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Near‐surface seasonal and annual mean wind speed in Switzerland is investigated using homogenized observations, Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CRv2c) data and raw model output of a 75 member EURO‐COoRdinated Downscaling EXperiment regional climate model (RCM) ensemble for present day and future scenarios. The wind speed observations show a significant decrease in the Alps and on the southern Alpine slopes in the period 1981–2010. However, the 20CRv2c data reveal that the recent trends lie well within the decadal variability over longer time periods and no clear signs of a systematic wind stilling can be found for Switzerland. The ensemble of RCMs shows large biases in the annual mean wind speed over the Jura mountains, and some members also show large biases in the Alps compared to station observations. The spatial distribution of the model biases varies strongly between the RCMs, while the resolution and the driving global model have less impact on the pattern of the model bias. The RCMs are mostly able to represent the seasonality of wind speed on the Plateau but miss important details in complex terrain related to local wind systems. Most models show no significant changes in near‐surface mean wind speed until the end of the 21st century. The model ensemble changes range from a 7% decrease to a 6% increase with an ensemble mean decrease of 1 to 2%. Due to model biases, the scale mismatch between model grid and station observations and the missing representation of local winds in the simulations, the changes need to be interpreted with utmost care. Future assessments might lead to major revisions even for the sign of the projected changes, in particular over complex terrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare, in a phase 3, prospective, randomized, multi-center clinical trial functional outcome of reconstruction procedures following total mesorectal excision (TME)., Summary Background Data: Intestinal continuity reconstruction following TME is accompanied by postoperative defecation dysfunctions known as "anterior resection syndrome." Commonly used reconstruction techniques are straight colorectal anastomosis (SCA), colon J -pouch (CJP), and side-to-end anastomosis (SEA). Comparison of their functional outcomes in prospective, randomized, multi-center studies, including long-term assessments, is lacking., Methods: Patients requiring TME for histologically proven rectal tumor, with or without neoadjuvant treatment, age ≥ 18 years, normal sphincter function without history of incontinence, any pretreatment staging or adenoma, expected R0-resection, were randomized for standardized SCA, CJP, or SEA procedures. Primary endpoint was comparison of composite evacuation scores 12 months after TME. Comparison of composite evacuation and incontinence scores at 6, 18 and 24 months after surgery, morbidity, and overall survival represented secondary endpoints. Analysis was based on "per protocol" (PP) population, fully complying with trial requirements, and intention-to treat (ITT) population., Results: Three hundred thirty-six patients from 15 hospitals were randomized. PP population included 257 patients (JCP = 63; SEA = 95; SCA = 99). Composite evacuation scores of PP and ITT populations did not show statistically significant differences among the 3 groups at any time point. Similarly, composite incontinence scores for PP and ITT populations showed no statistically significant difference among the 3 trial arms at any time point., Conclusions: Within boundaries of investigated procedures, surgeons in charge may continue to perform reconstruction of intestinal continuity following TME at their technical preference.