bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Epithelial Ingrowth Following Microkeratome-Assisted LASIK
Authors: Friehmann Asaf , Mimouni Michael , Nemet Arie Y. , Sela Tzahi , Munzer Gur , Kaiserman Igor 
Published: February 2018

PURPOSE:
To analyze the incidence and risk factors associated with epithelial ingrowth following uncomplicated microkeratome-assisted LASIK.

METHODS:
All patients who underwent microkeratome-assisted LASIK between January 2006 and December 2014 in a single surgical center were reviewed. Epithelial ingrowth cases were identified and associated factors were assessed.

RESULTS:

Overall, 149 (0.49%) of 30,574 cases developed epithelial ingrowth. The epithelial ingrowth group was older compared to controls (35.3 ± 12.3 vs 31.7 ± 10.3 years,
P
= .001) and had a higher percentage of moderate to high hyperopia (13.7% vs 5.3%,
P
< .001), early postoperative flap slippage requiring flap repositioning (9.4% versus 2.8%,
P
< .001), or flap lifting for enhancement (48.6% vs 4.3%,
P
< .001), were treated with a smaller optic zone (6 mm) (37.7% vs 15.2%,
P
< .001), with a Moria M2 microkeratome (Moria SA, Antony, France) (70.1% vs 55.5%,
P
= .02), by low volume surgeons (n < 1,000) (5.8% vs 1.3%,
P
< .001), in a lower operating room temperature (22.3 ± 1.8 vs 22.8 ± 1.6,
P
= .005), and with a greater maximum ablation depth (67.3 ± 29.7 vs 57.3 ± 30.3,
P
< .001). There was a high incidence of epithelial ingrowth in the enhancement group compared to primary LASIK (4.8% vs 0.2%,
P
< .001). The time between treatments (primary and enhanced LASIK) was significantly greater in the epithelial ingrowth group (mean: 1,110 ± 870 vs 626 ± 662 days,
P
< .001). There was a significant rise in epithelial ingrowth rates as time between primary and enhancement LASIK increased, peaking at 4 to 5 years (
P
< .001). In multivariate analysis, flap lifting for enhancement (odds ratio [OR] = 19.5,
P
< .001), 6-mm optic zone (OR = 2.2,
P
< .001), moderate to severe hyperopia (OR = 2.4,
P =
.005), greater ablation depth (OR = 1.005,
P
< .001), and low volume surgeon (OR = 3.9,
P =
.01) were associated with epithelial ingrowth (total
R
2
= 15.4).

CONCLUSIONS:
The potential risk factors described above may forewarn surgeons as to which individuals merit closer observation for this complication.

[
J Refract Surg.
2018;34(2):100–105.]
Estimation of Vital Rates for the Hawaiian Gallinule, a Cryptic, Endangered Waterbird
Authors: van Rees Charles B. , Chang Paul R. , Cosgrove Jillian , DesRochers David W. , Gee Hugo K.W. , Gutscher-Chutz Jennifer L. , Nadig Aaron , Nagata Stephanie E. , Silbernagle Mike , Underwood Jared G. , Uyehara Kim , Reed J. Michael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractVital rates describe the demographic traits of organisms and are an essential resource for wildlife managers to assess local resource conditions and to set objectives for and evaluate management actions. Endangered waterbirds on the Hawaiian Islands have been managed intensively at state and federal refuges since the 1970s, but with little quantitative research on their life history. Information on the vital rates of these taxa is needed to assess the efficacy of different management strategies and to target parts of the life cycle that may be limiting their recovery. Here, we present the most comprehensive data to date on the vital rates (reproduction and survival) of the Hawaiian gallinule Gallinula galeata sandvicensis, a behaviorally cryptic, endangered subspecies of wetland bird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands that is now found only on Kaua‘i and O‘ahu. We review unpublished reproduction data for 252 nests observed between 1979 and 2014 and assess a database of 1,620 sightings of 423 individually color-banded birds between 2004 and 2017. From the resighting data, we estimated annual apparent survival at two managed wetlands on O‘ahu using Cormack–Jolly–Seber models in program MARK. We found that Hawaiian gallinules have smaller mean clutch sizes than do other species in the genus Gallinula and that clutch sizes on Kaua‘i are larger than those on O‘ahu. The longest-lived bird in our dataset was recovered dead at age 7 y and 8 mo, and the youngest confirmed age at first breeding was 1 y and 11 mo. In 4 y of monitoring 14 wetland sites, we confirmed three interwetland movements on O‘ahu. In our pooled dataset, we found no statistically significant differences between managed and unmanaged wetlands in clutch size or reproductive success, but we acknowledge that there were limited data from unmanaged wetlands. Our best supported survival models estimated an overall annual apparent survival of 0.663 (95% CI = 0.572–0.759); detection varied across wetlands and study years. First-year survival is a key missing component in our understanding of the demography of Hawaiian gallinules. These data provide the foundation for quantitative management and assessment of extinction risk of this endangered subspecies.
<b>Fitting new constructal models for the thermal potential of earth-air heat exchangers
Authors: Ramalho Jairo Valões de Alencar , Brum Ruth Da Silva , Rocha Luiz Alberto Oliveira , Isoldi Liércio André , Santos Elizaldo Domingues dos , Sulzbacher Mariane 
Published: February 2018

Relying on the Constructal Design method, this paper introduces new periodic models for the thermal potential of Earth-Air Heat Exchangers (Eahe). As a case study, it analyses the best spacing for three ducts arranged triangularly in order to maximize the heat transfer between soil and air. More specifically, the ratio between the horizontal and vertical spaces among the ducts is set free to vary up to limiting global constraints. This paper aims to better understand how the variations in affect the thermal performance of Eahe. As an additional contribution, some relationships between and the thermal potential of Eahe are mathematically and continuously stated. This allows establishing additional results for the efficiency and energetic performance of Eahe, as well as recommend arrangements in the shape of isosceles triangles with base and height unitary.
Cutting Edge: De Novo Glucocorticoid Synthesis by Thymic Epithelial Cells Regulates Antigen-Specific Thymocyte Selection
Authors: Mittelstadt Paul R. , Taves Matthew D. , Ashwell Jonathan D. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling in thymocytes counters negative selection and promotes the generation of a self-tolerant yet Ag-responsive T cell repertoire. Whereas circulating GC are derived from the adrenals, GC are also synthesized de novo in the thymus. The significance of this local production is unknown. In this study we deleted 11β-hydroxylase, the enzyme that catalyzes the last step of GC biosynthesis, in thymic epithelial cells (TEC) or thymocytes. Like GC receptor–deficient T cells, T cells from mice lacking TEC-derived but not thymocyte-derived GC proliferated poorly to alloantigen, had a reduced antiviral response, and exhibited enhanced negative selection. Strikingly, basal expression of GC-responsive genes in thymocytes from mice lacking TEC-derived GC was reduced to the same degree as in GC receptor–deficient thymocytes, indicating that at steady-state the majority of biologically active GC are paracrine in origin. These findings demonstrate the importance of extra-adrenal GC even in the presence of circulating adrenal-derived GC.
Low-Dose Methotrexate Prevents Primary and Secondary Humoral Immune Responses and Induces Immune Tolerance to a Recombinant Immunotoxin
Authors: King Emily M. , Mazor Ronit , Çuburu Nicolas , Pastan Ira 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) are chimeric proteins being developed for cancer treatment. They are composed of an Ab fragment that targets a cancer Ag and a cytotoxic portion of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. They are effective for patients with hematologic malignancies with defective immunity, but their efficacy against solid tumors is limited by anti-drug Ab (ADA) responses in immune-competent patients. Pre-existing Abs or immune memory owing to previous toxin exposure represent additional hurdles because they induce rapid and strong ADA responses. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) to prevent ADA formation against the mesothelin-targeting RIT LMB-100 in naive mice and in mice with pre-existing Abs. We found that low-dose MTX combined with LMB-100 completely suppressed the formation of ADAs in a dose- and frequency-dependent manner. Suppression of the immune response restored blood levels of LMB-100 and prevented its neutralization. Furthermore, combination of MTX with LMB-100 did not compromise the immune response against a second Ag given after stopping MTX, indicating specific immune tolerance. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes suppressed Ab responses to LMB-100 in recipient mice, indicating a durable immune tolerance. We conclude that combination of MTX and LMB-100 is effective at preventing immune responses in a durable, Ag-specific manner. We propose combining low-dose MTX in immune-competent cancer patients receiving RIT therapy to prevent immunogenicity. This approach could be applied to other immunogenic therapeutic agents and to proteins for which there is pre-existing immunity.
Associations between stormwater retention pond parameters and pollutant (suspended solids and metals) removal efficiencies
Authors: Brink IC , Kamish W 
Published: February 2018

Presented in this paper are the results of correlational analyses and logistic regression between metal substances (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn), as well as suspended solids removal, and physical pond parameters of 19 stormwater retention pond case studies obtained from the International Stormwater BMP database. Included are cross-correlations between metals and solids in pond influent, effluent and removals. The findings provide insights fundamental to further development of improved models and design guidelines for stormwater ponds. Indications were that (i) pond efficiencies differed between high and low influent concentrations and masses, (ii) concentration was an invalid indicator of correlations between substances in pond influent and effluent as well as the fractions of substances removed within ponds, (iii) total cadmium, copper, lead, zinc and total suspended solids (TSS) were associated in surface runoff and similarly removed within ponds, (iv) statistically significant correlations were often only found in data groups either above or below a specific statistic (quartile value, median) for specific pond parameters, indicating that removals may have been differently influenced by pond parameters over different data ranges, and (v) the volume within the permanent pool was of greater importance to pond efficiencies than the volume captured during storm events.
A glimpse into the littoral nutrient dynamics of a lake system connected to the sea
Authors: Taljaard S , Van Niekerk L , Lemley DA 
Published: February 2018

In South Africa more than 80% of estuaries are small, dynamic and predominantly linear systems. Nutrient characteristics in these systems are mostly influenced by external catchment processes, except during extended periods of closure. However, a small percentage of the country’s estuaries (< 3%) comprise larger estuarine lakes mostly evolved from drowned river valleys. The physical properties of these systems suggest relatively low flushing rates, and the potentially stronger influence of in-situ processes on nutrient characteristics. This study investigates dissolved inorganic nutrient dynamics in the littoral zones of these estuarine lake systems, and potential influencing factors, using the Wilderness Lake System as a case study. Comparison of inter-annual and seasonal trends in dissolved inorganic nutrients (NOx-N, NH4-N and PO4-P) in river inflow and in the three lakes confirmed that external catchment fluxes are most likely not the sole, or even the dominant drivers of average long-term or seasonal dissolved inorganic nutrient patterns in the lake littoral zones. Relatively low NOx:NH4 ratios (mostly less than 1) in the lakes (especially in Eilandvlei and Langvlei) indicated a stronger influence of in-situ processes, such as bacteriological remineralisation, similar to observations in other lake type systems with low flushing rates. Low NO3:NH4 ratios are known to stimulate cyanobacteria, having the metabolic ability to potentially produce microcystins. Therefore, incremental dissolved inorganic nutrient and organic matter enrichment may cause these systems to tip into eutrophic, possibly toxic, aquatic states that will be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse given their weak flushing mechanisms. The findings from this study highlight the importance of appropriate water resource management, both in the catchments and within the floodplains of estuarine lake systems.
Severe weather over the Highveld of South Africa during November 2016
Authors: Simpson Lee-ann , Dyson Liesl L 
Published: February 2018

November months are notorious for severe weather over the Highveld of South Africa. November 2016 was no exception and a large number of severe events occurred. Very heavy rainfall, large hail and tornadoes were reported. The aim of this paper is to compare the synoptic circulation of November 2016 with the long-term mean November circulation and to investigate some sounding derived parameters. Furthermore, a few of the severe weather events are described in detail. The surface temperatures and dewpoint temperatures were found to be higher than normal resulting in increased conditional instability over the Highveld. Low-level moisture originated over the warm Mozambique Channel and the 500 hPa temperature trough was located favourably over the Highveld; further east than normal. The combination of these factors and weak steering winds resulted in flash flooding on the 9th while favourable wind shear conditions caused the development of a tornado on 15 November. The favourable circulation patterns and moisture gave rise to an atmosphere in which severe weather was a possibility, and the awareness of such factors is used as one of many tools when considering the severe weather forecast. The consideration of the daily variables derived from sounding data were good precursors for the prediction of severe thunderstorm development over the Highveld during November 2016. It is recommended that an operational meteorologist incorporates upper air sounding data into the forecasting process and not to rely on numerical prediction models exclusively.
Phosphorus limitation and heat stress decrease calcification in Emiliania huxleyi
Authors: Gerecht Andrea C. , Šupraha Luka , Langer Gerald , Henderiks Jorijntje 
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Calcifying haptophytes (coccolithophores) sequester carbon in the form of organic and inorganic cellular components (coccoliths). We examined the effect of phosphorus (P) limitation and heat stress on particulate organic and inorganic carbon (calcite) production in the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Both environmental stressors are related to rising CO2 levels and affect carbon production in marine microalgae, which in turn impacts biogeochemical cycling. Using semi-continuous cultures, we show that P limitation and heat stress decrease the calcification rate in E. huxleyi. However, using batch cultures, we show that different culturing approaches (batch versus semi-continuous) induce different physiologies. This affects the ratio of particulate inorganic (PIC) to organic carbon (POC) and complicates general predictions on the effect of P limitation on the PIC  ∕  POC ratio. We found heat stress to increase P requirements in E. huxleyi, possibly leading to lower standing stocks in a warmer ocean, especially if this is linked to lower nutrient input. In summary, the predicted rise in global temperature and resulting decrease in nutrient availability may decrease CO2 sequestration by E. huxleyi through lower overall carbon production. Additionally, the export of carbon may be diminished by a decrease in calcification and a weaker coccolith ballasting effect.
Insights into Atlantic multidecadal variability using the Last Millennium Reanalysis framework
Authors: Singh Hansi K. A. , Hakim Gregory J. , Tardif Robert , Emile-Geay Julien , Noone David C. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The Last Millennium Reanalysis (LMR) employs a data assimilation
approach to reconstruct climate fields from annually resolved proxy
data over years 0–2000 CE. We use the LMR to examine Atlantic
multidecadal variability (AMV) over the last 2 millennia and find
several robust thermodynamic features associated with a positive
Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) index that reveal a
dynamically consistent pattern of variability: the Atlantic and most
continents warm; sea ice thins over the Arctic and retreats over the
Greenland, Iceland, and Norwegian seas; and equatorial precipitation
shifts northward. The latter is consistent with anomalous southward
energy transport mediated by the atmosphere. Net downward shortwave
radiation increases at both the top of the atmosphere and the surface,
indicating a decrease in planetary albedo, likely due to a decrease
in low clouds. Heat is absorbed by the climate system and the
oceans warm. Wavelet analysis of the AMO time series shows a
reddening of the frequency spectrum on the 50- to 100-year timescale, but no evidence of a distinct multidecadal or centennial
spectral peak. This latter result is insensitive to both the choice of
prior model and the calibration dataset used in the data assimilation
algorithm, suggesting that the lack of a distinct multidecadal
spectral peak is a robust result.
Dead Sea evaporation by eddy covariance measurements vs. aerodynamic, energy budget, Priestley–Taylor, and Penman estimates
Authors: Metzger Jutta , Nied Manuela , Corsmeier Ulrich , Kleffmann Jörg , Kottmeier Christoph 
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The Dead Sea is a terminal lake, located in an arid environment. Evaporation is the key component of the Dead Sea water budget and accounts for the main loss of water. So far, lake evaporation has been determined by indirect methods only and not measured directly. Consequently, the governing factors of evaporation are unknown. For the first time, long-term eddy covariance measurements were performed at the western Dead Sea shore for a period of 1 year by implementing a new concept for onshore lake evaporation measurements. To account for lake evaporation during offshore wind conditions, a robust and reliable multiple regression model was developed using the identified governing factors wind velocity and water vapour pressure deficit. An overall regression coefficient of 0.8 is achieved. The measurements show that the diurnal evaporation cycle is governed by three local wind systems: a lake breeze during daytime, strong downslope winds in the evening, and strong northerly along-valley flows during the night. After sunset, the strong winds cause half-hourly evaporation rates which are up to 100 % higher than during daytime. The median daily evaporation is 4.3 mm d−1 in July and 1.1 mm d−1 in December. The annual evaporation of the water surface at the measurement location was 994±88 mm a−1 from March 2014 until March 2015. Furthermore, the performance of indirect evaporation approaches was tested and compared to the measurements. The aerodynamic approach is applicable for sub-daily and multi-day calculations and attains correlation coefficients between 0.85 and 0.99. For the application of the Bowen ratio energy budget method and the Priestley–Taylor method, measurements of the heat storage term are inevitable on timescales up to 1 month. Otherwise strong seasonal biases occur. The Penman equation was adapted to calculate realistic evaporation, by using an empirically gained linear function for the heat storage term, achieving correlation coefficients between 0.92 and 0.97. In summary, this study introduces a new approach to measure lake evaporation with a station located at the shoreline, which is also transferable to other lakes. It provides the first directly measured Dead Sea evaporation rates as well as applicable methods for evaporation calculation. The first one enables us to further close the Dead Sea water budget, and the latter one enables us to facilitate water management in the region.
Micropalaeontological dating of the basal Cretaceous section of DSDP Site 249, Leg 25, Mozambique Ridge: implications for the timing of the southern Atlantic–Indian Ocean connection
Authors: Dunay Robert E. , Braham William , Cooper M. Kevin E. , Lester Martin , Tremolada Fabrizio 
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Tectonic models suggest the absence of a deep water connection on the Mozambique Ridge during early Neocomian time. These models imply the initiation of a deep water connection between the southern Atlantic and Indian oceans formed during Barremian–earliest Aptian times. However, previous biostratigraphic studies of the earliest deep water sediments on the Mozambique Ridge suggest that the basal section is Neocomian in age. Here, we present a new biostratigraphic analysis undertaken to test this tectonic model and determine the earliest age of deep water sedimentation on the Mozambique Ridge. Core samples from the Cretaceous interval 222.05–406.32 m (Cores 19–32) of DSDP Site 249, Leg 25, were sampled for calcareous nannoplankton and palynological analysis. Most of the sampling was concentrated on the Lower Cretaceous interval below 294 m. Our results indicate that the lower sedimentary section is no older than Barremian and therefore provides support for the age proposed by the tectonic models.
Recent rift formation and impact on the structural integrity of the Brunt Ice Shelf, East Antarctica
Authors: De Rydt Jan , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Nagler Thomas , Wuite Jan , King Edward C. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We report on the recent reactivation of a large rift in the Brunt Ice Shelf, East Antarctica, in December 2012 and the formation of a 50 km long new rift in October 2016. Observations from a suite of ground-based and remote sensing instruments between January 2000 and July 2017 were used to track progress of both rifts in unprecedented detail. Results reveal a steady accelerating trend in their width, in combination with alternating episodes of fast ( > 600 m day−1) and slow propagation of the rift tip, controlled by the heterogeneous structure of the ice shelf. A numerical ice flow model and a simple propagation algorithm based on the stress distribution in the ice shelf were successfully used to hindcast the observed trajectories and to simulate future rift progression under different assumptions. Results show a high likelihood of ice loss at the McDonald Ice Rumples, the only pinning point of the ice shelf. The nascent iceberg calving and associated reduction in pinning of the Brunt Ice Shelf may provide a uniquely monitored natural experiment of ice shelf variability and provoke a deeper understanding of similar processes elsewhere in Antarctica.