bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parcels v0.9: prototyping a Lagrangian ocean analysis framework for the petascale age
Authors: Lange Michael , van Sebille Erik 
Published: November 2017

Abstract. As ocean general circulation models (OGCMs) move into the petascale age, where the output of single simulations exceeds petabytes of storage space, tools to analyse the output of these models will need to scale up too. Lagrangian ocean analysis, where virtual particles are tracked through hydrodynamic fields, is an increasingly popular way to analyse OGCM output, by mapping pathways and connectivity of biotic and abiotic particulates. However, the current software stack of Lagrangian ocean analysis codes is not dynamic enough to cope with the increasing complexity, scale and need for customization of use-cases. Furthermore, most community codes are developed for stand-alone use, making it a nontrivial task to integrate virtual particles at runtime of the OGCM. Here, we introduce the new Parcels code, which was designed from the ground up to be sufficiently scalable to cope with petascale computing. We highlight its API design that combines flexibility and customization with the ability to optimize for HPC workflows, following the paradigm of domain-specific languages. Parcels is primarily written in Python, utilizing the wide range of tools available in the scientific Python ecosystem, while generating low-level C code and using just-in-time compilation for performance-critical computation. We show a worked-out example of its API, and validate the accuracy of the code against seven idealized test cases. This version 0.9 of Parcels is focused on laying out the API, with future work concentrating on support for curvilinear grids, optimization, efficiency and at-runtime coupling with OGCMs.
Impact of snow deposition on major and trace element concentrations and elementary fluxes in surface waters of the Western Siberian Lowland across a 1700 km latitudinal gradient
Authors: Shevchenko Vladimir P. , Pokrovsky Oleg S. , Vorobyev Sergey N. , Krickov Ivan V. , Manasypov Rinat M. , Politova Nadezhda V. , Kopysov Sergey G. , Dara Olga M. , Auda Yves , Shirokova Liudmila S. , Kolesnichenko Larisa G. , Zemtsov Valery A. , Kirpotin Sergey N. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract. In order to better understand the chemical composition of snow and its impact on surface water hydrochemistry in the poorly studied Western Siberia Lowland (WSL), the surface layer of snow was sampled in February 2014 across a 1700 km latitudinal gradient (ca. 56.5 to 68° N). We aimed at assessing the latitudinal effect on both dissolved and particulate forms of elements in snow and quantifying the impact of atmospheric input to element storage and export fluxes in inland waters of the WSL. The concentration of dissolved+colloidal (< 0.45 µm) Fe, Co, Cu, As and La increased by a factor of 2 to 5 north of 63° N compared to southern regions. The pH and dissolved Ca, Mg, Sr, Mo and U in snow water increased with the rise in concentrations of particulate fraction (PF). Principal component analyses of major and trace element concentrations in both dissolved and particulate fractions revealed two factors not linked to the latitude. A hierarchical cluster analysis yielded several groups of elements that originated from alumino-silicate mineral matrix, carbonate minerals and marine aerosols or belonging to volatile atmospheric heavy metals, labile elements from weatherable minerals and nutrients. The main sources of mineral components in PF are desert and semi-desert regions of central Asia. The snow water concentrations of DIC, Cl, SO4, Mg, Ca, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, Sb, Cs, W, Pb and U exceeded or were comparable with springtime concentrations in thermokarst lakes of the permafrost-affected WSL zone. The springtime river fluxes of DIC, Cl, SO4, Na, Mg, Ca, Rb, Cs, metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb), metalloids (As, Sb), Mo and U in the discontinuous to continuous permafrost zone (64–68° N) can be explained solely by melting of accumulated snow. The impact of snow deposition on riverine fluxes of elements strongly increased northward, in discontinuous and continuous permafrost zones of frozen peat bogs. This was consistent with the decrease in the impact of rock lithology on river chemical composition in the permafrost zone of the WSL, relative to the permafrost-free regions. Therefore, the present study demonstrates significant and previously underestimated atmospheric input of many major and trace elements to their riverine fluxes during spring floods. A broader impact of this result is that current estimations of river water fluxes response to climate warming in high latitudes may be unwarranted without detailed analysis of winter precipitation.
Quantifying bioalbedo: a new physically based model and discussion of empirical methods for characterising biological influence on ice and snow albedo
Authors: Cook Joseph M. , Hodson Andrew J. , Gardner Alex S. , Flanner Mark , Tedstone Andrew J. , Williamson Christopher , Irvine-Fynn Tristram D. L. , Nilsson Johan , Bryant Robert , Tranter Martyn 
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The darkening effects of biological impurities on ice and snow have been recognised as a control on the surface energy balance of terrestrial snow, sea ice, glaciers and ice sheets. With a heightened interest in understanding the impacts of a changing climate on snow and ice processes, quantifying the impact of biological impurities on ice and snow albedo (bioalbedo) and its evolution through time is a rapidly growing field of research. However, rigorous quantification of bioalbedo has remained elusive because of difficulties in isolating the biological contribution to ice albedo from that of inorganic impurities and the variable optical properties of the ice itself. For this reason, isolation of the biological signature in reflectance data obtained from aerial/orbital platforms has not been achieved, even when ground-based biological measurements have been available. This paper provides the cell-specific optical properties that are required to model the spectral signatures and broadband darkening of ice. Applying radiative transfer theory, these properties provide the physical basis needed to link biological and glaciological ground measurements with remotely sensed reflectance data. Using these new capabilities we confirm that biological impurities can influence ice albedo, then we identify 10 challenges to the measurement of bioalbedo in the field with the aim of improving future experimental designs to better quantify bioalbedo feedbacks. These challenges are (1) ambiguity in terminology, (2) characterising snow or ice optical properties, (3) characterising solar irradiance, (4) determining optical properties of cells, (5) measuring biomass, (6) characterising vertical distribution of cells, (7) characterising abiotic impurities, (8) surface anisotropy, (9) measuring indirect albedo feedbacks, and (10) measurement and instrument configurations. This paper aims to provide a broad audience of glaciologists and biologists with an overview of radiative transfer and albedo that could support future experimental design.
Gestão de resíduos na construção civil: um estudo em Belo Horizonte e região metropolitana
Authors: Caroline de Almeida Leite Izabella , Luis Corrêa Damasceno Damasceno João , Magrinelli dos Reis Alexandre , Alvim Marina 
Published: November 2017

O presente estudo teve como objetivo geral analisar a gestão de resíduos na construção civil no município de Belo Horizonte (MG) e região metropolitana. Para isso, foi elaborada uma pesquisa de campo. A revisão bibliográfica teve por objetivo identificar, na literatura, os processos de gerenciamento utilizados pelos municípios, bem como verificar o que preconiza a legislação vigente. O universo da pesquisa elencou o município de Belo Horizonte e a região metropolitana, constituída por 34 municípios. A realização da pesquisa permitiu adquirir conhecimentos sobre o gerenciamento de Resíduos de Construção Civil (RCCs), tanto nos aspectos teóricos quanto nas informações obtidas na coleta de dados por meio do questionário de pesquisa. De modo geral, o setor de construção civil é um grande gerador de RCCs e ainda faltam políticas públicas, nas esferas federais, estaduais e municipais, para auxiliar gestores a criar estruturas capazes de proporcionar uma gestão eficaz, minimizando os impactos dos resíduos no meio ambiente. Foi possível perceber a carência quanto ao incentivo do processo de reciclagem nos municípios, que poderia ser um facilitador na gestão dos RCCs.
ABSTRACT
The present study had as general objective to analyze the waste management in civil construction in the city of Belo Horizonte (MG) and metropolitan region. For this, a field research was developed. The bibliographic review aimed to identify, in the literature, the management processes used by the municipalities, as well as verify what the current legislation recommends. The research universe listed the municipality of Belo Horizonte and the metropolitan region, made up of 34 municipalities. The research carried out allowed to acquire knowledge about the management of Civil Construction Waste (RCCs), both in the theoretical aspects and in the information obtained in the data collection through the research questionnaire. In general, the construction industry is a great generator of RCCs, and there is still a lack of public policies at federal, state and municipal levels to help managers create structures capable of effective management while minimizing the impacts of waste on the environment . It was possible to perceive the lack of incentive of the recycling process in the municipalities, which could be a facilitator in the management of RCCs.
Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) monovision for presbyopia correction
Authors: Luft Nikolaus , Siedlecki Jakob , Sekundo Walter , Wertheimer Christian , Kreutzer Thomas C. , Mayer Wolfgang J. , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Dirisamer Martin 
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of myopic small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) monovision in presbyopic patients. Methods: This study included 49 presbyopic patients older than 45 years seeking surgical correction of myopia or myopic astigmatism who underwent bilateral SMILE with planned monovision in the SMILE Eyes Clinic Linz, Austria. Target refraction was plano for dominant (distance) eyes and ranged between -1.25 and -0.50 D for nondominant (near) eyes. Best-corrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity, as well as spectacle dependence were assessed after a mean postoperative period of 7.2 ± 4.8 months. Results: Mean age was 49 ± 3 years and female to male ratio was 30:19. Distance eyes achieved a spherical equivalent correction of ±0.50 D from target refraction in 80% of patients and 96% were within ±1.0 D. Binocular UDVA of 20/20 or better was achieved by 90% of patients and all patients achieved 20/25 or better. The proportion of patients with a binocular UDVA of 20/20 or better who could read J2 or better amounted to 84%. Complete spectacle independence was achieved by 84% of patients and independence from reading glasses was achieved in 92% of cases. No patient requested refractive enhancement or monovision reversal. Conclusions: This first evaluation of SMILE monovision endorses the approach as a safe and effective option for the correction of presbyopia in myopic patients seeking refractive surgery.
Sequential tissue plasminogen activator, pneumatic displacement, and anti-VEGF treatment for submacular hemorrhage
Authors: Bardak Handan , Bardak Yavuz , Erçalık Yeşim , Erdem Burak , Arslan Gökhan , Timlioglu Semrin 
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To report the results of our sequential intravitreal (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), pneumatic displacement (PD), and IV anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD)-related submacular hemorrhage (SMH). Methods: A total of 16 eyes of 16 patients with SMH of less than 15 days duration were included in this retrospective pilot study. The tPA was applied on the day of diagnosis, and PD was performed the following day. Patients received 3 consecutive monthly IV injections of ranibizumab starting from 15 days after PD. During the follow-ups, additional ranibizumab treatment was performed if persistent macular or recurrent subretinal or intraretinal fluid hemorrhage was observed. Results: The mean central retinal thickness was 489 ± 92 μm (311-621 μm) at the time of diagnosis, 324 ± 56 μm (209-409 μm) at the first month, 262 ± 48 μm (197-364 μm) at 3 months, 248 ± 40 μm (190-334 μm) at 6 months, and 253 ± 41 μm (192-356 μm) at the last control (p<0.01). The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 2.08 ± 0.79 logMAR (0.7-3.0 logMAR) at baseline, 1.41 ± 0.70 logMAR (0.56-2.50 logMAR) at the first month, 1.21 ± 0.66 logMAR (0.3-2.0 logMAR) at 3 months, 1.14 ± 0.77 logMAR (0.2-2.50 logMAR) at 6 months, and 1.09 ± 0.73 logMAR (0.3-2.50 logMAR) at the last follow-up (p<0.01). Conclusions: Sequential IV tPA, PD, and IV anti-VEGF treatments for SMH in patients with nAMD is effective. However, further studies are needed to establish the best treatment algorithm for SMH in patients with nAMD.
A prospective randomised comparison of 2 skin closure techniques in primary total hip arthroplasty surgery
Authors: Rui Min , Zheng Xin , Sun Shao-song , Li Cheng-yu , Zhang Xing-chen , Guo Kai-jin , Zhao Feng-chao , Pang Yong 
Published: November 2017

Introduction: As an essential step of total hip arthroplasty (THA), an effective and secure skin closure technique after primary THA is important. Metallic staples closure and subcuticular suture are the 2 common techniques for skin closure. However, which closure technique is the optimal skin-closure method remains unclear. The purpose of this prospective randomised clinical study was to compare the clinical outcomes and costs between staples and subcuticular suture techniques. Methods: In this clinical study, 165 patients who underwent primary unilateral THA through a posterolateral approach from August 2014 to May 2015 were included. According to skin closure technique, the patients were randomised into staples group (interrupted suture with staples, 83 cases) and sutures group (running 4-0 absorbable subcuticular suture, 82 cases). The same operative and perioperative care were provided to all patients. The surgical site infections (SSIs) rate, closure time, time to dry wounds and postoperative hospital stay were recorded and compared. Besides, cosmetic results and patient’s satisfaction were evaluated with Hollander wound evaluation score (HWES) and VAS score at postoperative 3 months follow-up respectively. Relative total costs were recorded as well. Results: It was shown that no infections developed in sutures group, while 2 postoperative superficial infections (2.4%) occurred in the staples group. There was a statistically significant difference in the time to dry surgical incisions and postoperative hospital stay favoring sutures (4.8 vs. 5.0 days, p = 0.028; 6.0 vs. 12.0 days, p<0.001, respectively). The cutaneous incision closure using staples consumed significantly less time than that with subcuticular suture (24.7 vs. 357.7 seconds, p<0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference in HWES and patient’s satisfaction between the 2 groups. Finally, the application of subcuticular suture saved an average of $82.2 per case. Conclusions: Closure with running subcuticular suture is cheaper and appears to have a clinical advantage when compared with metallic staples skin closure in primary THA surgery. However, additional operating time may be incurred.
Lightbulb technique for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Yildiz Cemil , Erdem Yusuf , Koca Kenan 
Published: November 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to report the clinical and radiological outcomes for 21 patients (28 hips) treated for osteonecrosis of the femoral head using the lightbulb technique, a nonvascularised bone grafting technique. Methods: The study group included 14 men and 7 women, with a mean age of 33.2 (range 22-50) years, presenting with avascular necrosis of the femoral head of stage 4a or earlier, according to the Steinberg classification. Patients were treated using the nonvascularised lightbulb bone grafting technique. The primary clinical outcome was the Harris Hip Scores (HHS), while primary outcomes of treatment effectiveness and disease progression were based on radiographic evidence of disease progression and the need for total hip replacement. The rate of treatment success and failure was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: The mean HHS increased from 52.66 to 74.33 after treatment, with excellent-to-good outcomes obtained in 21 (75%) of the cases. Fair-to-poor results were obtained in 7 (25%) of the cases, with total hip arthroplasty subsequently required in 5 of these cases. The radiological failure rate was 50% among cases treated in Steinberg stage 1 (1/2), 42% in stage 3 (5/12), and 100% in stage 4 (2/2). Conclusions: The lightbulb technique can provide a clinically acceptable rate of successful treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head when used in the early stages of the disease, prior to collapse of the femoral head.
The influence of hemodialysis membrane permeability on serum procalcitonin values in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Aatif Taoufiq , Zajjari Yassir , Jeaidi Anas 
Published: November 2017

Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as a marker of infection and it could be useful for detection of systemic bacterial infections in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The aim of this study was to assess the influence of HD membrane permeability to PCT serum levels in noninfected HD patients on maintenance HD. Methods: In a prospective comparative study, we measured PCT serum levels and C reactive protein (CRP) before and after HD in 36 sessions (18 sessions of HD with low-flux = Group L; and 18 sessions with high flux membranes = Group H), in 18 chronic HD patients without history of infection. Results: Sessions of HD by high-flux membranes (Group H) displayed median PCT values that were significantly decreased after dialysis (0.21 ng/mL [0.13-0.41] vs. 0.18 ng/mL [0.10-0.24], p <0.001) but median PCT significantly increased after HD sessions by low-flux membranes (Group L) (0.21 ng/mL [0.14-0.33] vs. 0.25 ng/mL [0.14-0.36]; p = 0.008). CRP values were significantly increased after HD in both groups. CRP correlated with PCT values only in group H before HD (r = 0.49; p = 0.36). Conclusions: PCT represents a useful diagnostic marker for systemic bacterial infection. However, there is a need for specific reference ranges to be developed in patients with renal failure undergoing HD; also, PCT serum levels must be interpreted according to the HD membrane permeability.
Effect of different types of disinfection solution and aging on the hardness and colour stability of maxillofacial silicone elastomers
Authors: Cevik Pinar , Yildirim-Bicer Arzu Z. 
Published: November 2017

Introduction: Understanding the effect of aging and different disinfecting agents on the physical properties of pigmented maxillofacial silicones may help eliminate the current uncertainty as to the best follow-up suggestions for the patients treated with silicone prostheses. Methods: One hundred fifty specimens (14 × 2 mm) were evaluated for colour and 75 specimens (30 × 10 mm) for hardness (total, 225 specimens). Five specimens were used for hardness testing in each disinfecting solution while 10 silicone specimens were used for colour evaluation. The samples were separated into 5 groups and the initial hardness and colour evaluations were performed and placed in disinfectant solution (neutral soap, effervescent tablet, 0.2% chlorhexidine, 4% chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite). A second set of colour and hardness measurements was taken after 48 hours of disinfection and 1,008 hours of artificial aging in a QUV-accelerated weathering tester. Two-way and 1-way analysis of variance with Tukey tests and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). Results: Before artificial aging, the hardness value of the red pigment group was found to be significantly lower than that of the brown pigment group. After aging, the lowest Shore A value was seen in the neutral soap group, while the highest was seen in the effervescent tablet. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, chlorohexidine 0.2% was found to be most suitable agent for disinfection of the prostheses. Washing with neutral soap caused loss of pigment from the surface of the silicones. Sodium hypochlorite was found to have a colour-fading effect on silicone specimens.
Association of XPG gene rs751402 polymorphism with gastric cancer risk: a meta-analysis in the Chinese population
Authors: Liang Jun , Xu Ya-Yun , Zhang Cheng , Xia Qing-Rong 
Published: November 2017

Background: Previous studies have revealed a conflicting relationship of xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) gene polymorphism with gastric cancer (GC) risk. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to investigate the association between rs751402 mutation located on the XPG promoter region and GC risk. Methods: We undertook a meta-analysis by identifying relevant articles from the PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases on February 28, 2017. By pooling 9 eligible studies, 3,539 GC cases and 3,948 controls were included. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using the fixed-effects or random-effects model depending on the existence of heterogeneity across studies. The population attributable risk (PAR%) was estimated to better understand the public health risk. Results: All included studies had been conducted in China. Significant associations were found between the XPG rs751402 polymorphism and the risk of GC (TT vs. CC: OR = 1.43, 95% CI, 1.11-1.84; CT vs. CC: OR = 1.15, 95% CI, 1.04-1.26; dominant model: OR = 1.17, 95% CI, 1.07-1.29; recessive model: OR = 1.30, 95% CI, 1.05-1.62; T vs. C: OR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.06-1.32). The estimated PAR% was about 4.9%-8.8%. Funnel plots did not reveal any potential publication bias. The sensitivity analyses showed that the results were relatively robust. Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that the XPG rs751402 polymorphism may be a risk factor for GC in the Chinese population.