bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intervention for High School Latino Students in Preparing for College
Authors: Rodriguez Eric , Rhodes Kent , Aguirre Geoffrey
Published: September 2014

Several factors contribute to a disproportionately lower Latino participation in college education. Foremost among those factors are policies that encourage quick job placement over career development, lack of understanding of the benefits of a college degree, lower expectations for Latino students, poor financial planning, and lack of guidance. A review of the literature shows that the strong work ethic imbued by Latino culture correlates with negative outcomes in college enrollment and completion. Therefore, intervention is required to create positive outcomes. Using Upward Bound as a model for intervention, several types of intervention and their effects are suggested and examined.
Regulatory perspectives on medical device approval in global jurisdictions
Authors: Kaushik Deepak , Rai Shivaji , Dureja Harish , Mittal Vineet , Khatkar Anurag
Published: September 2014

Today medical device sector is evolving to find the new horizons. Medical device approval is a time-consuming process that requires submission of safety, efficacy and quality documentation to national regulatory bodies in various countries. While there are some similarities among the countries regarding medical device regulations, some differences also exist that significantly affect the regulatory scrutiny. This presents a great problem for manufacturers marketing their products in multiple countries. Competent authorities worldwide have begun to realize the problem and collaborate to harmonize the regulations. In the present article regulatory approval procedure is discussed in different jurisdictions such as United States, European Union, Japan, China and India along with comparisons in terms of classification of devices, competent authorities, rules and regulations and quality management systems involved in these countries.
Policy Awareness, Financial Hardship, and Work Impact
Authors: Drapela Laurie A. , Baker Dana Lee
Published: September 2014

Individuals with disabilities often report difficulty interacting with health care professionals. Addressing this challenge requires greater understanding of factors that exacerbate the odds of negative interactions between health care providers and patients with disabilities. Drawing on the qualitative research describing the features of such incidents, we use logistic regression to explore two dimensions of this dynamic: negative experiences with health care providers (e.g., doctors, specialists) and negative experiences with health insurance carriers (e.g., for profit or non-profit health insurance organizations). Using a non-probability sample of American families who have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we find that negative experiences with health care providers are associated with the family’s income level, as well as changes in parental labor force participation. The odds of a negative interaction with the insurance carrier are intensified when the family experiences financial difficulties and when they have a negative experience with the health care provider. Finally, families who are aware of laws and policies regarding ASD also report increased odds of negative experiences with their insurance carrier but not their health care provider. Policy implications of our findings are discussed.
Microstructural characterisation and liquation behaviour of laser welded joint of fine grained AZ91 magnesium alloy thin sheets
Authors: Yang Z. M. , Yan H. G. , Chen J. H. , Su B. , Zhang G. H. , Zhao Q.
Published: September 2014

Fine grained AZ91 sheets of 1 mm in thickness were successfully welded by autogenous laser beam welding and laser beam welding with filler strip. Both welded joints are characterised by fine equiaxed dendrites in the fusion zones and free from significant grain coarsening in the heat affected zones. There are two kinds of liquation reactions in the partially melted zone of the autogenous laser beam welding joint, which are associated with the melting of residual bulky β-Mg17Al12 phase and the constitutional liquation of submicrometre β-Mg17Al12 precipitates. No liquation reaction is detected in the welded joint obtained by laser beam welding with filler strip. The laser beam welding joint with filler strip for AZ91 thin sheets is free from evident collapse.
Deciphering clonality in aneuploid breast tumors using SNP array and sequencing data
Authors: Lönnstedt Ingrid M , Caramia Franco , Li Jason , Fumagalli Debora , Salgado Roberto , Rowan Andrew , Salm Max , Kanu Nnennaya , Savas Peter , Horswell Stuart , Gade Stephan , Loibl Sibylle , Neven Patrick , Sotiriou Christos , Swanton Charles , Loi Sherene , Speed Terence P
Published: September 2014

Intra-tumor heterogeneity concerns the existence of genetically different subclones within the same tumor. Single sample quantification of heterogeneity relies on precise determination of chromosomal copy numbers throughout the genome, and an assessment of whether identified mutation variant allele fractions match clonal or subclonal copy numbers. We discuss these issues using data from SNP arrays, whole exome sequencing and pathologist purity estimates on several breast cancers characterized by ERBB2 amplification. We show that chromosomal copy numbers can only be estimated from SNP array signals or sequencing depths for subclonal tumor samples with simple subclonal architectures under certain assumptions.
Erratum to: Generalized Thompson sampling for sequential decision-making and causal inference
Authors: Ortega Pedro A , Braun Daniel A
Published: September 2014

No abstract.
Utility of Routine Post-Therapy Surveillance Imaging in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Thompson Carrie A. , Ghesquieres Herve , Maurer Matthew J. , Cerhan James R. , Biron Pierre , Ansell Stephen M. , Chassagne-Clément Catherine , Inwards David J. , Gargi Thérèse , Johnston Patrick B. , Nicolas-Virelizier Emmanuelle , Macon William R. , Peix Marie , Micallef Ivana N. , Sebban Catherine , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Porrata Luis F. , Weiner George J. , Witzig Thomas E. , Habermann Thomas M. , Link Brian K.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

We examined the utility of post-therapy surveillance imaging in a large, prospectively enrolled cohort of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) from the United States and confirmed our results in an independent cohort of patients from France.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL and treated with anthracycline-based immunochemotherapy were identified from the Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) of the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma Specialized Program of Research Excellence and the Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon, France. In those with relapse, details at relapse and outcomes were abstracted from records.

Results

680 individuals with DLBCL were identified from the MER, 552 (81%) of whom achieved remission after induction. 112 of the 552 patients (20%) suffered a relapse. The majority (64%) of relapses were identified before a scheduled follow-up visit. Surveillance imaging detected DLBCL relapse before clinical manifestations in nine out of 552 patients (1.6%) observed after therapy. In the Lyon cohort, imaging identified asymptomatic DLBCL relapse in four out of 222 patients (1.8%). There was no difference in survival after DLBCL relapse in patients detected at scheduled follow-up versus before scheduled follow-up in both the MER (P = .56) and Lyon cohorts (P = .25).

Conclusion

The majority of DLBCL relapses are detected outside of planned follow-up, with no difference in outcome in patients with DLBCL detected at a scheduled visit compared with patients with relapse detected outside of planned follow-up. These data do not support the use of routine surveillance imaging for follow-up of DLBCL.
Body Mass Index and Risk of Second Obesity-Associated Cancers After Colorectal Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Gibson Todd M. , Park Yikyung , Robien Kim , Shiels Meredith S. , Black Amanda , Sampson Joshua N. , Purdue Mark P. , Beane Freeman Laura E. , Andreotti Gabriella , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Albanes Demetrius , Fraumeni Joseph F. , Curtis Rochelle E. , Berrington de Gonzalez Amy , Morton Lindsay M.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

To determine whether prediagnostic body mass index (BMI) is associated with risk of second obesity-associated cancers in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, and whether CRC survivors have increased susceptibility to obesity-associated cancer compared with cancer-free individuals.

Patients and Methods

Incident first primary CRC cases (N = 11,598) were identified from five prospective cohort studies. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to examine associations between baseline (prediagnostic) BMI and risk of second obesity-associated cancers (postmenopausal breast, kidney, pancreas, esophageal adenocarcinoma, endometrium) in CRC survivors, and compared associations to those for first obesity-associated cancers in the full cohort.

Results

Compared with survivors with normal prediagnostic BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), those who were overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2) or obese (30+ kg/m2) had greater risk of a second obesity-associated cancer (n = 224; overweight hazard ratio [HR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.92; obese HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.12; per 5-unit change in BMI HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.29). The magnitude of risk for developing a first primary obesity-associated cancer was similar (overweight HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.21; obese HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.56 to 1.66; per 5-unit change in BMI HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.24). Before diagnosis CRC patients were somewhat more likely than the overall cohort to be overweight (44% v 41%) or obese (25% v 21%).

Conclusion

CRC survivors who were overweight or obese before diagnosis had increased risk of second obesity-associated cancers compared with survivors with normal weight. The risks were similar in magnitude to those observed for first cancers in this population, suggesting increased prevalence of overweight or obesity, rather than increased susceptibility, may contribute to elevated second cancer risks in colorectal cancer survivors compared with the general population. These results support emphasis of existing weight guidelines for this high-risk group.
Non-human lnc-DC orthologs encode Wdnm1-like protein
Authors: Dijkstra Johannes M. , Ballingall Keith T.
Published: September 2014

In a recent publication in Science, Wang et al. found a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expressed in human dendritic cells (DC), which they designated lnc-DC. Based on lentivirus-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) experiments in human and murine systems, they concluded that lnc-DC is important in differentiation of monocytes into DC. However, Wang et al. did not mention that their so-called “mouse lnc-DC ortholog” gene was already designated “Wdnm1-like” and is known to encode a small secreted protein.  We found that incapacitation of the Wdnm1-like open reading frame (ORF) is very rare among mammals, with all investigated primates except for hominids having an intact ORF. The null-hypothesis by Wang et al. therefore should have been that the human lnc-DC transcript might only represent a non-functional relatively young evolutionary remnant of a protein coding locus.  Whether this null-hypothesis can be rejected by the experimental data presented by Wang et al. depends in part on the possible off-target (immunogenic or otherwise) effects of their RNAi procedures, which were not exhaustive in regard to the number of analyzed RNAi sequences and control sequences.  If, however, the conclusions by Wang et al. on their human model are correct, and they may be, current knowledge regarding the Wdnm1-like locus suggests an intriguing combination of different functions mediated by transcript and protein in the maturation of several cell types at some point in evolution. We feel that the article by Wang et al. tends to be misleading without the discussion presented here.
The Dissolution of Amorphous Silica in the Presence of Tropolone Under Acidic Conditions
Authors: Etou Mayumi , Tsuji Yutaka , Somiya Kenji , Okaue Yoshihiro , Yokoyama Takushi
Published: September 2014

Dissolution of amorphous silica or silicate is an important reaction to release silicic acid in natural water and this reaction is affected by several factors. The existence of a natural organic compound, tropolone, because of its abundance, is of particular importance. In the present study, the dissolution of amorphous silica in the presence of tropolone (HL) was investigated in an aqueous solution under acidic conditions. The dissolution is controlled by the reaction between silicic acid and tropolone (Si(OH)4 + 3HL + H+ ⇌ SiL3+ + 4H2O), where the conditional formation constant K = [SiL3+]/[Si(OH)4][HL]3[H+]). The solubility of amorphous silica in the presence of tropolone was significantly greater than that in pure water due to the formation of the Si-tropolonate complex in the solution. The acceleration of silica dissolution by tropolone depends on the reaction pH and tropolone concentration. The solubility of the amorphous silica in the tropolone solution at pH 1 was approximately ten times greater than in the 0.1 mol/dm3 HCl used as a reference. This increase in the solubility correlates to a K value of the Si-tropolone complex at each pH. From the solubility experiments, the conditional formation constants (log K) of the Si-tropolonate complex at each reaction pH 1, 2, and 3 were 6.39, 5.88, and 5.77, respectively. The significant acceleration of the dissolution of amorphous silica by tropolone at pH 1 can be attributed to the large formation constant of the Si-tropolonate complex.
Stand dynamics modelling approaches for multicohort management of eastern Canadian boreal forests
Authors: Groot Arthur , Gauthier Sylvie , Bergeron Yves
Published: September 2014

The objective of this paper is to discuss approaches and issues related to modelling stand dynamics for multi-cohort forest management in eastern Canadian boreal forests. In these forests, the interval between wildfires can be rather long, and the development of natural forest stands may include the establishment, growth and mortality of several cohorts of trees. Later cohorts are characterised by increasing structural complexity, including spatial heterogeneity and irregular tree size distribution. A multi-cohort forest management framework has been proposed to maintain this complexity, and associated biodiversity, on the landscape. Multi-cohort forest management planning requires forecasts of the development of stands with complex structure in response to silvicultural treatment and to natural disturbance, but current stand dynamics models in the region are applicable mainly to even-aged mono-specific stands. Possible modelling approaches for complex stands include i) the adaptation of current whole-stand growth and yield models, ii) distance-independent, empirically-derived individual-tree models, such as the USDA Forest Service Forest Vegetation Simulator, and iii) distance-dependent, empirically-derived or process-oriented individual-tree models. We conclude that individual-tree models are needed because observational data for fitting whole-stand models are not available for the full array of silvicultural treatments and natural disturbances encompassed by multi-cohort forest management. Predictive accuracy is a concern with individual-tree models, and the incorporation of coarse-scale constraints into these models is a promising means to control error.
Logistic services as a competitive means – segmenting the retail market for softwood lumber
Authors: Gustafsson Åsa
Published: September 2014

Softwood lumber has been considered traditionally as commodity. Subsequently brand names and trademarks were of subordinate value and competition was based on price. Recently, retailers have grown substantially and are forcing their suppliers to improve the production and delivery of products. As retailers are getting more diverse and powerful, suppliers are forced to adapt to the retailersâ service requirements. The new situation also brings opportunities for the sawmills to develop their competitive advantage. The retail industry is continuously changing, and in order for sawmills to develop and offer what retailers are asking for, it is necessary that they understand and interpret retailersâ requirements correctly. One way for sawmills to be successful is to develop accurate service elements and to use the service elements as a segmentation base in order to structure their customer base. This study shows that retailers place considerable emphasis on delivery and value-added logistical services. It generates three hypotheses concerning the following potential retail segments; turnover, category, and customer base.
Effect of boric acid treatment on mechanical properties of laminated beech veneer lumber
Authors: Colakoglu Gürsel , Colak Semra , Aydin Ismail , Yildiz Umit , Yildiz Sibel
Published: September 2014

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) made from beech wood veneers treated with boric acid by using dipping method was tested for some mechanical properties following different standards. The values for treated LVL varied around the mean values of untreated LVL panels for static bending strength in the grain direction and modulus of elasticity; decreased for compression and splitting strengths, perpendicular to the grain; increased for compression strength parallel to the grain, and for Brinell hardness and pull-out strength of screw, perpendicular to surface.
Relation between soil properties and tree species composition in a Scots pine–Norway spruce stand in southern Finland
Authors: Levula Janne , Ilvesniemi Hannu , Westman Carl
Published: September 2014

It is commonly known in Finland that Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is a tree of dry soils and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L) Karst.) is a tree of fresh soils. However, the concepts of dry and fresh soils still lack a precise definition. Consequently, the discussion on which soil/site is a pine or spruce habitat has continued over several decades. Moreover, in forest regeneration, the practice of tree species selection between the pine and the spruce has varied. We investigated the relationship between soil properties and pineâspruce species composition in a mature, naturally regenerated stand in southern Finland. We applied spatial analysis to divide the stand area up into 3â7 classes based on selected soil properties and then investigated the variations in species composition among those classes. The pineâspruce basal area ratio (BA of pines / BA of spruces) increased along with increasing mean particle size and proportion of coarse sand and gravel particle size fraction (0.6â20 mm) of mineral soil, and was lowest in classes, with the highest proportions of fine texture fractions. The results suggest that in southern Finland on sorted soils, pine is more competitive in regeneration and growth than spruce when mean particle size is above 0.44 mm or percentage of coarse sand and gravel is higher than 50%.
Destroying a path to the past – the loss of culturally scarred trees and change in forest structure along Allmunvägen, in mid-west boreal Sweden
Authors: Ericsson Tysk , Östlund Lars , Andersson Rikard
Published: September 2014

The tradition to blaze trees to mark trails and boundaries is very old in northern Scandinavia. The disappearance of culturally modified trees (i.e. trees with trail blazes) and changes in forest structure along a section of an old bridle trail in boreal Sweden was analyzed using historical maps and forest surveys from the period 1876 to the year 2000. Remaining blazed trees were located during a field study and selected scars were dated. In total 104 scarred living and dead trees were found. The scars originated from the early 1500s to the early 1900s. Analysis of the forest surveys showed that the forest along the trail was dominated by older trees, and that the majority of the scarred trees probably were present, throughout the 19th century. By the mid 20th century logging had begun to affect the tree age along the trail and in 1974 no stands older than 180 years were present. A conservative estimate shows that around 90% of the original blazed trees have vanished. The trail was interpreted as have being lined for centuries with scarred trees which gradually have been destroyed during the 20th century. Culturally modified trees constitute an unique source of information for understanding pattern of old trails as well as of past human land use and movement in the landscape prior to the 20th century. This biological archive have to a large extent been destroyed by forestry activities and it is therefore very important to survey, recount and protect the trees that are still present.
Diversity and distribution pattern of bryophytes and vascular plants in a boreal spruce forest
Authors: Vellak Kai , Paal Jaanus , Liira Jaan
Published: September 2014

Small scale pattern of bryophyte communities is one of the remarkable sources of diversity in species-poor boreal forests. By means of correlation and general linear model approaches, the relationships between bryophyte vegetation and upper layers, as well as the response of ground and field layer species to several environmental factors, was analyzed in a boreal spruce forest in South-East Estonia. Of the studied factors, the strongest influence on the diversity and spatial distribution of ground and field layer species was found for âdistance from nearest treeâ. Species from different layers react differently to the proximity of trees. Species richness of bryophytes is higher further from trees, whereas more vascular plant species prefer to grow in the vicinity of tree trunks. For bryophyte species richness, the pH of the decay horizon is also important; fewer bryophyte species occur in more acid conditions.
Enhanced possibilities for analyzing tree structure as provided by an interface between different modelling systems
Authors: Dzierzon Helge , Sievänen Risto , Kurth Winfried , Perttunen Jari , Sloboda Branislav
Published: September 2014

In recent years, many different advanced mathematical models and simulation systems for tree and forest growth have been developed. We show a possibility to extend analysis tools for measured and simulated plants using a data interface between the simulation model LIGNUM and the multifunctional software system GROGRA. Both systems were developed by different teams. To demonstrate the enhanced possibilities for analyzing a LIGNUM tree, several examples are given. In these examples three different approaches for analysis are applied to measured and simulated trees: Fractal dimension, deduction of tapering laws, and water potential patterns obtained from simulation of waterflow by the specialized software HYDRA. Conclusions for the interfacing and comparison of different modelling tools are drawn.
Heartwood, sapwood and bark content, and wood dry density of young and mature teak (Tectona grandis) trees grown in Costa Rica
Authors: Pérez Cordero Luis , Kanninen Markku
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the heartwood, sapwood and bark content, and wood dry density in young and mature teak (Tectona grandis) trees. For this, 17 plantations were selected from 11 sites representing different climatic conditions and plantation densities (156 to 1600 trees haâ1, and line planting). From these plantations, a total of 87 trees with ages between 5 and 47 years were felled for stem analysis. The highest heartwood proportion of stem volume (over bark) was 61% and the lowest 0.4%. The sapwood proportion ranged between 24 and 72%, while bark represented from 14 to 37% of the total volume. Heartwood proportion was significantly different (P < 0.05) among climatic zones: âwetâ sites producing less heartwood than âdryâ sites. Stem diameter (under bark) and heartwood diameter at different stem heights differed among sample trees, even when plotted in relative values to avoid dependency with stem size. Dry density was statistically different between 8-year-old trees or younger and 47-year-old trees, and between line planting trees and 13-year-old trees or younger, but did not differ statistically between line planting trees and mature trees. No significant differences were found between climatic zones or between different stand densities. Dry density values for T. grandis plantations in Costa Rica are similar to those reported elsewhere.
A comparison of optical and direct methods for monitoring the seasonal dynamics of leaf area index in deciduous forests
Authors: Mussche Sylvie , Samson Roeland , Nachtergale Lieven , De Schrijver An , Lemeur Raoul , Lust Noël
Published: September 2014

During the 1996 growing season the seasonal dynamics of the Leaf Area Index (LAI) were determined by 3 different methods in two forest types: a mixed oak (Quercus robur L.) â beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stand and an ash dominated (Fraxinus excelsior L.) stand. The results obtained from the two indirect methods, i.e. hemispherical photography and LAI-2000 Plant Canopy Analyser (Li-COR), were compared with the results of the direct measurement of litter fall collected in litter trap systems. In this study the direct method is considered to be the reference, giving the most accurate LAI-values. Both the hemispherical photography and the LAI-2000 PCA introduced an underestimation of LAI when the actual canopy leaf distribution in the crown layer deviates from a random distribution of leaf area in space as is found in the mixed oak/beech stand. However, when the condition of random leaf distribution is nearly fulfilled (ash stand), the LAI-2000 PCA gave LAI-values which were close to the results obtained from the direct method. Regression curves with R2 > 0.93 could be calculated for both indirect methods.
Timber production possibilities and capital yields from the Norwegian forest area
Authors: Hoen Hans , Eid Tron , Økseter Petter
Published: September 2014

How intensely should a forest be grown? This is a fundamental question in the process of formulating policy guidelines for the management of a forest area, both at the individual property level as well as at the national level. The question is related to a number of factors; the objective(s) of the forest owner, the productivity of the forestland, the initial growing stock, the accessibility within the forest, assumptions regarding future prices and costs and the required real rate of return. This paper presents an applied analysis with the objective of mapping possible future paths for the growing stock on, and timber harvest from the productive forest area in Norway. The analysis is deterministic. The regeneration strategy is a key factor for the long run development of a forest and is thus given particular attention. The analysis is restricted to deal with timber production only and maximisation of the net present value of the forest area is used as the objective function. The required real rate of return is varied and used as the driving force to find the best (optimal) level of intensity in silvicultural management and thus optimal paths for harvesting and growing stocks.
Modelling cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) yields from mineral soils and peatlands on the basis of visual field estimates
Authors: Ihalainen Marjut , Pukkala Timo
Published: September 2014

This study presents new models for predicting bilberry and cowberry yields from site and stand characteristics. These models enable one to evaluate the future states of forests in terms of berry yields. The modelling data consisted of visual field estimates of site and tree stand characteristics, as well as berry yields from 627 forest stands. Berry yields were estimated using a scale from 0 to 10. Using these data, models were prepared which predict the berry yield scores from those site and stand characteristics which are usually known in forest planning calculations. The model predictions correlated positively and often quite strongly with earlier models. The results were in line with previous studies on the effects of site and tree cover on berry production. According to the models, sites of medium and rather poor fertility produce the highest bilberry yields. Increasing tree height increases, and the basal area of spruce and proportion of deciduous trees decrease, bilberry yield. With mineral soils, cowberry yields are best on poor sites. A high proportion of pine improves cowberry yields. The yields are the highest in open areas and very young stands, on the one hand, and in sparsely populated stands of large and old trees, on the other hand. In pine swamps, the yields are best on rather poor sites. Increasing basal area of deciduous trees decreases cowberry yields.
Improving multi-source forest inventory by weighting auxiliary data sources
Authors: Tuominen Sakari , Poso Simo
Published: September 2014

A two-phase sampling design has been applied to forest inventory. First, a large number of first phase sample plots were defined with a square grid in a geographic coordinate system for two study areas of about 1800 and 4500 ha. The first phase sample plots were supplied by auxiliary data of Landsat TM and IRS-1C with principal component transformation for stratification and drawing the second phase sample (field sample). Proportional allocation was used to draw the second phase sample. The number of field sample plots in the two study areas was 300 and 380. The local estimates of five continuous forest stand variables, mean diameter, mean height, age, basal area, and stem volume, were calculated for each of the first phase sample plots. This was done separately by using one auxiliary data source at a time together with the field sample information. However, if the first phase sample plot for which the stand variables were to be estimated was also a field sample plot, the information of that field sample plot was eliminated according to the cross validation principle. This was because it was then possible to calculate mean square errors of estimates related to a specific auxiliary data source. The procedure produced as many estimates for each first phase sample plot and forest stand variable as was the number of auxiliary data sources, i.e. seven estimates: These were based on Landsat TM, IRS-1C, digitized aerial photos, ocular stereoscopic interpretation from aerial photographs, data from old forest inventory made by compartments, Landsat TM95âTM89 difference image and IRS96âTM95 difference image. The final estimates were calculated as weighted averages where the weights were inversely proportional to mean square errors. The alternative estimates were calculated by applying simple rules based on knowledge and the outliers were defined. The study shows that this kind of system for finding outliers for elimination and a weighting procedure improves the accuracy of stand variable estimation.
Outranking methods as tools in strategic natural resources planning
Authors: Kangas Annika , Kangas Jyrki , Pykäläinen Jouni
Published: September 2014

Two outranking methods, ELECTRE III and PROMETHEE II, commonly used as decision-aid in various environmental problems, and their applications to decision support for natural resources management are presented. These methods represent âthe European schoolâ of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), as opposed to âthe American schoolâ, represented by, for instance, the AHP method. On the basis of a case study, outranking methods are compared to so far more usually applied techniques based on the ideas of multi attribute utility theory (MAUT). The outranking methods have been recommended for situations where there is a finite number of discrete alternatives to be chosen among. The number of decision criteria and decision makers may be large. An important advantage of outranking methods, when compared to decision support techniques most often applied in todayâs natural resources management, is the ability to deal with ordinal and more or less descriptive information on the alternative plans to be evaluated. Furthermore, the uncertainty concerning the values of the criterion variables can be taken into account using fuzzy relations, determined by indifference and preference thresholds. The difficult interpretation of the results, on the other hand, is the main drawback of the outranking methods.
A comparison of two parameter prediction methods for stand structure in Finland
Authors: Siipilehto Jouni
Published: September 2014

The objective of this paper was to predict a model for describing stand structure of tree heights (h) and diameters at breast height (dbh). The research material consisted of data collected from 64 stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) and 91 stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) located in southern Finland. Both stand types contained birch (Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescent Ehrh.) admixtures. The traditional univariate approach (Model I) of using the dbh distribution (Johnsonâs SB) together with a height curve (NÃ¤slundâs function) was compared against the bivariate approaches, Johnsonâs SBB distribution (Model II) and Model Ie. In Model Ie within-dbh-class h-variation was included by transforming a normally distributed homogenous error of linearized NÃ¤slundâs function to concern real heights. Basal-area-weighted distributions were estimated using the maximum likelihood (ML) method. Species-specific prediction models were derived using linear regression analysis. The models were compared with Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests for marginal distributions, accuracy of stand variables and the dbh-h relationship of individual trees. The differences in the stand characteristics between the models were marginal. Model I gave a slightly better fit for spruce, but Model II was better for pine stands. The univariate Model I resulted in clearly too narrow marginal h-distribution for pine. It is recommended applying of a constrained ML method for reasonable dbh-h relationship instead of using a pure ML method when fitting the SBB model.
Displacement fields of wood in tension based on image processing: Part 2. Crack-tip displacements in mode-I and mixed-mode fracture
Authors: Samarasinghe S. , Kulasiri G.
Published: September 2014

Near tip displacement fields for tensile loaded cracked rubber and wood with a crack parallel-, perpendicular-to-grain, and a parallel-to-grain crack inclined 30Â°, 45Â°, and 60Â° to the load axis were obtained from digital image correlation (DIC). Theoretical displacements were also obtained for rubber and wood using isotropic and orthotropic fracture theory, respectively. The results showed that DIC can reveal fine details of the nature of displacements and the influences of crack tip in both rubber and wood. Experimental crack tip displacements for wood compare well with theory; particularly, when load is perpendicular-to-grain. Some anomalies were found in the tip displacements in the direction of the tracheids due to the unique nature of their behaviour not accounted for by theory. Mixed-mode crack tip displacement fields for wood clearly showed the increasing influence of crack angle on the displacements, and the displacements perpendicular to crack compared very well with theory. The displacements parallel to crack showed some variations owing to the involvement of tracheids.
The sensitivity of central European mountain forests to scenarios of climatic change: methodological frame for a large-scale risk assessment
Authors: Lexer Manfred , Hönninger Karl , Scheifinger Helfried , Matulla Christoph , Groll Nikolaus , Kromp-Kolb Helga
Published: September 2014

The methodological framework of a large-scale risk assessment for Austrian forests under scenarios of climatic change is presented. A recently developed 3D-patch model is initialized with ground-true soil and vegetation data from sample plots of the Austrian Forest Inventory (AFI). Temperature and precipitation data of the current climate are interpolated from a network of more than 600 weather stations to the sample plots of the AFI. Vegetation development is simulated under current climate (âcontrol runâ) and under climate change scenarios starting from today's forest composition and structure. Similarity of species composition and accumulated biomass between these two runs at various points in time were used as assessment criteria. An additive preference function which is based on Saatyâs AHP is employed to synthesize these criteria to an overall index of the adaptation potential of current forests to a changing climate. The presented methodology is demonstrated for a small sample from the Austrian Forest Inventory. The forest model successfully simulated equilibrium species composition under current climatic conditions spatially explicit in a heterogenous landscape based on ground-true data. At none of the simulated sites an abrupt forest dieback did occur due to climate change impacts. However, substantial changes occured with regard to species composition of the potential natural vegetation (PNV).
A K-band microwave measuring system for the analysis of tree stems
Authors: Eskelinen Pekka , Eskelinen Harri
Published: September 2014

The internal structure of growing trees and freshly cut logs can be characterized in real time by analysing the transmission and reflection of Ku- or K-band microwave energy injected with a horizontal polarization towards the material. Information about the moisture content, material bends, number and location of knots and sections of spoiled wood e.g. due to insects can be gathered in real time. Most sensitive test parameters are attenuation, group delay and the rotation of a linearly polarized wavefront. A simultaneous recording of reflection reduces errors caused by non-significant surface deformations. The spatial resolution, humidity equalization and noise immunity can be improved by applying a wideband frequency modulation. Commercial building blocks supplemented with a special antenna arrangement give possibilities also for the rough harvester environment.
Reconstruccion 3d De Objetos Sumergidos En Agua
Authors: Muñoz Robles Leydy Viviana , Quiñónez Jiménez Edilson , Pizo Héctor Daniel Victoria
Published: September 2014

Edición Diciembre del 2013
(„Ich grolle nicht” w „Cudzoziemce” Marii Kuncewiczowej. O pieśni z perspektywy interdyscyplinarnej
Authors: Sokalska Małgorzata
Published: September 2014

The paper focuses on the song as a syncretic, literary-musical genre. The appearance of song quotes in a novel (Cudzoziemka by Maria Kuncewiczowa) represents an interesting case, which may nevertheless be examined from purely literary perspective. However, a more profound interdisciplinary reading, which combines the elements of analysis of a piece of prose and a piece of music, enables a better interpretation of this particular motif in the novel.
Effects of the FITKids Randomized Controlled Trial on Executive Control and Brain Function
Authors: Hillman Charles H. , Pontifex Matthew B. , Castelli Darla M. , Khan Naiman A. , Raine Lauren B. , Scudder Mark R. , Drollette Eric S. , Moore Robert D. , Wu Chien-Ting , Kamijo Keita
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the effect of a physical activity (PA) intervention on brain and behavioral indices of executive control in preadolescent children.

METHODS:

Two hundred twenty-one children (7–9 years) were randomly assigned to a 9-month afterschool PA program or a wait-list control. In addition to changes in fitness (maximal oxygen consumption), electrical activity in the brain (P3-ERP) and behavioral measures (accuracy, reaction time) of executive control were collected by using tasks that modulated attentional inhibition and cognitive flexibility.

RESULTS:

Fitness improved more among intervention participants from pretest to posttest compared with the wait-list control (1.3 mL/kg per minute, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.3 to 2.4; d = 0.34 for group difference in pre-to-post change score). Intervention participants exhibited greater improvements from pretest to posttest in inhibition (3.2%, 95% CI: 0.0 to 6.5; d = 0.27) and cognitive flexibility (4.8%, 95% CI: 1.1 to 8.4; d = 0.35 for group difference in pre-to-post change score) compared with control. Only the intervention group increased attentional resources from pretest to posttest during tasks requiring increased inhibition (1.4 µV, 95% CI: 0.3 to 2.6; d = 0.34) and cognitive flexibility (1.5 µV, 95% CI: 0.6 to 2.5; d = 0.43). Finally, improvements in brain function on the inhibition task (r = 0.22) and performance on the flexibility task correlated with intervention attendance (r = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS:

The intervention enhanced cognitive performance and brain function during tasks requiring greater executive control. These findings demonstrate a causal effect of a PA program on executive control, and provide support for PA for improving childhood cognition and brain health.
Safety and Effectiveness of Continuous Aerosolized Albuterol in the Non–Intensive Care Setting
Authors: Kenyon Chén C. , Fieldston Evan S. , Luan Xianqun , Keren Ron , Zorc Joseph J.
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the design features, utilization, and outcomes of a protocol treating children with status asthmaticus with continuous albuterol in the inpatient setting.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of children ages 2 to 18 treated in the non–intensive care, inpatient setting on a standardized treatment protocol for status asthmaticus from July 2011 to June 2013. We assessed characteristics associated with continuous albuterol therapy and, for those treated, duration of therapy and the proportion who clinically deteriorated (ICU transfer or progression to enhanced respiratory support) or who were identified as having hypokalemia or an arrhythmia. Using multivariable logistic regression, we determined which factors were associated with clinical deterioration or prolonged (>24 hours) continuous albuterol.

RESULTS:

Of 3003 children meeting study criteria, 1298 (43%) received continuous albuterol. Older age, black race, lower initial oxygen saturation, and higher initial age-standardized heart rate and respiratory rate were associated with initiation of continuous albuterol therapy (P < .001 for all). Median duration of therapy was 14.4 hours (interquartile range, 7.7, 24.6); 340 children (26%) experienced prolonged therapy. Seventy children (5%) experienced clinical deterioration, and 33 children (3%) had identified hypokalemia or arrhythmia. Comorbid pneumonia and emergency department administration of intravenous magnesium or subcutaneous terbutaline were associated with prolonged therapy and clinical deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS:

With appropriate support structures and care processes, continuous albuterol can be delivered effectively in the non-ICU, inpatient setting with low rates of adverse outcomes. Certain initial clinical characteristics may help identify patients needing more intensive therapy.
Variation in Care of the Febrile Young Infant <90 Days in US Pediatric Emergency Departments
Authors: Aronson Paul L. , Thurm Cary , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Alessandrini Evaline A. , Williams Derek J. , Shah Samir S. , Nigrovic Lise E. , McCulloh Russell J. , Schondelmeyer Amanda , Tieder Joel S. , Neuman Mark I.
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Variation in patient care or outcomes may indicate an opportunity to improve quality of care. We evaluated the variation in testing, treatment, hospitalization rates, and outcomes of febrile young infants in US pediatric emergency departments (EDs).

METHODS:

Retrospective cohort study of infants <90 days of age with a diagnosis code of fever who were evaluated in 1 of 37 pediatric EDs between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2013. We assessed patient- and hospital-level variation in testing, treatment, and disposition for patients in 3 distinct age groups: ≤28, 29 to 56, and 57 to 89 days. We also compared interhospital variation for 3-day revisits and revisits resulting in hospitalization.

RESULTS:

We identified 35 070 ED visits that met inclusion criteria. The proportion of patients who underwent comprehensive evaluation, defined as urine, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid testing, decreased with increasing patient age: 72.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.0–73.0) of neonates ≤28 days, 49.0% (95% CI, 48.2–49.8) of infants 29 to 56 days, and 13.1% (95% CI, 12.5–13.6) of infants 57 to 89 days. Significant interhospital variation was demonstrated in testing, treatment, and hospitalization rates overall and across all 3 age groups, with little interhospital variation in outcomes. Hospitalization rate in the overall cohort did not correlate with 3-day revisits (R2 = 0.10, P = .06) or revisits resulting in hospitalization (R2 = 0.08, P = .09).

CONCLUSIONS:

Substantial patient- and hospital-level variation was observed in the ED management of the febrile young infant, without concomitant differences in outcomes. Strategies to understand and address the modifiable sources of variation are needed.
Optimizing Bone Health in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Golden Neville H. , Abrams Steven A. ,   COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION, Daniels Stephen R. , Abrams Steven A. , Corkins Mark R. , de Ferranti Sarah D. , Golden Neville H. , Magge Sheela N. , Schwarzenberg Sarah Jane
Published: September 2014

The pediatrician plays a major role in helping optimize bone health in children and adolescents. This clinical report reviews normal bone acquisition in infants, children, and adolescents and discusses factors affecting bone health in this age group. Previous recommended daily allowances for calcium and vitamin D are updated, and clinical guidance is provided regarding weight-bearing activities and recommendations for calcium and vitamin D intake and supplementation. Routine calcium supplementation is not recommended for healthy children and adolescents, but increased dietary intake to meet daily requirements is encouraged. The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses the higher recommended dietary allowances for vitamin D advised by the Institute of Medicine and supports testing for vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents with conditions associated with increased bone fragility. Universal screening for vitamin D deficiency is not routinely recommended in healthy children or in children with dark skin or obesity because there is insufficient evidence of the cost–benefit of such a practice in reducing fracture risk. The preferred test to assess bone health is dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, but caution is advised when interpreting results in children and adolescents who may not yet have achieved peak bone mass. For analyses, z scores should be used instead of T scores, and corrections should be made for size. Office-based strategies for the pediatrician to optimize bone health are provided. This clinical report has been endorsed by American Bone Health.
Advances towards the development of a cloud-resolving model in South Africa
Authors: Bopape Mary-Jane M. , Engelbrecht Francois A. , Randall David A. , Landman Willem A.
Published: September 2014

Recent advances in supercomputing have made feasible the numerical integration of high-resolution cloud-resolving models (CRMs). CRMs are being used increasingly for high-resolution operational numerical weather prediction and for research purposes. We report on the development of a new CRM in South Africa. Two bulk microphysics parameterisation schemes were introduced to a dynamical core of a two-dimensional Non-hydrostatic σ-coordinate Model (NSM) developed in South Africa. The resulting CRM was used to simulate two 12-day periods and an 8-day period observed during the Tropical Oceans Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment. The response of the NSM to the large-scale forcing which occurred over the three periods, and which included both suppressed and active convection, was examined. The NSM is shown to be able to capture the differences in the three experiments and responds correctly to the large-scale forcing (i.e. it is able to distinguish between suppressed and active regimes). However, the model simulations are cooler and drier than the observations. We demonstrate progress made in the development of a CRM in South Africa, which can be used to study the attributes of convective rainfall over the region.