bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of the Strategy Theme Basin
Authors: Tollefson Laurie , Wahba Mohamed , Harrington John 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe technical activities of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) are organized under four Strategy Themes: On Farm, Systems, Basin, and Knowledge. Strategy Theme Basin deals with the basin level environmental aspects that affect agricultural water management and their impact on the environment. This review of Strategy Theme Basin and its six Working Groups (WG) examines its unique multi‐disciplinary role in delivering ICID's contribution to Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), its effectiveness in meeting that role, and its future needs toward fulfilling that role. A formal set of objectives, of mechanisms to meet those objectives, and of suitable outputs for Strategy Theme Basin are proposed. Recommendations for future activities of the WG are made to improve multi‐disciplinary collaborations with relevant outside organizations, to facilitate greater participation by ICID members, to improve WG functionality, and to effectively disseminate knowledge to IWRM professionals. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirical investigation of a theoretical model for mathematical creativity
Authors: Haavold Per Øystein 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this exploratory study, a theoretical model proposed by Sriraman (2005) consisting of five theoretical principles for optimizing creativity in a K–12 setting was investigated empirically. This was accomplished in two steps. In the first study, the five principles were operationalized by generating a questionnaire consisting of 45 items intended to capture the dimension of each principle. An exploratory maximum‐likelihood factor analysis indicated a relatively robust five factor structure that corresponded with the theoretical model. In the second study, the five factor model was validated using a confirmatory factor analysis. The model was then investigated using a two‐level linear mixed model with a random intercept. The results revealed that motivation and mathematical achievement were significant predictors of mathematical creativity.
Contrasting effects ofEDTAapplications on the fluxes of methane and nitrous oxide emissions from straw‐treated rice paddy soils
Authors: Pramanik Prabhat , Kim Pil Joo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDSubmerged rice paddy soils are the major anthropogenic source of methane (CH4) emission to the atmosphere. Straw incorporation for sustaining soil organic C pool increasesCH4emission flux from rice paddy soils. Though the rate of nitrous oxide (N2O) emission is much less thanCH4, the former has 298 times higher global warming potential (GWP) than equivalent quantity of carbon dioxide. The effect of chelating agents, such asEDTA, onN2Oemission and onGWPdue toCH4andN2Oemissions has not been evaluated before.RESULTSThe emission ofCH4gas from submerged soil may be mitigated byEDTAapplication; however, it also increases concentration of nitrate‐N in soil, the precursor ofN2Ogas formation under anaerobic condition. In this experiment, irrespective of straw application,EDTA‐treated soils emitted lessCH4to the atmosphere than the corresponding control. ThoughN2Oemission was increased from soil due toEDTAapplications, totalGWPwas at least 15% reduced inEDTAtreated soils during rice cultivation. The plant growth and rice grain yield was not affected byEDTAapplication.CONCLUSIONEDTAapplication at 5.0 ppm might be used to reduce total global warming potential during rice cultivation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Surgical telementoring: A new model for surgical training
Authors: Snyderman Carl H. , Gardner Paul A. , Lanisnik Bostjan , Ravnik Janez 
Published: March 2016

Objectives/HypothesisTo assess the efficacy of a surgical telementoring program for endoscopic skull base surgery.Study DesignProspective case series with surveys of surgeons.MethodsA surgical telementoring program was established for mentoring of a skull base team at the University of Maribor in Slovenia by an experienced skull base team at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania. Two‐way video and audio streaming provided real‐time communication with the surgical team. Over a period of 3 years, 10 endoscopic endonasal surgeries of the skull base were mentored preoperatively and during the key part of the procedure. Following each procedure, an evaluation form was used to document the mentoring interventions and rate the experience.ResultsProcedures included endoscopic endonasal approaches to the sella, anterior cranial fossa, posterior cranial fossa, and orbit. Diagnoses included benign and malignant neoplasms, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and inflammatory disease. In nine of 10 cases, adequate audio and video communications were maintained. The most frequent mentoring interventions were for identification of anatomy, extent of exposure, extent of resection, and surgical technique. The median perceived value by the junior surgical team was 9.5 (range 8–10). A model for surgical telementoring is proposed.ConclusionSurgical telementoring provides the ability to help surgeons develop their surgical skills to a greater level of proficiency for complex surgeries when experienced mentors are not available locally. The technology is reliable and available at most institutions. Perceived benefits of surgical telementoring include improved surgical exposure, increased extent of tumor resection, and decreased duration of surgery.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 126:1334–1338, 2016
Acupuncture in shoulder pain and functional impairment after neck dissection: A prospective randomized pilot study
Authors: Deganello Alberto , Battat Nir , Muratori Enrico , Cristofaro Glauco , Buongiorno Ana , Mannelli Giuditta , Picconi Mario , Giachetti Rita , Borsotti Giulia , Gallo Oreste 
Published: March 2016

Objectives/HypothesisThe efficacy of conventional physiotherapy and antiinflammatory/analgesic drugs in the management of shoulder pain and functional disability following neck dissection is often disappointing. Acupuncture is a safe and well‐tolerated method. We report the results regarding our pilot trial of acupuncture versus conventional care in the management of postoperative shoulder pain and dysfunction after neck dissection.Study DesignPilot study.MethodsPatients at a tertiary university center with chronic pain or dysfunction attributed to neck dissection were randomly assigned to either weekly acupuncture or usual care (eg., physical therapy, analgesia, and/or antiinflammatory drugs) for 5 consecutive weeks. The Constant‐Murley score, a composite measure of pain, function, and activities of daily living, was the primary outcome measure. As secondary end point, The Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII) was used to quantify site‐specific, self‐reported quality of life (QOL).ResultsAfter randomization, 48 patients completed the study (23 and 25 patients on acupuncture and control arms, respectively). Constant‐Murley scores improved more in the acupuncture group (gain difference between groups 13.6, P < 0.01), a statistically significant improvement in site‐specific QOL was also recorded at NDII (gain difference between groups 11.5, P < 0.01).ConclusionAcupuncture is safe and effective; it should be introduced and offered to patients suffering from neck pain and dysfunction related to neck dissection.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 126:1790–1795, 2016
Transoral robotic approach to parapharyngeal space tumors: Case series and technical limitations
Authors: Boyce Brian J. , Curry Joseph M. , Luginbuhl Adam , Cognetti David M. 
Published: March 2016

Objectives/HypothesisThe transoral robotic approach to parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors is a new technique with limited data available on its feasibility, safety, and efficacy. We analyzed our experience with transoral robotic excisions of PPS tumors to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique.Study DesignRetrospective chart analysis at tertiary academic medical center. From July 2010 to June 2014, 17 patients who had transoral robotic excision of PPS tumors were included in the study. Our cohort had an average age of 61.6 years and was 52.9% male.ResultsAll patients had successful removal of their PPS tumors, and the average size of the tumors was 27.3 cm3 (range 2–80 cm3). Two cases (11.7%) required a cervical incision to assist with tumor removal. The average total operative time was 140.5 minutes. Two PPS PAs had focal areas of capsule rupture and one was fragmented. The average length of stay was 1.8 days (range 1–7 days), and all patients were discharged on an oral diet. Three patients experienced complications. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence.ConclusionThis is the largest single‐institution case series of transoral robotic approaches to PPS tumors. We demonstrate that this approach is feasible and safe but also note limitations of the robotic approaches for tumors on the far lateral and superior areas of the PPS, which required transcervical assistance. There were no patients who demonstrated recurrent tumor either radiographically or clinically.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:1776–1782, 2016
Ranking of Dystonia Severity by Pairwise Video Comparison
Authors: Ellermeyer Tobias , Otte Karen , Heinrich Felix , Mansow‐Model Sebastian , Kayser Bastian , Lipp Axel , Seidel Adrian , Krause Patricia , Lauritsch Katharina , Gusho Elona , Paul Friedemann , Kühn Andrea A. , Brandt Alexander U. , Schmitz‐Hübsch Tanja 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundReviewers of dystonia rating scales agree on the need to assess symptoms more comprehensively. During the development of a quantitative dystonia assessment by video‐perceptive computing, we devised a video‐based severity ranking as a procedure to create a validation standard without the use of clinical scales.MethodsThirty‐four patients with dystonia (17 with dystonic tremor) and 2 controls were assessed with clinical scales and video‐recordings of 24 short movement tasks. Two to 4 raters compared multiple permutations of videos from 22 subjects, including 2 healthy controls, until a complete rank order was achieved. Inter‐rater agreement was expressed as normalized Kendall tau distance. Spearman correlations of video rank order with clinical scales and self‐rating were repeated for tremor/nontremor subgroups.ResultsNormalized Kendall tau distances were <0.3 for 15 items. The video rank order for sitting and head movements correlated with clinical scales for the whole group (rho 0.52–0.87) and in the subgroup without tremor. In the tremor subgroup such correlation was perceived in the 2 items involving sitting. Video rank order correlated with quality of life self‐rating only in 1 item (arms held in front, palm down).ConclusionsThe agreement of video rankings between raters is remarkable. The lack of correlation in the tremor subgroup in several items may be interpreted as tremor being considered in video comparisons but not in clinical scales. This supports video‐based ranking as a more comprehensive rating of dystonia and as a possible validation instrument applicable in situations in which no reference standard is available
Electrostatic complexation of a double hydrophilic block polyelectrolyte and proteins of different molecular shape
Authors: Karayianni Maria , Radeva Radka , Koseva Neli , Pispas Stergios 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThe electrostatic complexation between the polyelectrolyte block of the novel double hydrophilic copolymer quaternized poly(3,5‐bis(dimethylaminomethylene) hydroxystyrene)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (QNPHOS‐PEO) and proteins of different molecular shape, that is globular bovine serum albumin (BSA) or rod‐like bovine fibrinogen (FBG), is investigated by means of dynamic, static, and electrophoretic light scattering, as well as analytical ultracentrifugation measurements. The solution behavior, structure, and properties of the formed complexes at pH 7 and 0.01 M ionic strength, as a function of the protein concentration in the solution (or equivalently the charge ratio of the two components), depend on the protein concentration and molecular characteristics. Moreover, the structure of the complexes is greatly influenced by the intrinsic structure of the block polyelectrolyte, which forms rather loose multichain aggregates, due to hydrophobic interactions. A direct correlation between the stability of the preformed complexes against the increase of the solution ionic strength and their structure is established. Finally, the spectroscopic structural investigation of both complexed proteins reveals no signs of protein denaturation upon complexation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1515–1529
A thorough note: Does a procedure-specific operation note proforma for laparoscopic appendicectomy improve compliance with the Royal College of Surgeons of England Guidelines?
Authors: Abbas S.H. , Singh S. , Sundran R. , Akbari K. , Gilmour J. , Puttick M. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Operation notes provide an insight into the operative process and stand as a legal document of a surgical procedure occurring. Maintaining accurate, complete and legible notes is fundamental for post-operative patient care and medico-legal purposes. This study aimed at comparing the quality of laparoscopic appendicectomy operation notes prior-to and after the introduction of a procedure-specific proforma consistent with the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSEng) guidelines, 2014.

Methods:
Nineteen parameters based on the RCSEng ‘Good Surgical Practice’ 2014 guidelines were used to audit laparoscopic appendicectomy operation notes. The study consisted of a retrospective audit of 43 consecutive laparoscopic appendicectomy operation notes and a prospective audit of 57 consecutive operation notes following the introduction of a procedure-specific proforma (existing in both hard copy and electronic versions) for laparoscopic appendicectomy.
We assessed: (i) the overall compliance with the RCSEng guidelines, (ii) whether each parameter of RCSEng guidelines recommendations were clearly recorded in the operation notes, and (iii) legibility of operation notes. Statistical analysis for difference between the two groups was performed using the independent sample t-test.

Results:
After introduction of a procedure-specific profroma for laparoscopic appendicectomy, average compliance with RCSEng guidelines increased from 66% retrospectively to 94% prospectively (p
<
0.00001). In 8 of the 19 parameters assessed there was significant improvement in adherence to guidelines.

Discussion:
The implementation of a procedure-specific operation significantly increased compliance with RCSEng guidelines. Such proformas may help reduce variability and standardise operation notes for the same procedure and improve post-operative care.

Highlights:
Current turn-off in an ungrounded horizontal loop: experiment and theory
Authors: Kozhevnikov N.O. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
An ungrounded horizontal loop, a common transmitter type in TEM surveys, makes up a system with distributed parameters with the earth under it. It can be simulated by an equivalent circuit with lumped parameters at late times and/or low frequencies, but at early times commensurate with the period of free current oscillations, the lumped circuit model fails to account for experimental data. At high frequencies and/or early times, the wire, in combination with the underlying earth, forms a transmission line in which current behaves according to the wave equation. This model allows calculating the current at any time and at any loop point with reference to the theory of long transmission lines. At early times, the loop self-responses depend on near-surface resistivity and environment and its primary magnetic field differs from that predicted by the classical theory of TEM surveys. Therefore, inversion of early-time rerponse in terms of the conventional TEM system model is meaningless. However, as illustrated with a loop shunted by a matching resistor, the loop model as a combination of two transmission lines enables the inversion of the early-time current response in terms of the line parameters and near-surface resistivity.
A lyrical architecture of the flood: Landscape, infrastructure, and symbiosis
Authors: Butcher Matthew 
Published: March 2016

This paper presents, through text and the design project ‘The Silt House’, an alternative architecture for flood landscapes.The investigation sets out the context for current forms of infrastructure and architecture planned in response to the increased threat of flooding in and around the Thames Estuary. In particular, it looks to certain experimental flood defence systems, suggesting, that instead of building bigger and bigger sea walls, we should look to use the landscape as a hybrid landscape infrastructure where salt marshes can act as a storage point for excess water and the flora can dispel energy from flood tides. Within this context, the text and design work seek to address the questions: what formal and spatial logics might be appropriate for architecture if sited in such a hybridised landscape like the tidal marsh; and, how might these logics mirror the particular conditions of this new model of infrastructure?To help answer this question, the work looks to the architect and poet Raimund Abraham and, in particular, his 10 Houses projects developed between 1970 and 1973 for an alternative architectural model that uses natural processes to create enclosure and define architectural space. The design project seeks to explore how the direct use of such a historical reference can itself be seen as a means to not only develop an architecture that demonstrates a symbiotic relationship between nature and architecture, but also between the social and the political.
Downregulation of renal tubular Wnt/β-catenin signaling by Dickkopf-3 induces tubular cell death in proteinuric nephropathy
Authors: Wong D W L , Yiu W H , Wu H J , Li R X , Liu Y , Chan K W , Leung J C K , Chan L Y Y , Lai K N , Tang S C W 
Published: March 2016

AbstractStudies on the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in different forms of kidney disease have yielded discrepant results. Here, we report the biphasic change of renal β-catenin expression in mice with overload proteinuria in which β-catenin was upregulated at the early stage (4 weeks after disease induction) but abrogated at the late phase (8 weeks). Acute albuminuria was observed at 1 week after bovine serum albumin injection, followed by partial remission at 4 weeks that coincided with overexpression of renal tubular β-catenin. Interestingly, a rebound in albuminuria at 8 weeks was accompanied by downregulated tubular β-catenin expression and heightened tubular apoptosis. In addition, there was an inverse relationship between Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) and renal tubular β-catenin expression at these time points. In vitro, a similar trend in β-catenin expression was observed in human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells with acute (upregulation) and prolonged (downregulation) exposure to albumin. Induction of a proapoptotic phenotype by albumin was significantly enhanced by silencing β-catenin in HK-2 cells. Finally, Dkk-3 expression and secretion was increased after prolonged exposure to albumin, leading to the suppression of intracellular β-catenin signaling pathway. The effect of Dkk-3 on β-catenin signaling was confirmed by incubation with exogenous Dkk-3 in HK-2 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that downregulation of tubular β-catenin signaling induced by Dkk-3 has a detrimental role in chronic proteinuria, partially through the increase in apoptosis.
FoxO1-mediated autophagy is required for NK cell development and innate immunity
Authors: Wang Shuo , Xia Pengyan , Huang Guanling , Zhu Pingping , Liu Jing , Ye Buqing , Du Ying , Fan Zusen 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells exert a crucial role in early immune responses as a major innate effector component. However, the underlying mechanisms of NK cell development remain largely elusive. Here we show that robust autophagy appears in the stage of immature NK cells (iNKs), which is required for NK cell development. Autophagy defects result in damaged mitochondria and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that leads to apoptosis of NK cells. Autophagy protects NK cell viability during development through removal of damaged mitochondria and intracellular ROS. Phosphorylated Forkhead box O (FoxO)1 is located to the cytoplasm of iNKs and interacts with Atg7, leading to induction of autophagy. FoxO1 deficiency or an inactive FoxO1AAA mutant abrogates autophagy initiation in iNKs and impairs NK cell development and viral clearance. Therefore we conclude that FoxO1-mediated autophagy is required for NK cell development and NK cell-induced innate immunity.
Observational evidence for enhanced magnetic activity of superflare stars
Authors: Karoff Christoffer , Knudsen Mads Faurschou , De Cat Peter , Bonanno Alfio , Fogtmann-Schulz Alexandra , Fu Jianning , Frasca Antonio , Inceoglu Fadil , Olsen Jesper , Zhang Yong , Hou Yonghui , Wang Yuefei , Shi Jianrong , Zhang Wei 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSuperflares are large explosive events on stellar surfaces one to six orders-of-magnitude larger than the largest flares observed on the Sun throughout the space age. Due to the huge amount of energy released in these superflares, it has been speculated if the underlying mechanism is the same as for solar flares, which are caused by magnetic reconnection in the solar corona. Here, we analyse observations made with the LAMOST telescope of 5,648 solar-like stars, including 48 superflare stars. These observations show that superflare stars are generally characterized by larger chromospheric emissions than other stars, including the Sun. However, superflare stars with activity levels lower than, or comparable to, the Sun do exist, suggesting that solar flares and superflares most likely share the same origin. The very large ensemble of solar-like stars included in this study enables detailed and robust estimates of the relation between chromospheric activity and the occurrence of superflares.
Ephrin-B3 coordinates timed axon targeting and amygdala spinogenesis for innate fear behaviour
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Na , Liu Xian-Dong , Sun Suya , Zhuang Hanyi , Yang Jing-Yu , Henkemeyer Mark , Xu Nan-Jie 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInnate emotion response to environmental stimuli is a fundamental brain function that is controlled by specific neural circuits. Dysfunction of early emotional circuits may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. However, how the functional circuits are formed to prime initial emotional behaviours remain elusive. We reveal here using gene-targeted mutations an essential role for ephrin-B3 ligand-like activity in the development of innate fear in the neonatal brain. We further demonstrate that ephrin-B3 controls axon targeting and coordinates spinogenesis and neuronal activity within the amygdala. The morphological and behavioural abnormalities in ephrin-B3 mutant mice are rescued by conditional knock-in of wild-type ephrin-B3 during the critical period when axon targeting and fear responses are initiated. Our results thus define a key axonal molecule that participates in the wiring of amygdala circuits and helps bring about fear emotion during the important adolescence period.