success even in patients with an active lifestyle. This previously unreported design is a promising all-polyethylene tibia alternative for total knee arthroplasty in older patients.
Blocking Screws for the Treatment of Distal Femur Fractures
Authors: Seyhan Mustafa , Cakmak Selami , Donmez Ferdi , Gereli Arel
Published: July 2013

Intramedullary nailing is one of the most convenient biological options for treating distal femoral fractures. Because the distal medulla of the femur is wider than the middle diaphysis and intramedullary nails cannot completely fill the intramedullary canal, intramedullary nailing of distal femoral fractures can be difficult when trying to obtain adequate reduction. Some different methods exist for achieving reduction. The purpose of this study was determine whether the use of blocking screws resolves varus or valgus and translation and recurvatum deformities, which can be encountered in antegrade and retrograde intramedullary nailing.

Thirty-four patients with distal femoral fractures underwent intramedullary nailing between January 2005 and June 2011. Fifteen patients treated by intramedullary nailing and blocking screws were included in the study. Six patients had distal diaphyseal fractures and 9 had distal diaphyseo-metaphyseal fractures. Antegrade nailing was performed in 7 patients and retrograde nailing was performed in 8. Reduction during surgery and union during follow-up were achieved in all patients with no significant complications. Mean follow-up was 26.6 months. Mean time to union was 12.6 weeks. The main purpose of using blocking screws is to achieve reduction, but they are also useful for maintaining permanent reduction. When inserting blocking screws, the screws must be placed 1 to 3 cm away from the fracture line to avoid from propagation of the fracture. When applied properly and in an adequate way, blocking screws provide an efficient solution for deformities encountered during intramedullary nailing of distal femur fractures.
Posterior Spinal Fusion Using Pedicle Screws
Authors: Athanasakopoulos Michael , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Triantafyllopoulos George , Koufos Spiros , Pneumaticos Spiros G.
Published: July 2013

Few clinical studies have reported polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rod pedicle screw spinal instrumentation systems (CD-Horizon Legacy PEEK rods; Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota). This article describes a clinical series of 52 patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion using the PEEK Rod System between 2007 and 2010. Of the 52 patients, 25 had degenerative disk disease, 10 had lateral recess stenosis, 6 had degenerative spondylolisthesis, 6 had lumbar spine vertebral fracture, 4 had combined lateral recess stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis, and 1 had an L5 giant cell tumor. Ten patients had 1-segment fusion, 29 had 2-segment fusion, and 13 had 3-segment fusion. Mean follow-up was 3 years (range, 1.5–4 years); no patient was lost to follow-up. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Oswestry Disability Index and a low back and leg visual analog pain scale. Imaging evaluation of fusion was performed with standard and dynamic radiographs. Complications were recorded. Mean Oswestry Disability Index scores improved from 76% preoperatively (range, 52%–90%) to 48% at 6 weeks postoperatively, and to 34%, 28%, and 30% at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. Mean low back and leg pain improved from 8 and 9 points preoperatively, respectively, to 6 and 5 points immediately postoperatively, respectively, and to 2 points each thereafter. Imaging union of the arthrodesis was observed in 50 (96%) patients by 1-year follow-up. Two patients sustained screw breakage: 1 had painful loss of sagittal alignment of the lumbar spine and underwent revision spinal surgery with pedicle screws and titanium rods and the other had superficial wound infection and was treated with wound dressing changes and antibiotics for 6 weeks. No adjacent segment degeneration was observed in any patient until the time of this writing.
Failure of a Modular Hip Implant at the Stem-Sleeve Interface
Authors: Mehran Nima , North Trevor , Laker Michael
Published: July 2013

In the current era of total hip arthroplasty (THA), orthopedic surgeons have several fixation options at their disposal. The modern monoblock prosthesis, introduced by Dr. Sir John Charnley, has seen many modifications since its inception in the 1970s and continues to be the most commonly used prosthesis style for primary and revision THA. Proximal modular sleeve technology was introduced in 1967 by Konstantin Sivash, modifying his original 1956 Sivash Stem design. The design is now known as the S-ROM, and although design modifications continue to date, the fundamental structure of the S-ROM remains essentially unchanged. Several other proximal modular prostheses are now currently available for use in THA. Although this similarity in design enables considerable surgical flexibility, it also links their potential for catastrophic failure.

This aim of this article was to present a brief history of proximal modularity in THA and to add to the small body of literature regarding catastrophic failure in modular hip implants, including its proposed etiologies including micromotion, fretting and corrosion.
‘I am like a green olive tree’: The Wisdom context of Psalm 52
Authors: Botha Philippus J.
Published: July 2013

The article revisits the thesis of Walter Beyerlin from 1980 that Psalm 52 is a paraenetic- didactic Wisdom poem from the late Persian period. Beyerlin reached his conclusion from a comparison of Psalm 52 with post-exilic Wisdom psalms such as Psalms 37, 49, and 73. The direct literary influence that Psalm 52 received from the book of Proverbs and the motifs it shares with Jeremiah 9 are investigated here, since the author contends that the Wisdom influence on the Psalm was even greater than Beyerlin had envisaged. The article comes to the conclusion that the author(s) of the Psalm attempted to compose a psalm by establishing a network of allusions to a corpus of authoritative texts, inter alia, the Wisdom psalms. The end product is a brilliant composition which interprets the teaching of Proverbs for the needs of a group of Jewish believers who probably lived at the end of the Persian period.
Three Cases of Combined Therapy in Primary Breast Lymphoma (PBL) with Successful Outcomes
Authors: Inic Zorka , Inic Momcilo , Zegarac Milan , Inic Ivana , Pupic Gordana
Published: July 2013

Primary malignant lymphoma of the breast is a rare tumor, defined as a tumor localized in the breast with or without axillary lymph-node metastases. Such a tumor is mainly found in female patients and located more frequently in the right breast. It is difficult to make primary breast lymphoma (PBL) diagnosis before operation, and PBL diagnosis is mainly based on pathological biopsy and immunohistochemical staining. In this paper, the cases of three patients who had PBL, and who were treated for it at the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia between 2008 and 2012, are reviewed and discussed. These cases of PBL had no recorded reoccurrence of the disease and were originally treated by surgery, radiotherapy R-CHOP, and/or chemotherapy. While there is no consensus to the question of how to best treat PBL (ie, with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combined therapy), it is hoped that this review will offer insight into successful treatment procedures for tumors of this category.
Spatial Arrangement of Legionella Colonies in Intact Biofilms from a Model Cooling Water System
Authors: Taylor Michael , Ross Kirstin , Bentham Richard
Published: July 2013

There is disagreement among microbiologists about whether Legionella requires a protozoan host in order to replicate. This research sought to determine where in biofilm Legionellae are found and whether all biofilm associated Legionella would be located within protozoan hosts. While it is accepted that Legionella colonizes biofilm, its life cycle and nutritional fastidiousness suggest that Legionella employs multiple survival strategies to persist within microbial systems. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) demonstrated an undulating biofilm surface architecture and a roughly homogenous distribution of heterotrophic bacteria with clusters of protozoa. Legionella displayed 3 distinct spatial arrangements either contained within or directly associated with protozoa, or dispersed in loosely associated clusters or in tightly packed aggregations of cells forming dense colonial clusters. The formation of discreet clusters of tightly packed Legionella suggests that colony formation is influenced by specific environmental conditions allowing for limited extracellular replication. This work represents the first time that an environmentally representative, multispecies biofilm containing Legionella has been fluorescently tagged and Legionella colony morphology noted within a complex microbial system.
Photon Dose Calculation Method Based on Monte Carlo Finite-Size Pencil Beam Model in Accurate Radiotherapy
Authors: Zheng Huaqing , Sun Guangyao , Li Gui , Cao Ruifen , Pei Xi , Hu Liqin , Song Gang , Wu Yican
Published: July 2013

This study mainly focused on the key technologies, the photon dose calculation based on the Monte Carlo Finite-Size Pencil Beam (MCFSPB) model in the Accurate Radiotherapy System (ARTS). In the MCFSPB model, the acquisition of pencil beam kernel is one of the most important technologies. In this study, by analyzing the demerits of the clinical pencil beam dose calculation methods, a new pencil beam kernel model was developed based on the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and the technology of medical accelerator energy spectrum reconstruction. which greatly improved the accuracy of calculated result. According to the axial symmetry principle, only part of simulation results was used for the data of pencil beam kernel, which greatly reduced the data quantity of the pencil beam and reduced calculated time. Based on the above studies, the MCFSPB method was designed and implemented by the Visual C++ development tool. With several tests including the comparisons among the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) No. 55 Report sample and the ion chamber measurement of lung-simulating inhomogeneous phantom in clinical treatment plan, the results showed that the maximum error of most calculated point was less than 0.5% in the homogeneous phantom and less than 3% in the heterogeneous phantom. This method met the clinical criteria, and would be expected to be used as a fast and accurate dose engine for clinic TPS.
Drift-corrected trends and periodic variations in MIPAS IMK/IAA ozone measurements
Authors: Eckert E. , von Clarmann T. , Kiefer M. , Stiller G. P. , Lossow S. , Glatthor N. , Degenstein D. A. , Froidevaux L. , Godin-Beekmann S. , Leblanc T. , McDermid S. , Pastel M. , Steinbrecht W. , Swart D. P. J. , Walker K. A. , Bernath P. F.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Drifts, trends and periodic variations were calculated from monthly zonally averaged ozone profiles. The ozone profiles, among many other species, were derived from level-1b data of the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) by means of the scientific level-2 processor run by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Meteorlogy and Climate Research (IMK). All trend and drift analyses were performed using a multilinear parametric trend model which includes a linear term, several harmonics with period lengths from three to twenty four months and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). Drifts at 2-sigma significance level were mainly negative for ozone relative to Aura MLS and Odin OSIRIS and negative or near zero for most of the comparisons to Lidar measurements. Lidar stations used here include those at Hohenpeissenberg (47.8° N, 11.0° E), Lauder (45.0° S, 169.7° E), Mauna Loa (19.5° N, 155.6° W), Observatoire Haute Provence (43.9° N, 5.7° E) and Table Mountain (34.4° N, 117.7° W). Drifts against ACE-FTS were found to be mostly insignificant. The assessed MIPAS ozone trends cover the time period of July 2002 to April 2012 and range from -0.5 ppmv decade-1 to +0.5 ppmv decade-1 depending on altitude and latitude. From the drift analyses we derive that the real ozone trends might be slighly more positive/less negative than those calculated from the MIPAS data, by conceding the possibility of MIPAS having a very small (approx. within -0.3 ppmv decade-1) negative drift for ozone. This leads to drift-corrected trends of -0.4 ppmv decade-1 to +0.55 ppmv decade-1 for the time period covered by MIPAS Envisat measurements with very few negative and large areas of positive trends, which is in good agreement with recent literature. Differences of the trends compared with recent literature could be explained by a possible shift of the subtropical mixing barriers. Results for the altitude-latitude distribution of amplitudes of the quasi-biennial, annual and the semi-annual oscillation are also in very good agreement with recent findings.
Best usage of free-space capacitors in ASIC regulators
Authors: Maier T. , Droste D. , Siegel M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. In this work we examine how to improve the performance of voltage regulators in application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) by placing capacitors into free layout space. The problem arising after layout, when there are areas not covered by functional elements, is where to connect the free-space capacitors (FSCs), as they can be connected to the input or the output net of a voltage regulator. Therefore we designed a testbench for mathematical calculations and one for simulations to identify the influence of a capacitance connected at these certain positions. We mainly focused on PSR analysis while not losing sight of transient effects. The results of calculation and simulation illustrate that the best solution is to split the capacitance half by half to both possible nets if no output capacitance was installed during design. Otherwise a ratio of one to one for input capacitance to output capacitance has to be set up for best performance.
An identification procedure of multi-input Wiener models for the distortion analysis of nonlinear circuits
Authors: Weng T. , Stegemann S. , John W. , Mathis W.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. In this contribution, a system identification procedure of a two-input Wiener model suitable for the analysis of the disturbance behavior of integrated nonlinear circuits is presented. The identified block model is comprised of two linear dynamic and one static nonlinear block, which are determined using an parameterized approach. In order to characterize the linear blocks, an correlation analysis using a white noise input in combination with a model reduction scheme is adopted. After having characterized the linear blocks, from the output spectrum under single tone excitation at each input a linear set of equations will be set up, whose solution gives the coefficients of the nonlinear block. By this data based black box approach, the distortion behavior of a nonlinear circuit under the influence of an interfering signal at an arbitrary input port can be determined. Such an interfering signal can be, for example, an electromagnetic interference signal which conductively couples into the port of consideration.
Ein stochastisches Modell zur Beschreibung von Signalen in digitalen Schaltungen basierend auf quadratischer Optimierung
Authors: Kleeberger V. B. , Maier P. , Schlichtmann U.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Die kontinuierlich fortschreitende Miniaturisierung in integrierten Schaltungen führt zu einem erhöhten Modellierungsbedarf verschiedenster Effekte, wie z.B. Alterung oder Stromverbrauch. Diese hängen von den auftretenden Signalen innerhalb der Schaltung ab, wodurch deren statistische Modellierung ein zentrales Problem darstellt. Dieser Beitrag stellt eine neue Methode zur stochastischen Signalmodellierung basierend auf quadratischer Optimierung vor. Die Methode wird mit Hilfe von realen Daten mit existierenden Ansätzen verglichen. Die Testergebnisse zeigen hierbei im vorgestellten Modell einen Genauigkeitszuwachs von bis zu einem Faktor 10 im Vergleich zu bereits existierenden Modellen.
Enhanced sporadic E occurrence rates during the Geminid meteor showers 2006–2010
Authors: Jacobi C. , Arras C. , Wickert J.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Northern Hemisphere midlatitude sporadic E (Es) layer occurrence rates derived from FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC GPS radio occultation (RO) measurements during the Geminid meteor showers 2006–2010 are compared with meteor rates obtained with the Collm (51.3° N, 13.0° E) VHF meteor radar. In most years, Es rates increase after the shower, with a short delay of few days. This indicates a possible link between meteor influx and the production of metallic ions that may form Es. There is an indication that the increase propagates downward, probably partly caused by tidal wind shear. However, the correlation between Es rates and meteor flux varies from year to year. A strong correlation is found especially in 2009, while in 2010 Es rates even decrease during the shower. This indicates that additional processes significantly influence Es occurrence also during meteor showers. A possible effect of the semidiurnal tide is found. During years with weaker tidal wind shear, the correlation between Es and meteor rates is even weaker.
Apparent optical properties of the Canadian Beaufort Sea – Part 1: Observational overview and water column relationships
Authors: Antoine D. , Hooker S. B. , Bélanger S. , Matsuoka A. , Babin M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. A data set of radiometric measurements collected in the Beaufort Sea (Canadian Arctic) in August 2009 (Malina project) is analyzed in order to describe apparent optical properties (AOPs) in this sea, which has been subject to dramatic environmental changes for several decades. The two properties derived from the measurements are the spectral diffuse attenuation coefficient for downward irradiance, Kd, and the spectral remote sensing reflectance, Rrs. The former controls light propagation in the upper water column. The latter determines how light is backscattered out of the water and becomes eventually observable from a satellite ocean color sensor. The data set includes offshore clear waters of the Beaufort Basin as well as highly turbid waters of the Mackenzie River plumes. In the clear waters, we show Kd values that are much larger in the ultraviolet and blue parts of the spectrum than what could be anticipated considering the chlorophyll concentration. A larger contribution of absorption by colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is responsible for these high Kd values, as compared to other oligotrophic areas. In turbid waters, attenuation reaches extremely high values, driven by high loads of particulate materials and also by a large CDOM content. In these two extreme types of waters, current satellite chlorophyll algorithms fail. This questions the role of ocean color remote sensing in the Arctic when Rrs from only the blue and green bands are used. Therefore, other parts of the spectrum (e.g., the red) should be explored if one aims at quantifying interannual changes in chlorophyll in the Arctic from space. The very peculiar AOPs in the Beaufort Sea also advocate for developing specific light propagation models when attempting to predict light availability for photosynthesis at depth.
Apparent optical properties of the Canadian Beaufort Sea – Part 2: The 1% and 1 cm perspective in deriving and validating AOP data products
Authors: Hooker S. B. , Morrow J. H. , Matsuoka A.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. A next-generation in-water profiler designed to measure the apparent optical properties (AOPs) of seawater was developed and validated across a wide dynamic range of in-water properties. The new free-falling instrument, the Compact-Optical Profiling System (C-OPS), was based on sensors built with a cluster of 19 state-of-the-art microradiometers spanning 320–780 nm and a novel kite-shaped backplane. The new backplane includes tunable ballast, a hydrobaric buoyancy chamber, plus pitch and roll adjustments, to provide unprecedented stability and vertical resolution in near-surface waters. A unique data set was collected as part of the development activity plus the first major field campaign that used the new instrument, the Malina expedition to the Beaufort Sea in the vicinity of the Mackenzie River outflow. The data were of sufficient resolution and quality to show that errors – more correctly, uncertainties – in the execution of data sampling protocols were measurable at the 1% and 1 cm level with C-OPS. A theoretical sensitivity analysis as a function of three water types established by the peak in the remote sensing reflectance spectrum, Rrs(λ), revealed which water types and which parts of the spectrum were the most sensitive to data acquisition uncertainties. Shallow riverine waters were the most sensitive water type, and the ultraviolet and near-infrared spectral end members, which are critical to next-generation satellite missions, were the most sensitive parts of the spectrum. The sensitivity analysis also showed how the use of data products based on band ratios significantly mitigated the influence of data acquisition uncertainties. The unprecedented vertical resolution provided high-quality data products, which supported an alternative classification capability based on the spectral diffuse attenuation coefficient, Kd(λ). The Kd(320) and Kd(780) data showed how complex coastal systems can be distinguished two-dimensionally and how near-ice water masses are different from the neighboring open ocean. Finally, an algorithm for predicting the spectral absorption due to colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), denoted aCDOM(λ), was developed using the Kd(320) / Kd(780) ratio, which was based on a linear relationship with respect to aCDOM(440). The robustness of the approach was established by expanding the use of the algorithm to include a geographically different coastal environment, the Southern Mid-Atlantic Bight, with no significant change in accuracy (approximately 98% of the variance explained). Alternative spectral end members reminiscent of next-generation (340 and 710 nm) as well as legacy satellite missions (412 and 670 nm) were also used to accurately derive aCDOM(440) from Kd(λ) ratios.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty on Violence and Marxism
Authors: Chiujdea Mihnea
Published: July 2013

This article aims to examine the main tenets of Merleau-Ponty’s political thought. To this end, his early Marxism and his later support for Liberalism are contextualised within Merleau-Ponty’s philosophical work, put into relation and both criticised. The focus of the discussion is shifted onto the role and locus of the political thinker in order to evaluate the scope of a political project such as Marxism might have. It is divided into three sections. The first explores the themes of the philosophy developed until the early 1950s. The two sections that follow aim to critique his later work and to integrate and relate its arguments to earlier writings.
The natural refuge policy for Bt cotton (Gossypium L.) in Pakistan – a situation analysis
Authors: Sajjad Ali Muhammad
Published: July 2013

Bt cotton (event Cry1Ac) was formally commercialized in Pakistan in 2010. However, there has been an increasing trend of planting unauthorized Bt cotton germplasm in farmers' fields since 2003 with a high rate of adoption in the core cotton areas especially in the province Punjab. The transgenic cotton technology has provided the growers with substantial economic benefits and has reduced their dependence on pesticides for pest control, especially against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). However, keeping in view the capacity of this insect to develop resistance against novel chemical formulations, it is easily speculated that Bt toxin, too, is no exception. Refuge crop policy for mono transgenic crop events has helped in delaying the rate of resistance evolution in the target pests. Thus, in Pakistan, where planting of structured refuge crops along Bt cotton fields is not mandatory, the effectiveness and durability of Bt cotton technology may decrease due to a number of factors which are discussed in this review.
Morphactin stimulates stem elongation and thickening in decapitated shoots of Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb.
Authors: Miyamoto Kensuke , Marasek-Ciołakowska Agnieszka , Góraj Justyna , Węgrzynowicz-Lesiak Elżbieta , Ueda Junichi , Saniewski Marian
Published: July 2013

Morphactin, methyl 2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate (IT 3456), is a synthetic growth regulator with a unique action affecting various morphogenetic and physiological processes in plants, and has been characterized as a specific inhibitor of auxin polar transport. Morphactin applied at the last internode in decapitated shoots of Bryophyllum calycinum substantially stimulated elongation and thickening of the internode. Benzyladenine applied alone little affected stem elongation and thickening. Simultaneous application of benzyladenine and morphactin showed a synergistic effect on thickening, while it did not on elongation. These results suggest that morphactin translocated basipetally from the top of the treated internode inhibits auxin polar transport from the internode, resulting in the accumulation of endogenous auxin for elongation and thickening in the treated internode of decapitated shoots of Bryophyllum calycinum.
Assessment of cross compatibility of pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars on the basis of pollen tube observations and analysis of the S-RNase gene
Authors: Antkowiak Wojciech , Wojciechowski Andrzej , Wolko Łukasz , Łysiak Grzegorz
Published: July 2013

Diallel crosses of P. communis cultivars: 'Amfora', 'Radana', 'Red Williams', 'Carola', 'Conference', and 'Dicolor', were conducted under orchard and laboratory conditions at temperatures of 20°C and 28°C . Based on pollen tube observations and after the determination of the S genotypes, the usefulness of these pear cultivars as cross pollinators was evaluated as good and very good.
The effect of water extracts from leaves of Festuca rubra, F. ovina and F. Arundinacea on the initial growth and development of other grass species
Authors: Lipińska Halina , Sykut Magdalena , Harkot Wanda
Published: July 2013

The allelopathic effect of plants is one of the least known factors determining the stability of lawn swards. Leaves are a rich source of allelopathic substances. Washed out by rain or dew drops, or released during biomass decomposition, these substances can impact plants. In practice, cut sward is often left on the lawn surface and can have an allelopathic effect on regrowing plants. The effect of released allelochemicals depends on many factors, including their concentration. Hence, in order to maintain the high functional properties of the lawn, information is needed on the critical concentrations of allelochemicals inhibiting plant growth and development. Laboratory research was thus undertaken (on Petri dishes) to evaluate the effect of various water extracts of leaves of selected lawn grass cultivars. The following cultivars were the donors: 'Areta', 'Nimba', 'Olivia' (Festuca rubra); 'Espro', 'Pintor' (F. ovina),and 'Asterix' (F. arundinacea), while the acceptors were: 'Niwa' (Agrostis capillaris), 'Asterix' (Festuca arundinacea), 'Espro' (F. ovina), 'Areta' (F. rubra), 'Stadion' (Lolium perenne), and 'Bila' (Poa pratensis) – the species frequently sown in lawns. In the control treatments, distilled water was applied to the substrate.

The experiment revealed that the effect of water extracts of leaves varied depending on their concentration and donor variety as well as the sensitivity of the acceptor (the test plant). In comparison with the control treatments, the strongest negative impact was caused by the cultivars 'Olivia' (F. rubra)and 'Pintor' (F. ovina), followed by 'Asterix' (F. arundinacea). Among the acceptors, the greatest sensitivity to the presence of allelochemicals was shown by A. capillaris, and the smallest by F. arundinacea.
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Effect of Rhizobium inoculation of seeds and foliar fertilization on productivity of Pisum sativum L.
Authors: Zając Tadeusz , Klimek-Kopyra Agnieszka , Oleksy Andrzej
Published: July 2013

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is the second most important grain legume crop in the world which has a wide array of uses for human food and fodder. One of the major factors that determines the use of field pea is the yield potential of cultivars. Presently, pre-sowing inoculation of pea seeds and foliar application of microelement fertilizers are prospective solutions and may be reasonable agrotechnical options. This research was undertaken because of the potentially high productivity of the 'afila' morphotype in good wheat complex soils. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of vaccination with Rhizobium and foliar micronutrient fertilization on yield of the afila pea variety. The research was based on a two-year (2009–2010) controlled field experiment, conducted in four replicates and carried out on the experimental field of the Bayer company located in Modzurów, Silesian region. experimental field soil was Umbrisol – slightly degraded chernozem, formed from loess. Nitragina inoculant, as a source of symbiotic bacteria, was applied before sowing seeds. Green area index (GAI) of the canopy, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were determined at characteristic growth stages. The presented results of this study on symbiotic nitrogen fixation by leguminous plants show that the combined application of Nitragina and Photrel was the best combination for productivity. Remote measurements of the pea canopy indexes indicated the formation of the optimum leaf area which effectively used photosynthetically active radiation. The use of Nitragina as a donor of effective Rhizobium for pea plants resulted in slightly higher GAI values and the optimization of PAR and NDVI. It is not recommended to use foliar fertilizers or Nitragina separately due to the slowing of pea productivity.
The diversity of fungi colonizing necrotic inflorescence buds of rhododendron (Rhododendron L.)
Authors: Żołna Małgorzata , Kierpiec-Baran Barbara , Kowalik Maria
Published: July 2013

The infection of rhododendron (Rhododendron L.) inflorescence buds caused by pathogenic fungi induces its browning, withering, and dieback. The identification of fungi causing the infection of rhododendron inflorescence buds can be a reason for creating new improved cultivars with genetically determined resistance to pathogens. The investigations were carried out in 2010–2011 on the collection of ornamental plants of the Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Kraków. The material comprised infected inflorescence buds collected from nine newly bred taxa and one botanical species of rhododendron. 596 colonies of fungi belonging to 31 species were isolated from infected rhododendron inflorescence buds. The dominant species were: Pestalotiopsis sydowiana, Truncatella truncata, Alternaria alternata, Phialophora asteris, and Trichoderma viride, which constituted almost 74% of the isolated fungi population. Boeremia exigua var. exigua, Epicoccum nigrum, Fusarium poae, Mammaria echinobotryoides, Paraphoma chrysanthemicola, Phialophora cyclaminis, Phoma eupyrena, Talaromyces wortmannii, Umbelopsis isabellina, and other fungi were isolated in a lower number.

The results of mycological analysis confirm the diversity of species colonizing necrotic inflorescence buds of rhododendron.
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Weed infestation of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under the conditions of application of some retardants
Authors: Harasim Elżbieta , Wesołowski Marian
Published: July 2013

A field study was conducted in the period 2004–2007 on grey-brown podzolic soil (sandy). This study analysed the relationship between the use of stem shortening in cereals by means of retardants with the following active substances: chlormequat chloride (Antywylegacz Płynny 675 SL), trinexapac-ethyl (Moddus 250 EC), chlormequat chloride + ethephon (Cecefon 465 SL), and weed infestation. The retardants were applied at the 1st node stage (BBCH 31 – Antywylegacz Płynny 675 SL) and the 2nd node stage of winter wheat (BBCH 32 – Moddus 250 EC and Cecefon 465 SL), together with the adjuvant Atpolan 80 EC (75% of SN 200 mineral oil) or without the adjuvant. Winter wheat, cv. 'Muza', was grown after vetch grown for seed. The whole experiment was sprayed with the herbicides Apyros 75 WG and Starane 250 EC at the full tillering stage (BBCH 29–30). Plots where no growth regulators were used were the control treatment.

Weed density and biomass showed great variation between years. In the winter wheat crop, Veronica persica, Viola arvensis, Veronica arvensis, Capsella bursa-pastoris,and Chenopodium album dominated in the dicotyledonous class, whereas Apera spica-venti, Echinochloa crus-galli,and Elymus repens were predominant among monocotyledonous plants. The level of weed infestation of the winter wheat crop, as measured by the number and air-dry weight of weeds, was significantly differentiated by years and retardants used as well as by interactions of these factors. The adjuvant Atpolan 80 EC did not have a significant effect on the above-mentioned weed infestation parameters.
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Lyapunov‐based MPC with robust moving horizon estimation and its triggered implementation
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Jinfeng
Published: July 2013

In this work, we consider moving horizon state estimation (MHE)‐based model predictive control (MPC) of nonlinear systems. Specifically, we consider the Lyapunov‐based MPC (LMPC) developed in (Mhaskar et al., IEEE Trans Autom Control. 2005;50:1670–1680; Syst Control Lett. 2006;55:650–659) and the robust MHE (RMHE) developed in (Liu J, Chem Eng Sci. 2013;93:376–386). First, we focus on the case that the RMHE and the LMPC are evaluated every sampling time. An estimate of the stability region of the output control system is first established; and then sufficient conditions under which the closed‐loop system is guaranteed to be stable are derived. Subsequently, we propose a triggered implementation strategy for the RMHE‐based LMPC to reduce its computational load. The triggering condition is designed based on measurements of the output and its time derivatives. To ensure the closed‐loop stability, the formulations of the RMHE and the LMPC are also modified accordingly to account for the potential open‐loop operation. A chemical process is used to illustrate the proposed approaches. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4273–4286, 2013
Pelger–huet anomaly and a mild skeletal phenotype secondary to mutations in LBR
Authors: Borovik Lior , Modaff Peggy , Waterham Hans R. , Krentz Anthony D. , Pauli Richard M.
Published: July 2013

The Lamin B receptor (LBR) gene has been described to encode a bifunctional protein. Mutations in the LBR gene can affect neutrophil segmentation and sterol reductase activity and have been associated with two different recognized clinical conditions, Pelger–Huet anomaly (PHA) and Greenberg skeletal dysplasia. PHA is a benign autosomal co‐dominant laminopathy resulting in bilobed neutrophil nuclei in heterozygotes, and unsegmented (ovoid) neutrophil nuclei in homozygotes. Some putative PHA homozygotes have been reported with minor skeletal malformations. Greenberg skeletal dysplasia is a severe autosomal recessive, perinatal lethal dwarfing disorder in which heterozygous carriers are usually without clinical manifestations. We here report a girl who has bilobed neutrophil nuclei and a mild skeletal dysplasia. Mutation analysis showed two novel mutations in the LBR gene: c.651_653 delinsTGATGAGAAA (p.Ile218Aspfs*19) and c.1757G > A (p.Arg586His). These mutations were found to be in trans, and, thus, she is a compound heterozygote. Sterol analysis found trace amounts of cholesta‐8,14‐dien‐3beta‐ol, which is normally undetected in healthy individuals. This and previously reported cases suggest that mutations in LBR can result in a continuum of phenotypic manifestations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Restricted Rotation of σ‐Bonds through a Rigidified Donor Structure to Increase the ICT Ability of Platinum‐Acetylide‐Based DSSCs
Authors: Li Zhong‐Yu , Wu Wenjun , Zhang Qiong , Jin Bin , Hua Jianli , Yang Hai‐Bo , Tian He
Published: July 2013

A series of new triarylamine‐based platinum‐acetylide complexes (WYs) have been designed and synthesized as new sensitizers for applications in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). With the aim of investigating the effect of a rigidifying donor structure on the photoelectrical parameters of the corresponding DSSCs, two new sensitizers, WY1 and WY2, with rigid and coplanar fluorene units as an electron donor, were prepared. Moreover, two sensitizers that contained triphenylamine units as an electron donor, WY3 and WY4, were also synthesized for comparison. The photo‐ and electrochemical properties of all of these new complexes have been extensively explored. We found that the dimethyl‐fluorene unit exhibited a stronger electron‐donating ability and better photovoltaic performance compared to the triphenylamine unit, owing to its rigidifying structure, which restricted the rotation of σ bonds, thus increasing the conjugation efficiency. Furthermore, WY2, which contained a dimethyl‐fluorene unit as an electron donor and bithiophene as a π bridge, showed a relatively high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 640 mV and a PCE of 4.09 %. This work has not only expanded the choice of platinum‐acetylide sensitizers, but also demonstrates the advantages of restricted rotation of donor σ bonds for improved behavior of the corresponding DSSCs.
Optimal transit fare in a bimodal network under demand uncertainty and bounded rationality
Authors: Wei Wang , Huijun Sun , Zhiwei Wang , Jianjun Wu
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates the optimal transit fare in a simple bimodal transportation system that comprises public transport and private car. We consider two new factors: demand uncertainty and bounded rationality. With demand uncertainty, travelers are assumed to consider both the mean travel cost and travel cost variability in their mode choice decision. Under bounded rationality, travelers do not necessarily choose the travel mode of which perceived travel cost is absolutely lower than the one of the other mode. To determine the optimal transit fare, a bi‐level programming is proposed. The upper‐level objective function is to minimize the mean of total travel cost, whereas the lower‐level programming adopts the logit‐based model to describe users' mode choice behaviors. Then a heuristic algorithm based on a sensitivity analysis approach is designed to solve the bi‐level programming. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effect of demand uncertainty and bounded rationality on the modal share, optimal transit fare and system performance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strong resistance of (tridecafluoro‐1,1,2,2‐tetrahydrooctyl)triethoxysilane (TTS) nanofilm to protein adsorption
Authors: Alluri Chandrakanth , Ji Hai‐Feng , Sit PingFai Sidney
Published: July 2013

In this report, the properties of fluorocarbon‐containing (tridecafluoro‐1,1,2,2‐tetrahydrooctyl)triethoxysilane (TTS) (C14H19F13O3Si) nanofilm coated on silicon surface and its potential to resist protein adsorption were examined. Thickness and wettability of the silicon surface before and after TTS nanofilm coating were examined by ellipsometry and contact angle goniometry, respectively. The same techniques were used to examine protein layer on nonmodified and TTS‐coated silicon surface. In addition, bright‐field optical microscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometry were used to provide visual, qualitative description of adsorbed proteins and the specific signal of fluorescence‐labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA), respectively, on bare and TTS‐coated silicon surface. Single‐component protein solution of four model proteins, namely BSA, human fibrinogen, bovine serum immunoglobulin G, and fibronectin, was prepared, and the adsorption responses of these four proteins on TTS nanofilm were examined, using nonmodified silicon surface as comparison. TTS substantially reduces the adsorption of all four proteins tested. Our results indicate that fluorocarbon‐containing TTS, once coated on surfaces, is an effective molecule for resisting protein adsorption. This will open up potential applications, particularly for silicon‐containing implant devices such as glass.
A novel ∼34‐kDa α‐amylase from psychrotroph Exiguobacterium sp. SH3: Production, purification, and characterization
Authors: Mojallali Leila , Shahbani Zahiri Hossein , Rajaei Sarah , Akbari Noghabi Kambiz , Haghbeen Kamahldin
Published: July 2013

An amylase‐producing psychrotroph bacterium was isolated from soil and identified as belonging to the genus Exiguobacterium. A novel cold‐adapted α‐amylase, Amy SH3, was purified from culture medium of this bacterium using acetone precipitation and DEAE‐Sepharose anion‐exchange chromatography. The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated about 34 kDa using SDS‐PAGE. Biochemical characterization of Amy SH3 revealed that the optimum temperature for maximum activity of Amy SH3 was 37°C. However, Amy SH3 was also active at cold temperatures, showing 13% and 39% activity at 0 and 10°C, respectively. The optimum pH for maximum activity of Amy SH3 was pH 7, whereas the amylase was active over a pH range of 5 to 10. The activity of Amy SH3 was enhanced by Co2+ but decreased by Mg2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, and Ca2+. Amy SH3 was able to retain 76% of its activity in the presence of 0.5% SDS. The Km and Vmax of the enzyme were calculated to be 0.06 mg/mL and 4,010 U/mL, respectively. The cold‐adapted Amy SH3 seems very promising for applications at ambient temperature.