bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irrigation and Drainage in Korea and ICT Applications
Authors: Choi Jin‐Yong
Published: September 2015

Korea has a long history in rice cultivation and paddy field irrigation. Although Korea has suffered from colonial era and the Korean War during modern history, it has overcome poverty and constructed modernized paddy irrigation systems with information and communication technology (ICT) for achieving rice self‐sufficiency. Government driven policy for agricultural infrastructure construction and large‐scale agricultural land and water development projects has played a great role along with the rapid economic growth to establish nationwide modernized irrigation systems. In this paper, to provide understanding of Korean irrigation and drainage circumstances, irrigation history in Korea is briefly explained and irrigation and drainage status is introduced. ICT applications for agricultural water resources management is explained with advanced technology adaptation examples. Even though Korea is one of the leading countries adapting advanced irrigation technologies, climate change and operation and maintenance issues exist and ICT is utilized to overcome those challenges. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of STAT3 and STAT5 proteins in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus and the Day/Night difference in astrocytic STAT3 phosphorylation in response to lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Moravcová Simona , Červená Kateřina , Pačesová Dominika , Bendová Zdeňka
Published: September 2015

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins regulate many aspects of cellular physiology from growth and differentiations to immune responses. Using immunohistochemistry, we show the daily rhythm of STAT3 protein in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), with low but significant amplitude peaking in the morning. We also reveal the strong expression of STAT5A in astrocytes of the SCN and the STAT5B signal in nonastrocytic cells. Administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) acutely induced phosphorylation of STAT3 on Tyr705 during both the day and the night and induced phosphorylation on Ser727 but only after the daytime application. The LPS‐induced phospho‐STAT3 (Tyr705) remained elevated for 24 hr after the daytime application but declined within 8 hr when LPS was applied at night. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Second Changma retreat variability in Korea using the available water resources index and relevant large‐scale atmospheric circulation
Authors: Choi Jae‐Won , Lee Ji‐Sun , Moon Il‐Ju
Published: September 2015

This study investigated the variability in the second Changma retreat date (SCRD) in Korea and the characteristics of the relevant large‐scale atmospheric circulation using the available water resources index (AWRI). The analysis of the SCRD and meridional winds at the 850 hPa level over 30 years (1982–2011) showed that the climatological mean SCRD in Korea is 3 September, and the late (early) retreat is associated with the development of a cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulation anomaly in the western Siberian region and an anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation anomaly in the western Pacific region and the Aleutian Islands region. This study defined a new second Changma retreat index (SCRI) using the three regions with the highest correlation between the SCRD and 850 hPa meridional winds and analysed the variability and characteristics of the SCRI between the low‐ and high‐SCRI years. In Korea, the largest differences in SCRD between the low‐ and high‐SCRI years appeared in the vicinity of Jiri Mountain and the western region of Gangwon‐do province. The difference in the AWRI between the low‐ and high‐SCRI years increased significantly from August to December and peaked at the end of September. The analysis of precipitation data revealed that the SCRD of the Korean regions with high rainfall that exceeded 5 mm day−1 during the low‐SCRI years was about 3 weeks earlier than during the high‐SCRI years because of the early development of a cold and dry continental high system. During the low‐SCRI years, a cold and dry anticyclone anomaly developed from the western Siberian region to the East Asian mid‐latitude region while the western North Pacific subtropical high weakened further in the western Pacific, and the Aleutian Low developed in the vicinity of the Aleutian Islands during the low years. These characteristics of a large‐scale atmospheric circulation explained most interannual SCRD variations.
Long‐term change in precipitation structure over the karst area of Southwest China
Authors: Liu Bingjun , Li Yuan , Chen Junfan , Chen Xiaohong
Published: September 2015

This research analyses the long‐term changes in the precipitation structure over the karst area of southwest China, as recorded by 153 national meteorological stations from 1959 to 2009. Study results are as follows: (1) The karst area of southwest China is categorized into six similar precipitation clusters, including two low‐rainfall clusters located in the western and northern areas and four high‐rainfall clusters distributed in the eastern and southern areas. (2) Although the decreasing trend of annual total precipitation is weak, autumn precipitation decreases significantly over the whole study area. The autumn total precipitation decreases significantly at 51% of the stations because the autumn wind and water vapor flux of the study area gradually decreased, and the autumn low‐latitude and mid‐latitude sea surface temperature (SST) of East Asia continues to rise and gradually leads to positive sea anomalies. (3) The number of rainy days decreases at 85.6% of the stations, especially in the central and southeastern regions of the area. Consequently, almost 53% of the total stations are characterized by an increasing precipitation intensity. (4) The occurrence time of the accumulated percentage precipitation in the western mountain areas is usually later than that in the eastern coastal areas, and the occurrence date of accumulated percentage precipitation (DAP) seems to occur increasingly earlier over the whole study area. (5) Light rain occurs more frequently (76% of annual total rainy days) and contributes 25% to annual total precipitation, whereas although heavy rains such as storms occur less frequently at 3% of annual total rainy days, it contributes almost 19% to annual total precipitation. (6) The occurrence and contribution of wet periods (WPs) decrease with an increase in their duration.WPswith short durations (e.g. 1–4 days) tend to be the predominant precipitation events.
Integrating LIDAR‐derived canopy structure into cerulean warbler habitat models
Authors: Barnes Kevin W. , Islam Kamal , Auer Sasha A.
Published: September 2015

Researchers have suggested that the cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea), a declining species, settles on its breeding grounds in response to a particular canopy structure within mature deciduous forests. Conservation management strategies could be more effective if this association was further clarified; however, defining canopy structure from the ground can be laborious and subjective. We used light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data to create canopy height models that provide accurate objective data on the vertical and horizontal canopy structure throughout the extent of our study area in south‐central Indiana's Morgan–Monroe and Yellowwood state forests. In addition, we used LIDAR data to construct digital terrain models to derive topographic metrics for our study area. We combined these data with data from ground‐level surveys and created habitat models to determine which variables best predict cerulean warbler occurrence and density. Model subsets containing only LIDAR‐derived variables performed better than model subsets containing variables derived only from ground‐level surveys. The top occurrence model indicated that cerulean warblers defended areas that were associated with northeast facing slopes, lower elevations, gentler slopes, and greater hickory (Caryaspp.) basal area (m2/ha). The top density models indicated that the high‐use areas for cerulean warblers were associated with steeper slopes, lower total basal area (m2/ha), fewer large trees (≥53 cm diameter at breast height), greater white oak (Quercus alba) basal area (m2/ha), and contained a homogeneous horizontal and vertical canopy structure. Conservation managers should consider silvicultural practices that promote old growth oak–hickory (Quercusspp.–Caryaspp.) forests on mesic slopes. Furthermore, LIDAR can provide an objective and efficient method for collecting terrain and surface data at large scales, which can be used to define habitat and aid conservation efforts. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
The role of Smad3 in the fibrotic phenotype in human vocal fold fibroblasts
Authors: Branski Ryan C. , Bing Renjie , Kraja Iv , Amin Milan R.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the role of Smad3 as a regulator of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐mediated cell activities associated with fibrosis in normal human vocal fold fibroblasts. We also sought to confirm the temporal stability of Smad3 knockdown via small inhibitor ribonucleic acid (siRNA). Vocal fold fibroblasts were employed to determine the effects of Smad3 knockdown on TGF‐β1‐mediated migration and contraction, as well as regulation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). We hypothesized that Smad3 is an ideal candidate for therapeutic manipulation in vivo based on its role in fibrosis.

Study Design

In vitro.

Methods

Knockdown of Smad3 via siRNA was performed in our normal human vocal fold cell line. Three‐dimensional collagen gel contraction and scratch assays were employed to determine the role of Smad3 on TGF‐β1‐mediated contraction and migration, respectively. The role Smad3 in the induction of CTGF was characterized via sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The effects of Smad3 signaling on Smad7 messenger (m)RNA and protein were also quantified.

Results

Smad3 knockdown was temporally‐stable up to 72 hours (P < 0.001), diminished TGF‐β1‐mediated collagen gel contraction and migration, and blunted induction of CTGF, but it had no effect on TGF‐β1‐mediated Smad7 mRNA or protein induction.

Conclusion

Transforming growth factor‐β1 stimulated profibrotic cell activities in our cell line and these actions were largely reduced with Smad3 knockdown. These data provide continued support for therapeutic targeting of Smad3 for vocal fold fibrosis because it appears to regulate the fibrotic phenotype.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:1151–1156, 2016
Mapping Changes in Land Cover Composition and Pattern for Comparing Mediterranean Rangeland Restoration Alternatives
Authors: Fava Francesco , Pulighe Giuseppe , Monteiro Antonio T.
Published: September 2015

The limited amount of studies addressing the long‐term effectiveness of restoration actions to combat land degradation is a constraint for current landscape restoration planning and implementation. Remote sensing data provide a unique opportunity for gathering information on the spatial and temporal variability of restoration processes and may contribute to fill this knowledge gap. The aim of this study is to compare different management actions undertaken in Mediterranean degraded rangelands (i.e. dense pine plantations, thinned pine plantations, protection and passive management) by analysing landscape composition and pattern change assessed from object‐based classification of aerial photograph of 1954, 1977 and 2006. Results show a clear link between landscape composition and structure and the different restoration actions, allowing comparison between their spatial and temporal dynamics. All restoration actions promoted an increase in woody vegetation cover compared with non‐restored areas. However, only protection and passive management favoured the restoration of dense, complex and well‐connected patches of native Mediterranean maquis. The proposed methodology is discussed with respect to its applicability for future Mediterranean landscape restoration planning in a wider geographic and ecological perspective. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dopamine impairs functional integrity of rat hepatocytes through nuclear factor kappa B activity modulation: An in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro study
Authors: Sun Cheuk‐Kwan , Kao Ying‐Hsien , Lee Po‐Huang , Wu Ming‐Chang , Chen Kun‐Cho , Lin Yu‐Chun , Tsai Ming‐Shian , Chen Po‐Han
Published: September 2015

Dopamine (DA) is commonly used to maintain the hemodynamic stability of brain‐dead donors despite its controversial effects on organ functions. This study aimed at examining the hemodynamic effect of DA in a rat brain‐dead model in vivo, alteration of hepatocyte integrity in liver grafts after ex vivo preservation, and changes in cultured clone‐9 hepatocytes including cellular viability, cell cycle, apoptotic regulators, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–stimulated nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling machinery. Although in vivo findings demonstrated enhanced portal venous blood flow and hepatic microcirculatory perfusion after DA infusion, no apparent advantage was noted in preserving hepatocyte integrity ex vivo. In vitro, prolonged exposure to high‐dose DA reduced proliferation and induced G1 growth arrest of clone‐9 hepatocytes with concomitant decreases in B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2)/B cell lymphoma 2–associated X protein (BAX) and heat shock protein 70/BAX protein ratios and intracellular NF‐κB p65. Moreover, DA pretreatment suppressed LPS‐elicited inhibitor of κBα phosphorylation and subsequent NF‐κB nuclear translocation, suggesting that DA may down‐regulate NF‐κB signaling, thereby reducing expression of antiapoptotic regulators, such as BCL2. In conclusion, despite augmentation of hepatic perfusion, DA infusion failed to preserve hepatocyte integrity both in vivo and ex vivo. In vitro findings demonstrated that high‐dose DA may hamper the function of NF‐κB signaling machinery and eventually undermine functional integrity of hepatocytes in liver grafts. Liver Transpl 21:1520‐1532, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Determinants of outcome among patients with acute liver failure listed for liver transplantation in the United States
Authors: Reddy K. Rajender , Ellerbe Caitlyn , Schilsky Michael , Stravitz R. Todd , Fontana Robert J. , Durkalski Valerie , Lee William M. ,   and the Acute Liver Failure Study Group
Published: September 2015

Analyses of outcomes after acute liver failure (ALF) have typically included all ALF patients regardless of whether they were listed for liver transplantation (LT). We hypothesized that limiting analysis to listed patients might provide novel insights into factors associated with outcome, focusing attention on disease evolution after listing. Listed adult ALF patients enrolled in the US Acute Liver Failure Study Group registry between 2000 and 2013 were analyzed to determine baseline factors associated with 21‐day outcomes after listing. We classified 617 patients (36% of overall ALF group) by 3‐week outcome after study admission: 117 were spontaneous survivors (SSs; survival without LT), 108 died without LT, and 392 underwent LT. Only 22% of N‐acetyl‐p‐aminophenol (APAP) ALF patients were listed; however, this group of 173 patients demonstrated greater illness severity: higher coma grades and more patients requiring ventilator, vasopressor, or renal replacement therapy support. Only 62/173 (36%) of APAP patients received a graft versus 66% for drug‐induced liver injury patients, 86% for autoimmune‐related ALF, and 71% for hepatitis B–related ALF. APAP patients were more likely to die than non‐APAP patients (24% versus 17%), and the median time to death was sooner (2 versus 4.5 days). Despite greater severity of illness, the listed APAP group still had a SS rate of 40% versus 11% for non‐APAP causes (P < 0.001). APAP outcomes evolve rapidly, mainly to SS or death. Patients with APAP ALF listed for LT had the highest death rate of any etiology, whereas more slowly evolving etiologies yielded higher LT rates and, consequently, fewer deaths. Decisions to list and transplant must be made early in all ALF patients, particularly in those with APAP ALF.
Engineering Bioresponsive Hydrogels toward Healthcare Applications
Authors: Wu Yun‐Long , Chen Xiaohong , Wang Wenzhu , Loh Xian Jun
Published: September 2015

Hydrogels are polymeric materials recognized by high water content and various physical properties. They can be designed to look like the extracellular environment of the body's tissues in ways that empower their utilization in restorative therapies, biosensors, and drug‐conveyance applications. Hydrogels can be designed by utilizing a technique of facilitated control over physical‐structure properties and bioactivity to impact particular interactions with cell frameworks, including controlling the contact with cells and extracellular framework amid the thermogelling process. Essential new revelations using hydrogels in stem cell research, cancer treatment, and cell morphogenesis are reviewed. In this paper, group's work on Pluronics, poly(ε‐caprolactone), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly([R]‐3‐hydroxybutyrate), or poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐based copolymers as key hydrogel materials has been especially outlined, and group's experience has been provided in modulating the controlling parameters, for example, the thermogelling temperature, crosslinking, gel modulus, and basic gel fixation, when designing a bioresponsive hydrogel framework for bioapplications.

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Balanced Ambipolar Poly(diketopyrrolopyrrole‐alt‐tetrafluorobenzene) Semiconducting Polymers Synthesized via Direct Arylation Polymerization
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Guojie , Wang Mingfeng
Published: September 2015

The synthesis of an ambipolar π‐conjugated copolymer consisting of alternating diketopyrrolopyrrole and tetrafluorobenzene via direct arylation polymerization (DAP) is reported. Two different combinations of monomers are investigated under various catalytic conditions for DAP. The target polymer obtained under an optimized catalytic condition shows minimal structural defects, a number‐average molecular weight of 33.2 kDa, and balanced electron and hole mobility of 1 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 S−1 in the organic field‐effect transistors fabricated and tested under ambient conditions.

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A thoracodorsal artery perforator chimeric free flap for prevention of microvascular pedicle compression in lower extremity reconstruction
Authors: Kim Sang Wha , Youn Dong Geun , Kim Jeong Tae , Kim Youn Hwan
Published: September 2015

Background

Chimeric flaps are often used in reconstructive fields for multiple defects, different functional defects, and extensive defects. In this article, we present the results of the use of thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAp) chimeric flaps including a latissimus dorsi (LD) or serratus anterior (SA) muscle to prevent pedicle compression for lower extremity reconstruction.

Methods

Nineteen TDAp chimeric flaps were used to prevent pedicle compression. Seven were female and 12 male. Patients’ age ranged from 32 to 73 years. After harvesting TDAp skin flap, LD or SA muscle could be harvested along with the thoracodorsal vessels. Skin flap was incorporated into the main defect and muscle cuffs were positioned along the vascular pedicle.

Results

In 11 cases, there were two components, a skin flap and a muscle flap, and the other 8 were three components, a skin flap and two muscle flaps. The dimensions of the skin flaps ranged from 8 × 5 to 18 × 10 cm, and the muscle flaps ranged from 3 × 2 cm to 8 × 6 cm. The recipient vessel was anterior tibial artery or dorsalis pedis artery. All flap survived. Five cases suffered minor complications including donor site wound disruption, skin flap wound disruption, partial loss of the skin flap, and partial loss of the SA muscle flap. The mean follow‐up was 13.9 months. All the patients were able to wear shoes without debulking procedures.

Conclusion

The TDAp chimeric flaps including LD or SA muscle flaps were useful for covering the vascular pedicle and relieved vascular compression during lower extremity reconstruction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 38:46–50, 2018..
Multi‐slice MRI with the dynamic multi‐coil technique
Authors: Juchem Christoph , Nahhass Omar M. , Nixon Terence W. , de Graaf Robin A.
Published: September 2015

To date, spatial encoding for MRI is based on linear X, Y and Z field gradients generated by dedicated X, Y and Z wire patterns. We recently introduced the dynamic multi‐coil technique (DYNAMITE) for the generation of magnetic field shapes for biomedical MR applications from a set of individually driven localized coils. The benefits for B0 magnetic field homogenization have been shown, as well as proof of principle of radial and algebraic MRI. In this study the potential of DYNAMITE MRI is explored further and the first multi‐slice MRI implementation in which all gradient fields are purely DYNAMITE based is presented. The obtained image fidelity is shown to be virtually identical to that of a conventional MRI system with dedicated X, Y and Z gradient coils. Comparable image quality is a milestone towards the establishment of fully functional DYNAMITE MRI (and shim) systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two unconditionally stable and convergent difference schemes with the extrapolation method for the one‐dimensional distributed‐order differential equations
Authors: Gao Guang‐hua , Sun Zhi‐zhong
Published: September 2015

The Grünwald formula is used to solve the one‐dimensional distributed‐order differential equations. Two difference schemes are derived. It is proved that the schemes are unconditionally stable and convergent with the convergence orders
and
in maximum norm, respectively, where
and
are step sizes in time, space and distributed order. The extrapolation method is applied to improve the approximate accuracy to the orders
and
respectively. An illustrative numerical example is given to confirm the theoretical results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 32: 591–615, 2016
Fabrication of poly(lactic acid)/graphene oxide/stearic acid composites with improved tensile strength
Authors: Chartarrayawadee W. , Molloy R. , Ratchawet A. , Janmee N. , Butsamran M. , Panpai K.
Published: September 2015

For the purpose of the development of poly(lactic acid)/graphene oxide composites with improved tensile properties, a stearic acid compatibilizer was used to enhance the compatibility of the graphene oxide sheets with the poly(lactic acid) polymer matrix. Graphene oxide was modified with stearic acid at different mass ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5 prior to forming the composites with poly(lactic acid). Characterization showed positive effects of stearic acid attached to GO in every mass ratio and also enhanced compatibility with the poly(lactic acid) matrix. Stearic acid could strengthen the interfacial interactions between the flat graphene oxide sheets and the poly(lactic acid) matrix resulting in improved tensile strength. The tensile strength of the poly(lactic acid)/graphene oxide/stearic acid composite with a mass ratio of graphene oxide and stearic acid 1:1 increased by 32% compared to poly(lactic acid) alone. Based on these results, the graphene oxide/stearic acid composites show potential for use as nanosheet fillers for tensile strength enhancement in poly(lactic acid). POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2272–2282, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluating the treatment effects model for estimation of cross‐sectional associations between risk factors and cardiovascular biomarkers influenced by medication use
Authors: Spieker Andrew J. , Delaney Joseph A. C. , McClelland Robyn L.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

In cross‐sectional observational data, evaluation of biomarker‐to‐exposure associations is often complicated by nonrandom medication use. Traditional approaches often lead to biased estimates, consistent with known results involving confounding by indication. More sophisticated, yet easy to implement approaches such as inverse probability weighting and censored normal regression can address medication use in certain settings but have poor performance when medication use depends on off‐medication biomarker values. More sophisticated approaches are necessary.

Methods

Heckman's treatment effects model resembles the process that gives rise to cross‐sectional data. In this study, we conduct a variety of simulation studies to illustrate why traditional approaches are inappropriate when medication use depends on underlying biomarker values. We illustrate how Heckman's model can accommodate this feature. We also apply the models to data from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Results

Inverse probability weighting and censored normal regression are sensitive to how strongly medication use is associated with untreated biomarker values (the untreated value acts as an unmeasured predictor of medication use in this context). Heckman's model can often adequately remove bias and is robust to certain forms of model misspecification but relies on knowing important predictors of medication use, even when they are independent of the biomarker. The advantages of Heckman's model can be negated if the effect of medication on biomarker values is proportionate to the underlying biomarker.

Conclusions

If predictors of medication use are measured, data are cross‐sectional, and effects are approximately additive, then Heckman's model is more accurate relative to alternative approaches. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved Stefan Equation Correction Factors to Accommodate Sensible Heat Storage during Soil Freezing or Thawing
Authors: Kurylyk Barret L. , Hayashi Masaki
Published: September 2015

In permafrost regions, the thaw depth strongly controls shallow subsurface hydrologic processes that in turn dominate catchment runoff. In seasonally freezing soils, the maximum expected frost depth is an important geotechnical engineering design parameter. Thus, accurately calculating the depth of soil freezing or thawing is an important challenge in cold regions engineering and hydrology.

The Stefan equation is a common approach for predicting the frost or thaw depth, but this equation assumes negligible soil heat capacity and thus exaggerates the rate of freezing or thawing. The Neumann equation, which accommodates sensible heat, is an alternative implicit equation for calculating freeze‐thaw penetration. This study details the development of correction factors to improve the Stefan equation by accounting for the influence of the soil heat capacity and non‐zero initial temperatures. The correction factors are first derived analytically via comparison to the Neumann solution, but the resultant equations are complex and implicit. Explicit equations are obtained by fitting polynomial functions to the analytical results. These simple correction factors are shown to significantly improve the performance of the Stefan equation for several hypothetical soil freezing and thawing scenarios. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic accuracy of capnography during high‐frequency ventilation in neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Kugelman Amir , Bromiker Ruben , Riskin Arieh , Shoris Irit , Ronen Michal , Qumqam Nelly , Bader David , Golan Agenta
Published: September 2015

Background and Objective

High‐frequency ventilation (HFV) is a powerful tool for CO2 elimination, and thus requires careful monitoring of CO2. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy (correlation, agreement, and trending) of continuous distal capnography (dCap) with PaCO2 in infants ventilated with HFV.

Design

This was a prospective, observational, multicenter study. dCap was compared with simultaneous PaCO2 (“gold standard”) drawn from indwelling arterial line for patient care in term and preterm infants ventilated with HFV. dCap was obtained via the side‐port of a double‐lumen endotracheal‐tube by a Microstream capnograph with specially designed software for HFV.

Results

Twenty‐four infants participated in the study (median [range] gestational age [GA]: 26.8 [23.6–38.6] weeks). Analysis included 332 measurements. dCap was in correlation (r = 0.70, P < 0.001) but with less than adequate agreement (mean difference ± SD of the differences: −11.7 ± 10.3 mmHg) with PaCO2. Comparable findings were found in the subgroup of infants <1,000 g (n = 240 measurements). Correlations were maintained in severe lung disease. Changes in dCap and in PaCO2 for consecutive measurements within each patient were correlated (r = 0.63, P < 0.001). Area under the receiver operating curves (ROC) for dCap to detect high (>60 mmHg) or low (<30 mmHg) PaCO2 was 0.83 (CI: 0.76–0.90) and 0.88 (CI: 0.79–0.97), respectively; P < 0.001.

Conclusions

Our prospective study suggests that continuous dCap in infants ventilated with HFV may be helpful for trends and alarm for unsafe levels of PaCO2. dCap is only a complimentary tool and cannot replace PaCO2 sampling because the agreement between these measurements was less than adequate. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:510–516. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA expression profiling in children with different asthma phenotypes
Authors: Midyat Levent , Gulen Figen , Karaca Emin , Ozkinay Ferda , Tanac Remziye , Demir Esen , Cogulu Ozgur , Aslan Asli , Ozkinay Cihangir , Onay Huseyin , Atasever Mesude
Published: September 2015

An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms in asthma through exploring the role of microRNAs may offer promise to reveal new approaches for primary prevention and identification of new therapeutic targets in childhood asthma. The primary goal of this study is to identify the microRNAs that play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma in pediatric age group. The secondary goal is to analyze these microRNAs according to the asthma phenotype, atopic status, and severity of the disease exacerbation. To our knowledge, this is the first research project in the literature which studies the relationship between microRNA expression and the severity of childhood asthma. One hundred children between 6 and 18 years old with a diagnosis of asthma, and 100 age‐matched healthy children were enrolled in this study, and the analyses of microRNA expression profiles were performed in the Medical Genetics Laboratories of Ege University between November 2009 and June 2010. The expression of 10 microRNAs were shown to be higher in patients with more severe asthma, and the expression of these microRNAs were also found to be higher in patients who present with more severe acute asthma exacerbation symptoms (P < 0.001). Also, five microRNAs were found to be expressed more than twofold in allergic patients when compared to non‐allergic participants (P <0.001). Asthma is one of the best examples of complex genetic diseases, and further studies, which will investigate the relationship between these microRNA's and their target genes, are needed to learn more about the specific roles of microRNAs in respiratory diseases. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:582–587. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Semipolar GaN‐based heterostructures on foreign substrates
Authors: Scholz Ferdinand , Caliebe Marian , Gahramanova Gulnaz , Heinz Dominik , Klein Martin , Leute Robert A. R. , Meisch Tobias , Wang Junjun , Hocker Matthias , Thonke Klaus
Published: September 2015

This paper reviews our recent investigations about semipolar GaN‐based optoelectronic heterostructures grown on foreign substrates. Two basically different approaches are discussed, both making use of epitaxial growth in the polar c‐direction to minimize any crystalline defects. By selective area growth, stripes with triangular cross‐section have been formed with semipolar side‐facets, on which quantum well and electroluminescence test structures have been deposited. By careful optimisation of many growth parameters, we could drastically increase the growth temperature of GaInN quantum wells emitting beyond 500 nm. In the second approach, the GaN growth starts on inclined sapphire c‐planes, which form the side facets of trenches etched into the substrates. After coalescence, planar semipolar GaN layers can be achieved. We investigated various sapphire wafer orientations leading to , , and layers. After careful optimisation with a major focus on the decrease of the stacking fault density, we have also investigated the doping behaviour of such semipolar structures. Eventually, full electroluminescence test structures could be grown.
A synchronization‐based state observer for impact oscillators using only collision time information
Authors: Baumann Michael , Leine Remco I.
Published: September 2015

We present the design of a state observer for Lagrangian systems subjected to frictionless geometric unilateral constraints. A master–slave synchronization setup is used in which the unidirectional coupling only consists of the information of the impact time instants. After a brief synchronization phase, the obtained observer replicates the full state of the observed system, independently of the initial conditions and even in the presence of accumulation points (Zeno behavior).

The key idea is that the (virtual) observer system is subjected to switched kinematic unilateral constraints such that it may enjoy the property of incremental stability when the impact law is maximal monotone. The main inequality impact laws for hard unilateral constraints, that is, the generalized Poisson's and Newton's impact law, are under mild assumptions maximal monotone, which is a stronger condition than dissipativity. The results are applied to two different examples of mechanical impact oscillators. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A rare variant association test in family‐based designs and non‐normal quantitative traits
Authors: Lakhal‐Chaieb Lajmi , Oualkacha Karim , Richards Brent J. , Greenwood Celia M.T.
Published: September 2015

Rare variant studies are now being used to characterize the genetic diversity between individuals and may help to identify substantial amounts of the genetic variation of complex diseases and quantitative phenotypes. Family data have been shown to be powerful to interrogate rare variants. Consequently, several rare variants association tests have been recently developed for family‐based designs, but typically, these assume the normality of the quantitative phenotypes. In this paper, we present a family‐based test for rare‐variants association in the presence of non‐normal quantitative phenotypes. The proposed model relaxes the normality assumption and does not specify any parametric distribution for the marginal distribution of the phenotype. The dependence between relatives is modeled via a Gaussian copula. A score‐type test is derived, and several strategies to approximate its distribution under the null hypothesis are derived and investigated. The performance of the proposed test is assessed and compared with existing methods by simulations. The methodology is illustrated with an association study involving the adiponectin trait from the UK10K project. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new formulation for rotor equivalent wind speed for wind resource assessment and wind power forecasting
Authors: Choukulkar Aditya , Pichugina Yelena , Clack Christopher T. M. , Calhoun Ronald , Banta Robert , Brewer Alan , Hardesty Michael
Published: September 2015

The spurt of growth in the wind energy industry has led to the development of many new technologies to study this energy resource and improve the efficiency of wind turbines. One of the key factors in wind farm characterization is the prediction of power output of the wind farm that is a strong function of the turbulence in the wind speed and direction. A new formulation for calculating the expected power from a wind turbine in the presence of wind shear, turbulence, directional shear and direction fluctuations is presented. It is observed that wind shear, directional shear and direction fluctuations reduce the power producing capability, while turbulent intensity increases it. However, there is a complicated superposition of these effects that alters the characteristics of the power estimate that indicates the need for the new formulation. Data from two field experiments is used to estimate the wind power using the new formulation, and results are compared to previous formulations. Comparison of the estimates of available power from the new formulation is not compared to actual power outputs and will be a subject of future work. © 2015 The Authors. Wind Energy published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying and characterizing the impact of turbine icing on wind farm power generation
Authors: Davis Neil N. , Pinson Pierre , Hahmann Andrea N. , Clausen Niels‐Erik , Žagar Mark
Published: September 2015

Wind park power production in cold climate regions is significantly impacted by ice growth on turbine blades. This can lead to significant errors in power forecasts and in the estimation of expected power production during turbine siting. A modeling system is presented that uses a statistical modeling approach to estimate the power loss due to icing, using inputs from both a physical icing and a numerical weather prediction model. The physical icing model is that of Davis et al., with updates to the simulation of ice ablation. A new approach for identifying periods of turbine blade icing from power observations was developed and used to calculate the observed power loss caused by icing. The observed icing power loss for 2years at six wind parks was used to validate the modeling system performance. Production estimates using the final production loss model reduce the root mean squared error when compared with the empirical wind park power curve (without icing influence) at five of the six wind parks while reducing the mean bias at all six wind parks. In addition to performing well when fit to each wind park, the production loss model was shown to improve the estimate of power when fit using all six wind parks, suggesting it may also be useful for wind parks where production data are not available. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Learning Curve of Robotic‐Assisted Low Rectal Resection of a Novice Rectal Surgeon
Authors: Foo Chi Chung , Law Wai Lun
Published: September 2015

Background

With the increasing availability of the surgical robotic system, the young generation colorectal surgeons may learn robotic‐assisted rectal surgery upfront. There are currently very limited studies evaluating the learning curve of novice rectal surgeons.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve of a surgeon who had limited experience in open and laparoscopic rectal surgery.

Methods

Thirty‐nine consecutive robotic‐assisted total mesorectal excisions were performed from March 2013 to October 2014. All cases were performed by a single surgeon whose prior experience in open or laparoscopic low rectal cancer resections was <5 cases. The learning curve was analyzed using the cumulative sum method.

Results

Thirty‐four low anterior resections, four abdomino‐perineal resections, and one Hartmann’s operation were performed. The mean total operating time was 397.2 ± 184.3 min. There was no conversion. The major complication rate was 10.3 %. When total operating time was analyzed with the CUSUM method, three phases could be identified. They are the initial eight cases, middle 17 cases, and the final 14 cases. The first phase consisted of more proximal tumors (86.3 ± 20.7 vs. 58.0 ± 34.9 mm from anal verge, p = 0.04) and was associated with a shorter total operating time (243.5 ± 38.0 vs. 540.9 ± 133.4 min, p = 0.000) and less estimated blood loss (81.3 ± 25.9 vs. 168.8 ± 99.5 ml, p = 0.02) compared to the second phase. When the third phase is compared with the first and second phase, it has shorter total operating time (310.6 ± 164.5 vs. 44 5.7 ± 179.8 min, p = 0.03). Complications rate were 12.5, 17.6, and 0 % for phase one, two, and three respectively.

Conclusions

In this study, the learning curve for a novice rectal surgeon was 25 cases. This is comparable to those who have already mastered the technique with laparoscopic or open approach. Surgical robotic system may have a role in shortening the learning curve for low rectal resection.
Variable history of land use reduces the relationship to specific habitat requirements of a threatened aquatic insect
Authors: Iversen Lars Lønsmann , Rannap Riinu , Briggs Lars , Sand‐Jensen Kaj
Published: September 2015

The hutchinsonian realized niche of a species is the most common tool for selecting the actions needed when restoring habitats and establishing conservation areas of species. However, defining the realized niche of a species is problematic due to variation across spatial and temporal scales. In this study we tested the hypothesis that habitat parameters defining the realized niche of a species can be derived from a regional study and that national changes in land use influence the perception of the realized niche across different landscapes. We described the realized habitat niche of the threatened dragonfly Leucorrhinia pectoralis, in four Estonian landscapes which all have undergone more than 20 years of habitat degradations. We recorded the presence/absence of L. pectoralis and measured 7 habitat variables for 140 lakes and ponds located in one restored and three un‐restored landscapes. Lake size and proportion of short riparian vegetation were significantly positive parameters determining the presence of L. pectoralis across landscape types. The species was much more habitat specific in the restored landscape, with larger influence of other habitat parameters. Our data suggest that the realized niche of the species in the un‐restored landscapes was constrained by the present‐day habitats. The study demonstrate that if a species realized niche is derived from local distribution patterns without incorporating landscape history it can lead to an erroneous niche definition. We show that landscape restoration can provide knowledge on a species’ habitat dependencies before habitat degradation has occurred, provided that restoration mitigation reflects the former landscape characteristics.
Infrastructure for collaborative science and societal applications in the Columbia River estuary
Authors: Baptista António M. , Seaton Charles , Wilkin Michael P. , Riseman Sarah F. , Needoba Joseph A. , Maier David , Turner Paul J. , Kärnä Tuomas , Lopez Jesse E. , Herfort Lydie , Megler V. M. , McNeil Craig , Crump Byron C. , Peterson Tawnya D. , Spitz Yvette H. , Simon Holly M.
Published: September 2015

To meet societal needs, modern estuarine science needs to be interdisciplinary and collaborative, combine discovery with hypotheses testing, and be responsive to issues facing both regional and global stakeholders. Such an approach is best conducted with the benefit of data-rich environments, where information from sensors and models is openly accessible within convenient timeframes. Here, we introduce the operational infrastructure of one such data-rich environment, a collaboratory created to support (a) interdisciplinary research in the Columbia River estuary by the multi-institutional team of investigators of the Science and Technology Center for Coastal Margin Observation & Prediction and (b) the integration of scientific knowledge into regional decision making. Core components of the operational infrastructure are an observation network, a modeling system and a cyber-infrastructure, each of which is described. The observation network is anchored on an extensive array of long-term stations, many of them interdisciplinary, and is complemented by on-demand deployment of temporary stations and mobile platforms, often in coordinated field campaigns. The modeling system is based on finiteelement unstructured-grid codes and includes operational and process-oriented simulations of circulation, sediments and ecosystem processes. The flow of information is managed through a dedicated cyber-infrastructure, conversant with regional and national observing systems.
The cost‐effectiveness of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: Results from a modelling study
Authors: Beckman Linda , Svensson Mikael
Published: September 2015

Exposure to bullying affects around 3–5 percent of adolescents in secondary school and is related to various mental health problems. Many different anti‐bullying programmes are currently available, but economic evaluations are lacking. The aim of this study is to identify the cost effectiveness of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP). We constructed a decision‐tree model for a Swedish secondary school, using a public payer perspective, and retrieved data on costs and effects from the published literature. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis to reflect the uncertainty in the model was conducted. The base‐case analysis showed that using the OBPP to reduce the number of victims of bullying costs 131 250 Swedish kronor (€14 470) per victim spared. Compared to a relevant threshold of the societal value of bullying reduction, this indicates that the programme is cost‐effective. Using a relevant willingness‐to‐pay threshold shows that the OBPP is a cost‐effective intervention.
Short‐ and long‐term outcomes of kidney transplants with kidneys lavaged by retrograde perfusion technique
Authors: Han Xiu‐Wu , Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Wang Yong , Tian Xi‐Quan , Wang Jian‐Wen , Amin Bu‐He , Yan Wei
Published: September 2015

Objective

To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of the retrograde perfusion technique in kidney transplantation.

Methods

Between January 2001 and June 2011, 24 cases of kidney transplantation with kidneys perfused using the retrograde perfusion technique due to renal artery variations or injury were selected as the observation group (retrograde perfussion group, RP group). Twenty‐two cases of kidney transplantation via conventional perfusion were chosen as the control group (antegrade perfussion group, AP group). There were no statistically significant differences in donor data between the two groups. Cold ischemia time, warm ischemia time, renal perfusion time, amount of perfusion fluid, acute renal tubular necrosis, wound infection, urinary fistula, graft kidney function, and the 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year survival rates for the grafted kidney in both groups were observed and recorded.

Results

The kidney perfusion time was shorter in the RP group than that in the AP group (3.14 ± 1.00 vs. 5.02 ± 1.15 min, P = 0.030). There were 10 cases of acute renal tubule necrosis in the RP group and 5 in the AP group. The length of hospital stay was 40 ± 14 d in the RP group and 25 ± 12 d in the AP group. The follow‐up time was 3.5–8.5 years (mean 6.25 years). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates for the grafted kidney were 95.8%, 75.5%, and 65.5% in the RP group and 97.1%, 82.5%, and 68.4% in the AP group, respectively (P>0.05).

Conclusions

This study indicates that retrograde perfusion is safe and practicable for cadaveric kidney harvesting and can be regarded as a better alternative or remedial measure for a poorly perfused kidney due to vascular deformity or injury.
Situational Judgment Tests: From Measures of Situational Judgment to Measures of General Domain Knowledge
Authors: Lievens Filip , Motowidlo Stephan J.
Published: September 2015

Situational judgment tests (SJTs) are typically conceptualized as contextualized selection procedures that capture candidate responses to a set of relevant job situations as a basis for prediction. SJTs share their sample-based and contextualized approach with work samples and assessment center exercises, although they differ from these other simulations by presenting the situations in a low-fidelity (e.g., written) format. In addition, SJTs do not require candidates to respond through actual behavior because they capture candidates’ situational judgment via a multiple-choice response format. Accordingly, SJTs have also been labeled low-fidelity simulations. This SJT paradigm has been very successful: In the last 2 decades, scientific interest in SJTs has grown, and they have made rapid inroads in practice as attractive, versatile, and valid selection procedures. Contrary to their popularity and the voluminous research on their criterion-related validity, however, there has been little attention to developing a theory of why SJTs work. Similarly, in SJT development, often little emphasis is placed on measuring clear and explicit constructs. Therefore, Landy (2007) referred to SJTs as “psychometric alchemy” (p. 418).