bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vorapaxar
Authors: Airoldi Gianluca , Campanini Mauro
Published: May 2013

Antiplatelet drugs are the cornerstone of treatment for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Clopidogrel and aspirin improve long-term vascular clinical outcomes in these patients and have become a standard of care. However, many patients still experience ischemic/thrombotic events, and it appears that insufficient response to both aspirin and clopidogrel contribute to this failure. Newer P2Y12 receptor blocker therapy resulted in only an approximately 2% reduction in absolute risk compared with clopidogrel. This indicates that residual ischemic events are mediated by other pathways that are unblocked by current dual antiplatelet therapy. Thrombin is the most potent platelet agonist (over 1000 times more than adenosine diphosphate on a molar basis). Thrombin-mediated platelet activation depends on proteaseactivated receptor (PAR) binding. PAR-1 is the main receptor for thrombin on human platelets; PAR-4 may contribute to platelet activation at much higher concentrations of thrombin. Inhibition of the PAR-1 may provide additional benefits over the standard dual antiplatelet therapy in attenuating ischemic event in patients with ACS. Vorapaxar is a new highly selective oral PAR-1 antagonist that inhibits thrombin-induced platelet activation. We review the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and clinical profile of vorapaxar. Although preliminary data indicated that vorapaxar may have the potential to improve ischemic outcomes without significantly increasing bleeding, more recent larger clinical trials seem to be less optimistic about both its effectiveness and safety. At this time, the role of vorapaxar in the settings of atherothrombotic disorders is not clear. Although it may be associated with less bleeding than P2Y12 receptor blockers, its antithrombotic effectiveness and side effects are major concerns.
Third party cord blood transplant boosts autologous hematopoiesis in a case of persistent bone marrow aplasia after double transplant failure for β-thalassemia major
Authors: Visani Giuseppe , Picardi Paola , Guiduccu Barbara , Giardini Claudio , Lucesole Moira , Barulli Sara , Ricciardi Teresa , Loscocco Federica , Isidori Alessandro
Published: May 2013

A 9-year-old female received a double allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) from an ABO-incompatible HLA-matched sibling for β-thalassemia major, without achieving a complete donor chimerism. Subsequently, the patient received autologous SCT and five donor lymphocyte infusion, without increasing donor chimerism. After the double transplant failure, we performed an unrelated transplant from a full-matched umbilical cord blood (UCBT). Due to the severe immunosuppression of the patient, we did not administer any conditioning regimen nor GVHD prophylaxis. On day +40 after UCBT, trilinear engraftment was documented. Surprisingly, the hematopoietic reconstitution was related to the re-expansion of the autologous (β-thalassemic) hematopoietic stem cell, as documented by chimerism studies on both peripheral blood and bone marrow. At present, 30 months after UCBT, there is stable hematopoietic autologous reconstitution. This is the first description of the restoration of autologous hematopoiesis obtained with cord blood infusion in a thalassemia-major patient after a double transplant failure.
Refractory Amiodarone-induced Thyrotoxicosis: The Surgical Option
Authors: Ishay Avraham , Carmeli Julia , Rozner Ehud , Luboshitzky Rafael
Published: May 2013

Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis is often poorly tolerated owing to underlying cardiac disease, and frequently resistant to medical therapy. We describe a 48-year-old patient with severe cardiac disease who developed amiodarone-associated thyrotoxicosis, refractory to standard medical therapy. Due to the unremitting thyrotoxicosis, a total thyroidectomy was performed without complications resulting in rapid correction of the thyrotoxicosis and enabling resumption of amiodarone therapy. Despite the concerns inherent to severe cardiac disease, total thyroidectomy can be performed safely in patients with resistant amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis. We believe that surgery should be considered early in the treatment planning.

How to cite this article

Ishay A, Carmeli J, Rozner E, Luboshitzky R. Refractory Amiodarone-induced Thyrotoxicosis: The Surgical Option. World J Endoc Surg 2013;5(1):21-24.
Disseminated Echinococcosis of the Lung and Central Compartment of the Neck
Authors: Paul MJ , Pandya Nischal Rajendra , Choudhry Lalit , Gnanamuthu Birla Roy , Krishnan Kochu , Franklyn Joshua , Kalita Jyoti Prasad
Published: May 2013

Echinococcosis is a ubiquitous zoonosis. The causal organism is a flat tapeworm whose larval form causes infestations in human beings, who are its accidental hosts. It is known to occur in all parts of the body with the highest incidence in the liver, followed by the lung. Hydatid cysts in the neck are rare by themselves. We report a case of hydatidosis of the lung and central compartment of the neck, in a man who presented with pulmonary symptoms only. Computerized tomogram of the chest had revealed a hydatid cyst in the left lung and another incidental hydatid cyst in the neck. He underwent successful excision of both the cysts in one sitting.

How to cite this article

Pandya NR, Paul MJ, Choudhry L, Gnanamuthu BR, Krishnan K, Franklyn J, Kalita JP. Disseminated Echinococcosis of the Lung and Central Compartment of the Neck. World J Endoc Surg 2013;5(1): 25-27.
Evaluation of a new middle-lower tropospheric CO2 product using data assimilation
Authors: Tangborn A. , Strow L. L. , Imbiriba B. , Ott L. , Pawson S.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Atmospheric CO2 retrievals with peak sensitivity in the mid- to lower troposphere from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) have been assimilated into the GEOS-5 (Goddard Earth Observing System Model, Version 5) constituent assimilation system for the period 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2006. A corresponding model simulation, using identical initial conditions, circulation, and CO2 boundary fluxes was also completed. The analyzed and simulated CO2 fields are compared with surface measurements globally and aircraft measurements over North America. Surface level monthly mean CO2 values show a marked improvement due to the assimilation in the Southern Hemisphere, while less consistent improvements are seen in the Northern Hemisphere. Mean differences with aircraft observations are reduced at all levels, with the largest decrease occurring in the mid-troposphere. The difference standard deviations are reduced slightly at all levels over the ocean, and all levels except the surface layer over land. These initial experiments indicate that the used channels contain useful information on CO2 in the middle to lower troposphere. However, the benefits of assimilating these data are reduced over the land surface, where concentrations are dominated by uncertain local fluxes and where the observation density is quite low. Away from these regions, the study demonstrates the power of the data assimilation technique for evaluating data that are not co-located, in that the improvements in mid-tropospheric CO2 by the sparsely distributed partial-column retrievals are transported by the model to the fixed in situ surface observation locations in more remote areas.
Formation and evolution mechanism of regional haze: a case study in the megacity Beijing, China
Authors: Liu X. G. , Li J. , Qu Y. , Han T. , Hou L. , Gu J. , Chen C. , Yang Y. , Liu X. , Yang T. , Zhang Y. , Tian H. , Hu M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The main objective of this study is to investigate the formation and evolution mechanism of the regional haze in megacity Beijing by analyzing the process of a severe haze that occurred 20–27 September 2011. Mass concentration and size distribution of aerosol particles as well as aerosol optical properties were concurrently measured at the Beijing urban atmospheric environment monitoring station. Gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO-NO2-NOx, O3, CO) and meteorological parameters (wind speed, wind direction, and relative humidity) were simultaneously monitored. Meanwhile, aerosol spatial distribution and the height of planetary boundary layer (PBL) were retrieved from the signal of satellite and LIDAR (light detection and ranging). Concentrations of NO, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO observed during 23–27 September had exceeded the national ambient air quality standards for residents. The mass concentration of PM2.5 gradually accumulated during the measurement and reached at 220 μg m−3 on 26 September, and the corresponding atmospheric visibility was only 1.1 km. The daily averaged AOD in Beijing increased from ~ 0.16 at λ = 500 nm on 22 September and reached ~ 3.5 on 26 September. The key factors that affected the formation and evolution of this haze episode were stable anti-cyclone synoptic conditions at the surface, decreasing of the height of PBL, heavy pollution emissions from urban area, number and size evolution of aerosols, and hygroscopic growth for aerosol scattering. This case study may provide valuable information for the public to recognize the formation mechanism of the regional haze event over the megacity, which is also useful for the government to adopt scientific approach to forecast and eliminate the occurrence of regional haze in China.
Development of a cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometer for airborne measurements of CH4 and CO2
Authors: O'Shea S. J. , Bauguitte S. J.-B. , Gallagher M. W. , Lowry D. , Percival C. J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. High-resolution CH4 and CO2 measurements were made on board the FAAM BAe-146 UK (Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements, British Aerospace-146) atmospheric research aircraft during a number of field campaigns. The system was based on an infrared spectrometer using the cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy technique. Correction functions to convert the mole fractions retrieved from the spectroscopy to dry-air mole fractions were derived using laboratory experiments and over a 3 month period showed good stability. Long-term performance of the system was monitored using WMO (World Meteorological Office) traceable calibration gases. During the first year of operation (29 flights) analysis of the system's in-flight calibrations suggest that its measurements are accurate to 1.28 ppb (1σ repeatability at 1 Hz = 2.48 ppb) for CH4 and 0.17 ppm (1σ repeatability at 1 Hz = 0.66 ppm) for CO2. The system was found to be robust, no major motion or altitude dependency could be detected in the measurements. An inter-comparison between whole-air samples that were analysed post-flight for CH4 and CO2 by cavity ring-down spectroscopy showed a mean difference between the two techniques of −2.4 ppb (1σ = 2.3 ppb) for CH4 and −0.22 ppm (1σ = 0.45 ppm) for CO2. In September 2012, the system was used to sample biomass-burning plumes in Brazil as part of the SAMBBA project (South AMerican Biomass Burning Analysis). From these and simultaneous CO measurements, emission factors for savannah fires were calculated. These were found to be 2.2 ± 0.2 g (kg dry matter)−1 for CH4 and 1710 ± 171 g (kg dry matter)−1 for CO2, which are in excellent agreement with previous estimates in the literature.
The real limits to marine life: a further critique of the Respiration Index
Authors: Seibel B. A. , Childress J. J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The recently proposed "Respiration Index" (RI = log PO2/PCO2) suggests that aerobic metabolism is limited by the ratio of reactants (oxygen) to products (carbon dioxide) according to the thermodynamics of cellular respiration. Here, we demonstrate further that, because of the large standard free energy change for organic carbon oxidation (ΔG° = −686 kcal mol−1), carbon dioxide can never reach concentrations that would limit the thermodynamics of this reaction. A PCO2 to PO2 ratio of 10503 would be required to reach equilibrium (equilibrium constant, Keq = 10503), where ΔG = 0. Thus, a Respiration Index of −503 would be the real thermodynamic limit to aerobic life. Such a Respiration Index is never reached, either in the cell or in the environment. Moreover, cellular respiration and oxygen provision are kinetically controlled such that, within limits, environmental oxygen and CO2 concentrations have little to do with intracellular concentrations. The RI is fundamentally different from the aragonite saturation state, a thermodynamic index used to quantify the potential effect of CO2 on calcification rates, because of its failure to incorporate the equilibrium constant of the reaction. Not only is the RI invalid, but its use leads to incorrect and misleading predictions of the threat of changing oxygen and carbon dioxide to marine life. We provide a physiological framework that identifies oxygen thresholds and allows for synergistic effects of ocean acidification and global warming.
A new conceptual model of coral biomineralisation: hypoxia as the physiological driver of skeletal extension
Authors: Wooldridge S.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. That corals skeletons are built of aragonite crystals with taxonomy-linked ultrastructure has been well understood since the 19th century. Yet, the way by which corals control this crystallization process remains an unsolved question. Here, I outline a new conceptual model of coral biomineralisation that endeavours to relate known skeletal features with homeostatic functions beyond traditional growth (structural) determinants. In particular, I propose that the dominant physiological driver of skeletal extension is night-time hypoxia, which is exacerbated by the respiratory oxygen demands of the coral's algal symbionts (= zooxanthellae). The model thus provides a new narrative to explain the high growth rate of symbiotic corals, by equating skeletal deposition with the "work-rate" of the coral host needed to maintain a stable and beneficial symbiosis. In this way, coral skeletons are interpreted as a continuous (long-run) recording unit of the stability and functioning of the coral–algae endosymbiosis. After providing supportive evidence for the model across multiple scales of observation, I use coral core data from the Great Barrier Reef (Australia) to highlight the disturbed nature of the symbiosis in recent decades, but suggest that its onset is consistent with a trajectory that has been followed since at least the start of the 1900s. In concluding, I outline how the proposed capacity of cnidarians (which includes modern reef corals) to overcome the metabolic limitation of hypoxia via skeletogenesis also provides a new hypothesis to explain the sudden appearance in the fossil record of calcified skeletons at the Precambrian–Cambrian transition – and the ensuing rapid appearance of most major animal phyla.
The large variation in organic carbon consumption in spring in the East China Sea
Authors: Chen C.-C. , Gong G.-C. , Shiah F.-K. , Chou W.-C. , Hung C.-C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. A tremendous amount of organic carbon respired by plankton communities has been found in summer in the East China Sea (ECS), and this rate has been significantly correlated with fluvial discharge from the Changjiang River. However, respiration data has rarely been collected in other seasons. To evaluate and reveal the potential controlling mechanism of organic carbon consumption in spring in the ECS, two cruises covering almost the entire ECS shelf were conducted in the spring of 2009 and 2010. These results showed that although the fluvial discharge rates were comparable to the high riverine flow in summer, the plankton community respiration (CR) varied widely between the two springs. In 2009, the level of CR was double that of 2010, with mean (± SD) values of 111.7 (±76.3) and 50.7 (±62.9) mg C m−3 d−1, respectively. The CR was positively correlated with concentrations of particulate organic carbon and/or chlorophyll a (Chl a) in 2009 (all p < 0.01). These results suggest that the high CR rate in 2009 can be attributed to high planktonic biomasses. During this period, phytoplankton growth flourished due to allochthonous nutrients discharged from the Changjiang River. Furthermore, higher phytoplankton growth led to the absorption of an enormous amount of fugacity of CO2 (fCO2) in the surface waters, even with a significant amount of inorganic carbon regenerated via CR. In 2010, even more riverine runoff nutrients were measured in the ECS than in 2009. Surprisingly, the growth of phytoplankton in 2010 was not stimulated by enriched nutrients, and its growth was likely limited by low water temperature and/or low light intensity. Low temperature might also suppress planktonic metabolism, which could explain why the CR was lower in 2010. During this period, lower surface water fCO2 may have been driven mainly by physical process(es). To conclude, these results indicate that high organic carbon consumption (i.e. CR) in the spring of 2009 could be attributed to high planktonic biomasses, and the lower CR rate during the cold spring of 2010 might be likely limited by low temperature in the ECS. This further suggests that the high inter-annual variability of organic carbon consumption needs to be kept in mind when budgeting the annual carbon balance.
Water supply patterns over Germany under climate change conditions
Authors: Tölle M. H. , Moseley C. , Panferov O. , Busch G. , Knohl A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. A large ensemble of 24 bias-corrected and uncorrected regional climate model (RCM) simulations is used to investigate climate change impacts on water supply patterns over Germany using the seasonal winter and summer Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) based on 6-month precipitation sums. The climate change signal is studied comparing SPI characteristics for the reference period 1971–2000 with those of the "near" (2036–2065) and the "far" (2071–2100) future. The spread of the climate change signal within the simulation ensemble of bias-corrected versus non-corrected data is discussed. Ensemble scenarios are evaluated against available observation-based data over the reference period 1971–2000. After correcting the model biases, the model ensemble underestimates the variability of the precipitation climatology in the reference period, but replicates the mean characteristics. Projections of water supply patterns based on the SPI for the time periods 2036–2065 and 2071–2100 show wetter winter months during both future time periods. As a result soil drying may be delayed to late spring extending into the summer period, which could have an important effect on sensible heat fluxes. While projections indicate wetting in summer during 2036–2065, drier summers are estimated towards the south-west of Germany for the end of the 21st century. The use of the bias correction intensifies the signal to wetter conditions for both seasons and time periods. The spread in the projection of future water supply patterns between the ensemble members is explored, resulting in high spatial differences that suggest a higher uncertainty of the climate change signal in the southern part of Germany. It is shown that the spread of the climate change signals between SPIs based on single ensemble members is twice as large as the difference between the mean climate change signal of SPIs based on bias-corrected and uncorrected precipitation. This implies that the sensitivity of the SPI to the modelled precipitation bias is small compared to the range of the climate change signals within our ensemble. Therefore, the SPI is a very useful tool for climate change studies allowing us to avoid the additional uncertainties caused by bias corrections.
Deformities in larvae and juvenile European lobster (Homarus gammarus) exposed to lower pH at two different temperatures
Authors: Agnalt A.-L. , Grefsrud E. S. , Farestveit E. , Larsen M. , Keulder F.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Trends of increasing temperatures and ocean acidification are expected to influence benthic marine resources, especially calcifying organisms. The European lobster (Homarus gammarus) is among those species at risk. A project was initiated in 2011 aiming to investigate long-term synergistic effects of temperature and projected increases in ocean acidification on the life cycle of lobster. Larvae were exposed to pCO2 levels of ambient water (water intake at 90 m depth, tentatively of 380 μatm pCO2), 727 and 1217 μatm pCO2, at temperatures 10 and 18 °C. Long-term exposure lasted until 5 months of age. Thereafter the surviving juveniles were transferred to ambient water at 14 °C. At 18 °C the development from Stage 1 to 4 lasted from 14 to 16 days, as predicted under normal pH values. Growth was very slow at 10 °C and resulted in only two larvae reaching Stage 4 in the ambient treatment. There were no significant differences in carapace length at the various larval stages between the different treatments, but there were differences in total length and dry weight at Stage 1 at 10 °C, Stage 2 at both temperatures, producing larvae slightly larger in size and lighter by dry weight in the exposed treatments. Stage 3 larvae raised in 18 °C and 1217 μatm pCO2 were also larger in size and heavier by dry weight compared with 727 μatm. Unfortunate circumstances precluded a full comparison across stages and treatment. Deformities were however observed in both larvae and juveniles. At 10 °C, about 20% of the larvae exposed to elevated pCO2were deformed, compared with 0% in larvae raised in pH above 8.0. At 18 °C and in high pCO2 treatment, 31.5% of the larvae were deformed. Occurrence of deformities after 5 months of exposure was 33 and 44% in juveniles raised in ambient and low pCO2, respectively, and 20% in juveniles exposed to high pCO2. Some of the deformities will possibly affect the ability to find food, sexual partner (walking legs, claw and antenna), respiration (carapace), and ability to swim (tail-fan damages).
Glacial–interglacial dynamics of Antarctic firn columns: comparison between simulations and ice core air-δ15N measurements
Authors: Capron E. , Landais A. , Buiron D. , Cauquoin A. , Chappellaz J. , Debret M. , Jouzel J. , Leuenberger M. , Martinerie P. , Masson-Delmotte V. , Mulvaney R. , Parrenin F. , Prié F.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Correct estimation of the firn lock-in depth is essential for correctly linking gas and ice chronologies in ice core studies. Here, two approaches to constrain the firn depth evolution in Antarctica are presented over the last deglaciation: outputs of a firn densification model, and measurements of δ15N of N2 in air trapped in ice core, assuming that δ15N is only affected by gravitational fractionation in the firn column. Since the firn densification process is largely governed by surface temperature and accumulation rate, we have investigated four ice cores drilled in coastal (Berkner Island, BI, and James Ross Island, JRI) and semi-coastal (TALDICE and EPICA Dronning Maud Land, EDML) Antarctic regions. Combined with available ice core air-δ15N measurements from the EPICA Dome C (EDC) site, the studied regions encompass a large range of surface accumulation rates and temperature conditions. Our δ15N profiles reveal a heterogeneous response of the firn structure to glacial–interglacial climatic changes. While firn densification simulations correctly predict TALDICE δ15N variations, they systematically fail to capture the large millennial-scale δ15N variations measured at BI and the δ15N glacial levels measured at JRI and EDML – a mismatch previously reported for central East Antarctic ice cores. New constraints of the EDML gas–ice depth offset during the Laschamp event (~41 ka) and the last deglaciation do not favour the hypothesis of a large convective zone within the firn as the explanation of the glacial firn model–δ15N data mismatch for this site. While we could not conduct an in-depth study of the influence of impurities in snow for firnification from the existing datasets, our detailed comparison between the δ15N profiles and firn model simulations under different temperature and accumulation rate scenarios suggests that the role of accumulation rate may have been underestimated in the current description of firnification models.
Evaluation of the United States National Air Quality Forecast Capability experimental real-time predictions in 2010 using Air Quality System ozone and NO2 measurements
Authors: Chai T. , Kim H.-C. , Lee P. , Tong D. , Pan L. , Tang Y. , Huang J. , McQueen J. , Tsidulko M. , Stajner I.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The National Air Quality Forecast Capability (NAQFC) project provides the US with operational and experimental real-time ozone predictions using two different versions of the three-dimensional Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) Modeling System. Routine evaluation using near-real-time AIRNow ozone measurements through 2011 showed better performance of the operational ozone predictions. In this work, quality-controlled and -assured Air Quality System (AQS) ozone and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) observations are used to evaluate the experimental predictions in 2010, with a view towards their improvement. It is found that both ozone and NO2 are overestimated over the contiguous US (CONUS), with annual biases of +5.6 ppbv and +5.1 ppbv, respectively. The annual root mean square errors (RMSEs) are 15.4 ppbv for ozone and 13.4 ppbv for NO2. For both species the over-predictions are most pronounced in the summer. The locations of the AQS monitoring sites are also utilized to stratify comparisons by the degree of urbanization. Comparisons for six predefined US regions show the highest annual biases for ozone predictions in Southeast (+10.5 ppbv) and for NO2 in the Lower Middle (+8.1 ppbv) and Pacific Coast (+7.1 ppbv) regions. The spatial distributions of the NO2 biases in July and August show distinctively high values in Los Angeles, Houston, and New Orleans areas. In addition to the standard statistics metrics, daily maximum eight-hour ozone categorical statistics are calculated using the current US ambient air quality standard (75 ppbv) and another lower threshold (70 ppbv). Using the 75 ppbv standard, the hit rate and proportion of correct over CONUS for the entire year are 0.64 and 0.96, respectively. Summertime biases show distinctive weekly patterns for ozone and NO2. Diurnal comparisons show that ozone overestimation is most severe in the morning, from 07:00 to 10:00 local time. For NO2, the morning predictions agree with the AQS observations reasonably well, but night-time concentrations are over-predicted by around 100%. Based on the analysis presented here, experimental ozone prediction system was updated for summer 2012.
Riparian forest and permanent groundwater: a key coupling for balancing the hillslope water budget in Sudanian West Africa
Authors: Richard A. , Galle S. , Descloitres M. , Cohard J. M. , Vandervaere J. P. , Séguis L. , Peugeot C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Forests are thought to play an important role in the regional dynamics of the West African monsoon, through their capacity to extract water from permanent aquifers located deep in the soil and pump it into the atmosphere even during the dry season. This is especially true for riparian forests located at the bottom of the hillslopes. This coupling between the riparian forests and the permanent aquifers is investigated, looking for quantifying its contribution to the catchment water balance. To this end, use is made of the observations available from a comprehensively instrumented hillslope through the framework of the AMMA-CATCH (African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis – Coupling the Tropical Atmosphere and the Hydrological Cycle) observing system. Attention is paid to measurements of actual evapotranspiration, soil moisture and deep groundwater level. A vertical 2-D approach is followed using the physically-based Hydrus 2-D model in order to simulate the hillslope hydrodynamics, the model being calibrated and evaluated through a multi-criteria approach. The model correctly simulates the hydrodynamics of the hillslope as far as soil moisture dynamics, deep groundwater fluctuation and actual evapotranspiration dynamics are concerned. In particular, the model is able to reproduce the observed hydraulic disconnection between the deep permanent groundwater table and the river. A virtual experiment shows that the riparian forest depletes the deep groundwater table level through transpiration occurring throughout the year so that the permanent aquifer and the river are not connected. Moreover the riparian forest and the deep groundwater table form a coupled transpiration system: the riparian forest transpiration is due to the water redistribution at the hillslope scale feeding the deep groundwater through lateral saturated flow. The annual cycle of the transpiration origin is also quantified. The riparian forest which covers only 5% of the hillslope generates 37% of the annual transpiration, this proportion reaching 57% during the dry season. In a region of intense anthropogenic pressure, forest clearing and its replacement by cropping could impact significantly the water balance at catchment scale with a possible feedback on the regional monsoon dynamics.
NEW LIGHT-WEIGHT STEREOSOPIC SPECTROMETRIC AIRBORNE IMAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION ENVIRONMENTAL REMOTE SENSING – CASE STUDIES IN WATER QUALITY MAPPING
Authors: Honkavaara E. , Hakala T. , Kirjasniemi J. , Lindfors A. , Mäkynen J. , Nurminen K. , Ruokokoski P. , Saari H. , Markelin L.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. A new Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) based light-weight spectrometric camera provides new possibilities for environmental remote sensing applications. The sensor collects spectral data cubes with adjustable spectral properties in a rectangular image format, and so stereoscopic data can be obtained by gathering images in block structures with overlapping images. The FPI camera thus enables stereoscopic, spectrometric remote sensing applications with light-weight, low-cost airborne imaging systems. Our objective is to investigate the processing and use of this new imaging technology in a water quality mapping. We carried out imaging campaigns over a small lake in summer and autumn 2012 using a light-weight unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) and a small manned airborne vehicle (MAV). We present the preliminary results of these campaigns.
THE FULLY AUTOMATIC OPTICAL PROCESSING SYSTEM CATENA AT DLR
Authors: Krauß T. , d'Angelo P. , Schneider M. , Gstaiger V.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Here we present the operational, fully automatic processing system CATENA developed at DLR. The uniform pre-processing of an increasing amount of satellite data for generation of whole coverages of e.g. Europe for one time or of time-series for one location covering many years is requested more and more. Such requirements contain the processing of huge amounts of data which can hardly be handled manually. So a fully automatic pre-processing environment was developed at the Remote Sensing Technology Institute of DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen since 2006. This processing environment named CATENA was designed for uniform, automatic general purpose processing of huge amounts of optical satellite data of similar type. In this paper we present the concept of the processing system, the framework and the decomposition of processing requirements to processing modules and processing chains. We give some examples for already implemented general purpose or project specific processing chains and an analysis of performance and quality of the results.
FILTERING AIRBORNE LIDAR DATA BY AN IMPROVED MORPHOLOGICAL METHOD BASED ON MULTI-GRADIENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Li Y.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The technology of airborne Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) is capable of acquiring dense and accurate 3D geospatial data. Although many related efforts have been made by a lot of researchers in the last few years, LIDAR data filtering is still a challenging task, especially for area with high relief or hybrid geographic features. In order to address the bare-ground extraction from LIDAR point clouds of complex landscapes, a novel morphological filtering algorithm is proposed based on multi-gradient analysis in terms of the characteristic of LIDAR data distribution in this paper. Firstly, point clouds are organized by an index mesh. Then, the multigradient of each point is calculated using the morphological method. And, objects are removed gradually by choosing some points to carry on an improved opening operation constrained by multi-gradient iteratively. 15 sample data provided by ISPRS Working Group III/3 are employed to test the filtering algorithm proposed. These sample data include those environments that may lead to filtering difficulty. Experimental results show that filtering algorithm proposed by this paper is of high adaptability to various scenes including urban and rural areas. Omission error, commission error and total error can be simultaneously controlled in a relatively small interval. This algorithm can efficiently remove object points while preserves ground points to a great degree.
FROM DSM TO 3D BUILDING MODELS: A QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION
Authors: Macay Moreia J. M. , Nex F. , Agugiaro G. , Remondino F. , Lim N. J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The paper reviews the state-of-the-art in 3D city models and building block generation, with a description of the most common solutions and approaches. Then the digital reconstruction and comparison of LoD1 and LoD2 building models obtained with commercial packages and using different input data are presented. As input data, a DSM at 1m resolution derived from a GeoEye-1 stereo-pair, a DSM from an aerial block at 50 cm GSD and a LiDAR-based DSM at 1 m resolution are used. The geometric buildings produced with each dataset are evaluated with respect to some ground-truth measurements but also compared between them. Problems such as the quality of the input DSM, the accuracy of the necessary vector datasets containing the building footprints, the flexibility of the approaches and the potentialities of each dataset will be discussed. As reconstruction of the building models is largely influenced by the quality of the building footprints, which may be out-of-date or slightly shifted with respect to the employed DSMs/DTMs, an in-house method is being developed to derive them starting from the produced DSMs.
PRECISE 2-D AND 3-D GROUND TARGET LOCALIZATION WITH TERRASAR-X
Authors: Balss U. , Gisinger C. , Cong X. Y. , Eineder M. , Brcic R.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Previous studies have demonstrated the unprecedented absolute pixel localization accuracy of the German SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X. Now, using global navigation satellite system data to locally correct for atmospheric delay, range accuracies of 1 cm are demonstrated to be attainable. Using globally available tropospheric and ionospheric delay information such accuracies can even be approached world-wide. When such accurate estimates are available for two or more SAR images from different orbits, techniques such as stereo SAR can be used to generate DEMs (Digital Elevation Models) using only the amplitude signal, completely bypassing interferometry. The first experiments of this type described here show that an absolute 3-D localization accuracy better than 10 centimeters is achievable.
OCCLUSION DETECTION BY HEIGHT GRADIENT FOR TRUE ORTHOPHOTO GENERATION, USING LIDAR DATA
Authors: Oliveira H. C. , Galo M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Nowadays, the use of orthophoto in urban areas has become common. It is known that in most parts of urban areas there are a great number of tall buildings which can cause occlusion regions during image acquisition. These occlusions appear both in aerial images and in the orthophotos generated from these images. It happens due to perspective projection of the imaging sensor, and also if digital models that represent only relief is used in the orthorectification process, instead of the Digital Surface Model (DSM) that takes into account the relief and all objects on the surface. Considering this context, the aim of this article is to introduce an alternative procedure for occlusion detection in aerial images, using LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) data, aiming at the generation of true orthophotos. The presented method for occlusion detection is based on height gradient computation applied to a DSM of the region, instead of the building model that is considered in some approaches. These height gradients computed in radial directions are important for the identification of the beginning of the occlusions in these directions. The final limits of the occlusions are obtained from the projection of these initial points in the DSM. To evaluate the proposed method, both simulated and real data were considered. The simulated data correspond to an ideal urban area, without noise, and this experiment was only used to validate the implementation method. The real data set is composite by digital aerial images and LiDAR data. The LiDAR data available has the average density of 8 points/m2. As preliminary results, the occlusion areas were detected and highlighted in the orthorectified images. To accomplish the evaluation of the proposed method, besides a visual analysis, a numerical evaluation based on index of completeness was computed, using as reference a manual detection of occlusion. It is possible to observe the potential of the proposed occlusion detection method, although improvements are necessary in the proposed method.
GEOMETRIC CORRECTION OF AIRBORNE LINEAR ARRAY IMAGE BASED ON BIAS MATRIX
Authors: Wang M. , Hu J. , Zhou M. , Li J. M. , Zhang Z.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. As the linear array sensor has great potential in disaster monitoring, geological survey, the quality of the image geometric correction should be guaranteed. The primary focus of this paper is to present a new method correcting airbone linear image based on the bias matrix,which is bulit by describing and analysing the errors of airbone linear image included the misalignment. The bias matrix was considered as additional observations to the traditional geometric correction model in our method. And by using control points which have both image coordinate and object coordinate, the solving equation from geometric correction model can be established and the bias matrix can be calculated by adjustment strategy. To avoid the singularity problem in the calculating process, this paper uses quaternion to describe the image's attitude and rotation instead of traditional calculating method which is structured by the Euler angle. Finally, geometric correction of airborne linear array image with high accuracy based on bias matrix can be achieved.
THE GEOSPECTRAL CAMERA: A COMPACT AND GEOMETRICALLY PRECISE HYPERSPECTRAL AND HIGH SPATIAL RESOLUTION IMAGER
Authors: Delauré B. , Michiels B. , Biesemans J. , Livens S. , Van Achteren T.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Small unmanned aerial vehicles are increasingly being employed for environmental monitoring at local scale, which drives the demand for compact and lightweight spectral imagers. This paper describes the geospectral camera, which is a novel compact imager concept. The camera is built around an innovative detector which has two sensor elements on a single chip and therefore offers the functionality of two cameras within the volume of a single one. The two sensor elements allow the camera to derive both spectral information as well as geometric information (high spatial resolution imagery and a digital surface model) of the scene of interest. A first geospectral camera prototype has been developed. It uses a linear variable optical filter which is installed in front of one of the two sensors of the MEDUSA CMOS imager chip. A accompanying software approach has been developed which exploits the simultaneous information of the two sensors in order to extract an accurate spectral image product. This method has been functionally demonstrated by applying it on image data acquired during an airborne acquisition.
A new 3-D modelling method to extract subtransect dimensions from underwater videos
Authors: Fillinger L. , Funke T.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Underwater video transects have become a common tool for quantitative analysis of the seafloor. However a major difficulty remains in the accurate determination of the area surveyed as underwater navigation can be unreliable and image scaling does not always compensate for distortions due to perspective and topography. Depending on the camera set-up and available instruments, different methods of surface measurement are applied, which make it difficult to compare data obtained by different vehicles. 3-D modelling of the seafloor based on 2-D video data and a reference scale can be used to compute subtransect dimensions. Focussing on the length of the subtransect, the data obtained from 3-D models created with the software PhotoModeler Scanner are compared with those determined from underwater acoustic positioning (ultra short baseline, USBL) and bottom tracking (Doppler velocity log, DVL). 3-D model building and scaling was successfully conducted on all three tested set-ups and the distortion of the reference scales due to substrate roughness was identified as the main source of imprecision. Acoustic positioning was generally inaccurate and bottom tracking unreliable on rough terrain. Subtransect lengths assessed with PhotoModeler were on average 20% longer than those derived from acoustic positioning due to the higher spatial resolution and the inclusion of slope. On a high relief wall bottom tracking and 3-D modelling yielded similar results. At present, 3-D modelling is the most powerful, albeit the most time-consuming, method for accurate determination of video subtransect dimensions.
MERIS-based ocean colour classification with the discrete Forel–Ule scale
Authors: Wernand M. R. , Hommersom A. , van der Woerd H. J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Multispectral information from satellite borne ocean colour sensors is at present used to characterize natural waters via the retrieval of concentrations of the three dominant optical constituents; pigments of phytoplankton, non-algal particles and coloured dissolved organic matter. A limitation of this approach is that accurate retrieval of these constituents requires detailed local knowledge of the specific absorption and scattering properties. In addition, the retrieval algorithms generally use only a limited part of the collected spectral information. In this paper we present an additional new algorithm that has the merit of using the full spectral information in the visible domain to characterize natural waters in a simple and globally valid way. This Forel–Ule MERIS (FUME) algorithm converts the normalized multiband reflectance information into a discrete set of numbers using uniform colourimetric functions. The Forel–Ule (FU) scale is a sea colour comparator scale that has been developed to cover all possible natural sea colours, ranging from indigo blue (the open ocean) to brownish-green (coastal water) and even brown (humic-acid dominated) waters. Data using this scale have been collected since the late nineteenth century, and therefore, this algorithm creates the possibility to compare historic ocean colour data with present-day satellite ocean colour observations. The FUME algorithm was tested by transforming a number of MERIS satellite images into Forel–Ule colour index images and comparing in situ observed FU numbers with FU numbers modelled from in situ radiometer measurements. Similar patterns and FU numbers were observed when comparing MERIS ocean colour distribution maps with ground truth Forel–Ule observations. The FU numbers modelled from in situ radiometer measurements showed a good correlation with observed FU numbers (R2 = 0.81 when full spectra are used and R2 = 0.71 when MERIS bands are used).
Mapping radiation transfer through sea ice using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)
Authors: Nicolaus M. , Katlein C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Transmission of sunlight into and through sea ice is of critical importance for sea-ice associated organisms and photosynthesis because light is their primary energy source. The amount of visible light transferred through sea ice contributes to the energy budget of the sea ice and the uppermost ocean. However, our current knowledge on the amount and distribution of light under sea ice is still restricted to a few local observations, and our understanding of light-driven processes and interdisciplinary interactions is still sparse. The main reasons are that the under-ice environment is difficult to access and that measurements require large logistical and instrumental efforts. Hence, it has not been possible to map light conditions under sea ice over larger areas and to quantify spatial variability on different scales. Here we present a detailed methodological description for operating spectral radiometers on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) under sea ice. Recent advances in ROV and radiation-sensor technology have allowed us to map under-ice spectral radiance and irradiance on floe scales within a few hours of station time. The ROV was operated directly from the sea ice, allowing for direct relations of optical properties to other sea-ice and surface features. The ROV was flown close to the sea ice in order to capture small-scale variability. Results from the presented data set and similar future studies will allow for better quantification of light conditions under sea ice. The presented experiences will support further developments in order to gather large data sets of under-ice radiation for different ice conditions and during different seasons.
Atypical Expression of COX-2, StAR, CYP19A1 and Apoptotic Regulators in CD90 Positive Endometrial Stromal Cells from Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Kadalmani Balamuthu , Taylor Hugh S. , Krikun Graciela , Palanivel Kavitha
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Endometriosis is an invasive gynecologic disease characterized by diminished apoptosis, sustained ectopic survival of dysfunctional endometrial cells and implantation of endometriotic lesions outside of the uterus. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the expression pattern of apoptotic and steroidogenic genes in the progenitor stem cell population of eutopic tissues from women with endometriosis and compare them to controls. The expression of these genes was determined in a subpopulation of endometrial cells that displayed CD90 positivity (CD+ve90) and colony forming capacity.

Methods

We obtained endometrial samples from women with or without endometriosis. Endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated and cultured for 15 days. Purified ESCs were sorted by using a multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell multi-color flow cytometry kit. Single cell cloning was performed by serial dilution in 96-micro well plates. Fifteen days later, colonies were identified (CFUs). The colonies were chosen and cultured. mRNA expression of apoptotic genes, mitogen activated kinase 14 (MAPK14), nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), aromatase (CYP19A1) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) were determined by qRT-PCR. Protein levels of StAR, CYP19A1 and COX-2 were determined by western blotting.

Results

A subset of stromal cells derived from women with endometriosis were isolated and identified as progenitor stem cells based on their CD90 positivity and colony forming ability. The cells displayed increased levels of MAPK14, NFkB, COX-2, StAR and CYP19A1 both at the mRNA and protein level compared to stromal cells derived from controls. Similarly, pro-apoptotic molecules such as Bax were decreased whereas anti-apoptotic molecules such as Bcl2 were decreased at the mRNA level compared to stromal cells derived from controls.

Conclusions

CD90+ve ESCs derived from women with endometriosis displayed markers suggesting stem cell-like properties and aberrant expression of apoptotic and steroidogenic enzymes which may contribute to sustained survival of these cells.