bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conservative approach to perineal Fournier's gangrene
Authors: Milanese Giulio , Quaresima Luigi , Dellabella Marco , Scalise Alessandro , Di Benedetto Giovanni Maria , Muzzonigro Giovanni , Minardi Daniele
Published: April 2015

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a disease involving necrosis of perineum and external genitalia; in 95% of cases it is possible to diagnose the Fournier’s gangrene just by physical examination. The clinical presentation of FG varies from an initial localized infection to large areas with necrotizing infection. The disease typically affect elderly men (6°-7° decade) with important systemic comorbidities; women are less frequently affected. Despite improvements in diagnosis and management, the mortality rate nowadays is between 20% and 43%. The severity and mortality of the disease is dependent upon the general condition of the patient at presentation and upon the rate of spread of the infection. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach: intensive systematic management, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, early surgical debridement (wide abscission of necrotic tissues and surgical drainage of peritoneum, scrotum, penis, and inguinal areas), hyperbaric oxygen therapy; surgery can eventually be repeated if necessary; reconstructive surgery has an important role in the final treatment of the disease. The technical difficulties frequently encountered and the inability to make a complete removal of the necrotizing tissues at the time of surgery in some cases has led to the application of combined techniques, in view of the enhancement effect of specific advanced medications, targeted antibiotic therapy and hyperbaric medicine. We have considered 6 patients affected by Fournier’s gangrene treated at our institution; all the patients received treatment with the help of plastic surgeons of the same institution. After debridement, all the patients were treated with advanced specific dressings consisting of plates and strips made of calcium alginate, hydrogels and polyurethane and twodimensional cavity foams. Reconstructive surgery was necessary in one case. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has been performed in all cases. The multidisciplinary approach, the combined use of HBO therapy and the adoption of advanced specific dressings, have made possible the complete healing of the lesions in a shorter period, avoiding further surgery in 5 out of 6 patients.
Is it possible to predict the need of inguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis? A clinical and a pathological study
Authors: Minardi Daniele , Lucarini Guendalina , Simonetti Oriana , Di Primio Roberto , Montironi Rodolfo , Muzzonigro Giovanni
Published: April 2015

Objective: to investigate the role of CD- 44 immunohistochemical expression within tumoural and non-tumoural tissue, aiming to understand if it can help us to predict the need of performing inguinal lymph nodes dissection to complete surgery of the penis. Materials and methods: CD44 immunohistochemical expression was investigated in tissue specimens from 39 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis who underwent partial or total penectomy between 1987 and 2008. Patient age, tumour size, and grade; CD44 intensity score, cytological expression, topographic and distribution pattern were evaluated by immunohistochemistry on archived material and correlated with disease-specific survival. Results: mean patients age was 67.7 years; mean followup was 130.44 months. Bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed in 14 patients; there were 8 N+ patients (23.5%). pTis-pT1 vs. > pT1 and the EAU classification of risk group resulted to be predictive of lymph nodal metastases at univariate analysis (respectively p = 0.006 and p = 0.045), but not the grading. The intensity score, cytological expression, topographic and distribution pattern of CD44 staining did not correlate with stage, grade and lymph nodes metastases. All disease related deaths occurred only in patients showing an high CD44 intratumoral expression, but this correlation is not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that only lymph node metastasis was an independent prognostic factor predictive of lymph nodes metastases. Conclusions: CD44 expression in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is not able to predict the need of performing inguinal lymphadenectomy; staging and the EAU classification of risk group resulted to be predictive of lymph nodal metastases.
Comparing robotic, laparoscopic and open cystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fonseka Thomas , Ahmed Kamran , Froghi Saied , Khan Shahid A. , Dasgupta Prokar , Shamim Khan Mohammad
Published: April 2015

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing outcomes between Open Radical Cystectomy (ORC), Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy (LRC) and Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy (RARC). RARC is to be compared to LRC and ORC and LRC compared to ORC. Material and methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted, collating studies comparing RARC, LRC and ORC. Surgical and oncological outcome data were extracted and a meta-analysis was performed. Results: Twenty-four studies were selected with total of 2,104 cases analyzed. RARC had a longer operative time (OPT) compared to LRC with no statistical difference between length of stay (LOS) and estimated blood loss (EBL). RARC had a significantly shorter LOS, reduced EBL, lower complication rate and longer OPT compared to ORC. There were no significant differences regarding lymph node yield (LNY) and positive surgical margins (PSM.) LRC had a reduced EBL, shorter LOS and increased OPT compared to ORC. There was no significant difference regarding LNY. Conclusion: RARC is comparable to LRC with better surgical results than ORC. LRC has better surgical outcomes than ORC. With the unique technological features of the robotic surgical system and increasing trend of intra-corporeal reconstruction it is likely that RARC will become the surgical option of choice.
Tubular ectasia of the rete testis (TERT). Differential diagnosis of cystic testicular disorders
Authors: Mahlknecht Alois , Mahlknecht Peter , Fallaha Mohamad , Wieser Anton
Published: April 2015

The ultrasound scan plays an essential role in the urological-andrological diagnosis. High-resolution transducers (8-15 MHz) make it possible to prove increasingly small changes. The assessment of cystic masses in the testis can also be difficult for experienced doctors. However, a precise diagnosis is crucial for the patient to avoid further invasive diagnostics and therapy. The differential diagnosis of benign intra-testicular cystic lesions include the tubular ectasia of the rete testis (TERT), the cystic dysplasia, epidermoid cysts, dermoid cysts, simple testicular cysts and cysts of the tunica albuginea. Malign testicular tumours with cystic changes are particularly the mature teratoma, carcinomas of the epididymis and metastasis. The following overview shows different sonographic images and interpretations with a particular focus on TERT.
Use of cinacalcet in nephrolithiasis associated with normocalcemic or hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism: results of a prospective randomized pilot study
Authors: Brardi Simone , Cevenini Gabriele , Verdacchi Tiziano , Romano Giuseppe , Ponchietti Roberto
Published: April 2015

Objectives: To evaluate, by means of a prospective randomized study, the efficacy of cinacalcet in the forms of nephrolithiasis associated with primary hyperparathyroidism in both the hypercalcemic and normocalcemic variant. Materials and Methods: Ten patients suffering from active nephrolithiasis associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (4 hypercalcemics and 6 normocalcemics), equally divided between males and females, were randomly but not blindly addressed to treatment with potassium citrate and allopurinol, or to the same therapeutic regimen in combination with cinacalcet. The dosage of cinacalcet was optimized for each patient in order to obtain a reduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) within normal limits while enabling the maintenance of adequate calcemic values. All study participants were given the same diet based on a reduction in sodium intake, oxalate-rich foods and animal protein with standardized intake of calcium and an increase in hydration. After a follow up period of 10 months , cinacalcet was associated to standard therapy and diet in patients who were not taken it, conversely cinacalcet was withdrawn in the remaining patients who remained on standard therapeutic regimen and diet. Follow up was continued for a second period of observation of the same duration of the first. Results: At the end of the period of treatment with cinacalcet, for both variants of hyperparathyroidism, a statistically significant reduction in the overall number and in the diameter of renal stones was found. Conclusions: This prospective randomized study shows the effectiveness of cinacalcet used in combination with a diet with normalized calcium intake, in reducing the number and size of urinary stones in hypercalemic and normocalcemic forms of primary hyperparathyroidism.
A very rare case of adult-type granulosa cell tumor
Authors: Giulianelli Roberto , Mirabile Gabriella , Vincenti Giorgio , Pellegrino Francesco , Soda Giuseppe
Published: April 2015

Granulosa cell tumor (GST) of the testis is a rare neoplasm. Here we describe a case of an adult type GST. More than a year after surgical treatment, without any other treatment, the patient is alive without sign of disease.
86th SIBS National Congress | Palermo, Italy, 24-25 October 2013
Authors: Editors The
Published: April 2015

This issue contains the full abstracts presented at the 86th SIBS National Congress | Palermo, Italy, 24-25 October 2013.
Changes in serum metabolic hormone levels after glucose infusion during lactation cycles in Holstein cows
Authors: Chalmeh Aliasghar , Hajimohammadi Ali , Bagheri Soheil , Jalali Mohammad
Published: April 2015

Negative energy balance can impair the metabolism of high producing dairy cows and supplying the glucose, as an energy source; can prevent the metabolic disorders in these animals. Hence, we hypothesized that bolus intravenous glucose administration may change the concentrations of metabolic hormones in order to prevent and control of metabolic dysfunctions of dairy cows. Twenty five multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided to 5 equal groups containing early, mid and late lactations, far-off and close-up dry periods. All cows were received dextrose 50% intravenously at 500 mg/kg, 10 mL/kg/h. Blood samples were collected from all animals prior to and 1, 2, 3 and 4 after dextrose 50% infusion and sera were separated to determine glucose, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), serum free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), cortisol and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). The decreasing pattern of T3 concentration was detected in all studied animals following intravenous glucose infusion (P<0.05). The significant increasing pattern of T4 levels was seen in early and mid lactation cows after glucose administration (P<0.05). The significant decreasing pattern of IGF-1 was detected in mid and late lactations and far-off dry groups (P<0.05). There were no significant alterations in fT3, fT4 and cortisol concentrations following glucose infusion in all experimental groups. In conclusion, bolus intravenous glucose infusion could influence the metabolic hormones in high producing Holstein dairy cows. Alterations of metabolic hormones following bolus intravenous glucose administration indicated that glucose is an important direct controller of metabolic interactions and responses in dairy cows during different physiological states.
Limber tail syndrome in German shepherd dog
Authors: Abbas Ghazanfar , Saqib Muhammad , Mughal Mudassar Niaz , But Asif Ali , Muhammad Ghulam
Published: April 2015

A 3-year-old intact female German shepherd dog weighing 25 kg was evaluated for acute onset of staggering gait and flaccid (dropped) tail following immersion in freeze water. Clinical signs included staggering gait, aggressive behavior, postural pain and flaccid tail. Clinical signs progressed in severity for 2-3 hours following immersion in freeze water. The dog was treated using anti-inflammatory medication along with warm fomentation of the affected portion of the tail and complete rest. Dog uneventfully recovered on day 7 of initiation of treatment and no reoccurrence was observed during one month follow up period. Limber tail syndrome is an uncommonly reported condition in German shepherd dogs that should be considered when sudden staggering gait and dropped tail is observed after immersion in too cold water. Recovery is possible with anti-inflammatory drugs and rest.
The role of GIS and expert knowledge in 3-D modelling, Oak Ridges Moraine, southern Ontario
Authors: Logan C , Russell H A J , Sharpe D
R , Kenny F M
Published: April 2015

A basin analysis approach is used to help understand a complex aquifer system in the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greater Toronto areas, southern Ontario, Canada. The aquifer complex consists of a sequence of discontinuous strata that have a prominent regional
unconformity. To help visualize this architecture, a stratigraphic database has been developed and used to construct a 3-D stratigraphic model, through selective integration of disparate data. To accurately interpret borehole logs, geological context was supplied by using expert knowledge
constrained with a conceptual stratigraphic framework. Utilizing a digital stratigraphic training framework derived from manually coded, high-quality data, an expert system automatically interpreted and coded a large number of low-quality water well records. The expert system was designed to emulate
the manual borehole interpretation process by applying knowledge-based geological rules,
within the constraints of the digital training framework. Issues of poorly constrained interpolation due to sparse data are addressed by the integration of additional spatial rules defined by thematic map coverages within the expert system. As quantitative hydrogeological modelling moves to more
regional scales, geological knowledge input becomes increasingly more valuable. The availability of seamless geological mapping improves 3-D modelling and helps to limit the effect of deficiencies in data coverage and data quality, often encountered in regional hydrogeological
studies.
Extreme Minimum Temperature Zones
Authors: McKenney D W , Pedlar J H , Lawrence K , Papadopol P , Campbell K , Hutchinson M F , Kramers R E , Rose I , Morisset N
Published: April 2015

This plant hardiness zones map follows an approach used by the United States Department of Agriculture
(www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/). The map shows the average of the annual extreme minimum temperature for the period 1981 to 2010. It is important to note that weather conditions in any individual year may bedifferent from the average conditions shown on this map. The zones correspond to the
temperature ranges shown in the map legend.
Detection and Molecular Characterization of Potentially Pathogenic Free-living Amoebae from Water Sources in Kish Island, Southern Iran
Authors: Niyyati Maryam , Lasgerdi Zohreh , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob
Published: April 2015

Amoebic keratitis, a sight-threatening corneal infection, mainly occurs in contact lens wearers who wash their eyes with tap water. The present research was conducted to identify the occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) in tap water sources on Kish Island, a tourist region in Iran. Amoebae were detected using a culture-enriched method and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing of the diagnostic fragment 3 region of the 18S rRNA gene of Acanthamoeba. In the case of other free-living amoebae species, PCR/sequencing analysis of the 18S rDNA was conducted. Results of this study showed the presence of Acanthamoeba belonging to T3, T4, T5, and T11 genotypes in tap water sources. Additionally, Vermamoebae vermiformis was detected in three water samples. This is the first report of the Acanthamoeba genotypes T3, T4, T5, and T11 and V. vermiformis species in tap water sources in a tourist region in Iran.
The Perils of Proximity: The Geopolitical Underpinnings of Australian Views of New Caledonia in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Rechniewski Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the links between these far-flung outposts of empire, New Caledonia and Australia, were much stronger than we might realise today. New Caledonia loomed large in Australian preoccupations as a commercial partner and an export market but also as an example of French perfidy and maladministration and as a threat to security.Relations between these French and British colonies reflected in part the state of broader relations between the imperial powers, as well as changing geo-political realities in the region. The profoundly ambiguous and tension-filled relationship between the two imperial powers must be stressed – the two countries had been at war for much of the past five hundred years, they vied for power and influence in Europe, strategic control of international waters and colonial possessions and yet they recognised one another, in relation in particular to the indigenous other, as sharing European, Christian, civilised values.This article explores the attitudes and opinions expressed in the Australian press towards the French colony at certain key points in Australian/New Caledonian relations: the annexation of the Grande Terre by the French in 1853, the Kanak revolts of 1878-9 and the pre-World War I nickel mining boom. It focuses in particular on the security fears provoked by the proximity of New Caledonia to Australian shores.
Silencing Deafness: Displacing Disability in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Cleall Esme
Published: April 2015

This article traces the way in which the language of displacement and silence were used in nineteenth-century discussions of deafness and connects this tendency to the marginalised place deaf experience occupies historically. Throughout the nineteenth century, a period which saw the consolidation of ‘the deaf and dumb’ as a social category, the word ‘forgetting’ crept into numerous discussions of deafness by both deaf and hearing commentators. Some, such as the educationalist Alexander Graeme Bell, were overt in their desire to forget deafness, demanding disability was ‘bred out’ and deaf culture condemned to the forgotten past. Others used the term ambivalently and sometimes metaphorically discussing the deaf as ‘forgotten’ by society, and ‘children of silence’. Some even pleaded that people who were deaf were not forgotten. But, though varied, the use of the imagery of forgetting and silence to evoke deafness is recurrent, and may, therefore, be seen to reveal something about how deaf experience can be approached as a displacement where deafness was spatially and imaginatively marginalised. I argue that one of the consequences of the conceptual framing of deafness through the language of forgetting was actively to silence deafness and to neutralise the idea that disability should be marginal and could be forgotten.
Bisulphate-cluster based atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer for ultra-high sensitivity (10 ppq) detection of atmospheric amines: proof-of-concept and first ambient data from boreal forest
Authors: Sipilä M. , Sarnela N. , Jokinen T. , Junninen H. , Hakala J. , Rissanen M. P. , Petäjä T. , Worsnop D. R.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Atmospheric amines may play a crucial role in formation of new aerosol particles via nucleation with sulphuric acid. Recent studies have revealed that concentrations below 1 ppt can significantly promote nucleation of sulphuric acid particles. While sulphuric acid detection is relatively straightforward, no amine measurements to date have been able to reach the critical sub-ppt concentration range and atmospheric amine concentrations are in general poorly characterized. In this work we present a proof-of-concept of an instrument capable of detecting dimethyl amine (DMA) with concentrations even down to 8 ppq (parts per quadrillion, 0.008 ppt) for a 15 min integration time. Detection of ammonia and amines other than dimethyl amine is discussed. We also report results from the first ambient measurements performed in spring 2013 at a boreal forest site. While minute signals from some amines were observed, DMA concentration never exceeded the detection threshold of ambient measurements (20 ppq), suggesting that it is unlikely that nucleation at this location involves DMA.
Additional acceleration of solar-wind particles in current sheets of the heliosphere
Authors: Zharkova V. , Khabarova O.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Particles of fast solar wind in the vicinity of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS) or in a front of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) often reveal very peculiar energy or velocity profiles, density distributions with double or triple peaks, and well-defined streams of electrons occurring around or far away from these events. In order to interpret the parameters of energetic particles (both ions and electrons) measured by the WIND spacecraft during the HCS crossings, a comparison of the data was carried out with 3-D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations for the relevant magnetic topology (Zharkova and Khabarova, 2012). The simulations showed that all the observed particle-energy distributions, densities, ion peak velocities, electron pitch angles and directivities can be fitted with the same model if the heliospheric current sheet is in a status of continuous magnetic reconnection. In this paper we present further observations of the solar-wind particles being accelerated to rather higher energies while passing through the HCS and the evidence that this acceleration happens well before the appearance of the corotating interacting region (CIR), which passes through the spacecraft position hours later. We show that the measured particle characteristics (ion velocity, electron pitch angles and the distance at which electrons are turned from the HCS) are in agreement with the simulations of additional particle acceleration in a reconnecting HCS with a strong guiding field as measured by WIND. A few examples are also presented showing additional acceleration of solar-wind particles during their passage through current sheets formed in a front of ICMEs. This additional acceleration at the ICME current sheets can explain the anticorrelation of ion and electron fluxes frequently observed around the ICME's leading front. Furthermore, it may provide a plausible explanation of the appearance of bidirectional "strahls" (field-aligned most energetic suprathermal electrons) at the leading edge of ICMEs as energetic electrons generated during a magnetic reconnection at the ICME-front current sheet.
Forecasting wind power production from a wind farm using the RAMS model
Authors: Tiriolo L. , Torcasio R. C. , Montesanti S. , Sempreviva A. M. , Calidonna C. R. , Transerici C. , Federico S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The importance of wind power forecast is commonly recognized because it represents a useful tool for grid integration and facilitates the energy trading. This work considers an example of power forecast for a wind farm in the Apennines in Central Italy. The orography around the site is complex and the horizontal resolution of the wind forecast has an important role. To explore this point we compared the performance of two 48 h wind power forecasts using the winds predicted by the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) for the year 2011. The two forecasts differ only for the horizontal resolution of the RAMS model, which is 3 km (R3) and 12 km (R12), respectively. Both forecasts use the 12 UTC analysis/forecast cycle issued by the European Centre for Medium range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) as initial and boundary conditions. As an additional comparison, the results of R3 and R12 are compared with those of the ECMWF Integrated Forecasting System (IFS), whose horizontal resolution over Central Italy is about 25 km at the time considered in this paper. v Because wind observations were not available for the site, the power curve for the whole wind farm was derived from the ECMWF wind operational analyses available at 00:00, 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00 UTC for the years 2010 and 2011. Also, for R3 and R12, the RAMS model was used to refine the horizontal resolution of the ECMWF analyses by a two-years hindcast at 3 and 12 km horizontal resolution, respectively. The R3 reduces the RMSE of the predicted wind power of the whole 2011 by 5% compared to R12, showing an impact of the meteorological model horizontal resolution in forecasting the wind power for the specific site.
Improving operational flood ensemble prediction by the assimilation of satellite soil moisture: comparison between lumped and semi-distributed schemes
Authors: Alvarez-Garreton C. , Ryu D. , Western A. W. , Su C.-H. , Crow W. T. , Robertson D. E. , Leahy C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Assimilation of remotely sensed soil moisture data (SM-DA) to correct soil water stores of rainfall-runoff models has shown skill in improving streamflow prediction. In the case of large and sparsely monitored catchments, SM-DA is a particularly attractive tool. Within this context, we assimilate satellite soil moisture (SM) retrievals from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E), the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) and the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) instrument, using an Ensemble Kalman filter to improve operational flood prediction within a large (> 40 000 km2) semi-arid catchment in Australia. We assess the importance of accounting for channel routing and the spatial distribution of forcing data by applying SM-DA to a lumped and a semi-distributed scheme of the probability distributed model (PDM). Our scheme also accounts for model error representation by explicitly correcting bias in soil moisture and streamflow in the ensemble generation process, and for seasonal biases and errors in the satellite data. Before assimilation, the semi-distributed model provided a more accurate streamflow prediction (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency, NSE = 0.77) than the lumped model (NSE = 0.67) at the catchment outlet. However, this did not ensure good performance at the "ungauged" inner catchments (two of them with NSE below 0.3). After SM-DA, the streamflow ensemble prediction at the outlet was improved in both the lumped and the semi-distributed schemes: the root mean square error of the ensemble was reduced by 22 and 24%, respectively; the false alarm ratio was reduced by 9% in both cases; the peak volume error was reduced by 58 and 1%, respectively; the ensemble skill was improved (evidenced by 12 and 13% reductions in the continuous ranked probability scores, respectively); and the ensemble reliability was increased in both cases (expressed by flatter rank histograms). SM-DA did not improve NSE. Our findings imply that even when rainfall is the main driver of flooding in semi-arid catchments, adequately processed satellite SM can be used to reduce errors in the model soil moisture, which in turn provides better streamflow ensemble prediction. We demonstrate that SM-DA efficacy is enhanced when the spatial distribution in forcing data and routing processes are accounted for. At ungauged locations, SM-DA is effective at improving some characteristics of the streamflow ensemble prediction; however, the updated prediction is still poor since SM-DA does not address the systematic errors found in the model prior to assimilation.
PRECISE LASER-BASED OPTICAL 3D MEASUREMENT OF WELDING SEAMS UNDER WATER
Authors: Ekkel T. , Schmik J. , Luhmann T. , Hastedt H.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This paper deals with the development of a measuring procedure and an experimental set-up (stereo camera system in combination with a projecting line laser and a positioning unit) which are intended to detect the surface topography, particularly of welds, with high accuracy in underwater environments. The system concept makes provision for the fact that the device can be positioned in space and manipulated by hand. The development, optimization and testing of the system components for surface measurements as well as calibration and accuracy evaluations are the main objectives within this research project. Testing procedures and probes are constructed and evaluated to verify the results. First results will be shown, where the test objects are underwater. The development considers conditions for a future adaption to underwater use.
MICROVEGA (MICRO VESSEL FOR GEODETICS APPLICATION): A MARINE DRONE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF BATHYMETRIC DATA FOR GIS APPLICATIONS
Authors: Giordano F. , Mattei G. , Parente C. , Peluso F. , Santamaria R.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Bathymetric data are fundamental to produce navigational chart and sea-floor 3D models. They can be collected using different techniques and sensors on board of a variety of platforms, such as satellite, aircraft, ship and drone. The MicroVEGA drone is an Open Prototype of Autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessel (AUSV) conceived, designed and built to operate in the coastal areas (0-20 meters of depth), where a traditional boat is poorly manoeuvrable. It is equipped with a series of sensors to acquire the morpho-bathymetric high precision data. In this paper we presents the result of the first case study, a bathymetric survey carried out at Sorrento Marina Grande. This survey is a typical application case of this technology; the Open Prototype MicroVega has an interdisciplinary breath and it is going to be applied to various research fields. In future, it will expect to do new knowledge, new survey strategies and an industrial prototype in fiberglass.
OCEANOGRAPHIC MOWER CRUISE
Authors: Valencia J. , Ercilla G. , Hernández-Molina F. J. , Casas D.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The MOWER Cruise has executed a geophysics and geologic expedition in the Gulf of Cádiz (sector adjacent to the Strait of Gibraltar) and west off Portugal, in the framework of the coordinate research project MOWER “Erosive features and associated sandy deposits generated by the Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) around Iberia: paleoceanographic, sedimentary & economic implications” (CTM 2012–39599–C03). The main aim of this project is to identify and study the erosional features (terraces and channels) and associated sedimentary deposits (sandy contourites) generated by the Mediterranean Water Masses around the middle continental slope of Iberia (The Mediterranean Outflow Water – MOW – in the Atlantic margins), their Pliocene and Quaternary evolution and their paleoceanographic, sedimentary and economic implications. This objective directly involves the study of alongslope (contourite) processes associated with the MOW and across–slope (turbiditic flows, debris flows, etc.) processes in the sedimentary stacking pattern and evolution of the Iberian margins. The MOWER project and cruise are related to the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 339 (Mediterranean Outflow). It is also linked and coordinated with CONDRIBER Project “Contourite drifts and associated mass–transport deposits along the SW Iberia margin – implications to slope stability and tsunami hazard assessment” (2013–2015) funded by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Portugal (PTDC/GEO–GEO/4430/2012).
COMPACT HANDHELD FRINGE PROJECTION BASED UNDERWATER 3D-SCANNER
Authors: Bräuer-Burchardt C. , Heinze M. , Schmidt I. , Kühmstedt P. , Notni G.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. A new, fringe projection based compact handheld 3D scanner for the surface reconstruction of measurement objects under water is introduced. The weight of the scanner is about 10 kg and can be used in a water depth of maximal 40 metres. A measurement field of about 250 mm x 200 mm is covered under water, and the lateral resolution of the measured object points is about 150 μm. Larger measurement objects can be digitized in a unique geometric model by merging subsequently recorded datasets. The recording time for one 3D scan is a third of a second. The projection unit for the structured illumination of the scene as well as the computer for device control and measurement data analysis are included into the scanners housing. A display on the backside of the device realizes the graphical presentation of the current measurement data. It allows the user to evaluate the quality of the measurement result in real-time already during the recording of the measurement under water. For the calibration of the underwater scanner a combined method of air- and water-calibration was developed which needs only a few recorded underwater images of a plane surface and an object with known lengths. First measurement results obtained with the new scanner are presented.
OPTO-ACOUSTIC DATA FUSION FOR SUPPORTING THE GUIDANCE OF REMOTELY OPERATED UNDERWATER VEHICLES (ROVs)
Authors: Bruno F. , Lagudi A. , Ritacco G. , Muzzupappa M. , Guida R.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Remotely Operated underwater Vehicles (ROVs) play an important role in a number of operations conducted in shallow and deep water (e.g.: exploration, survey, intervention, etc.), in several application fields like marine science, offshore construction, and underwater archeology. ROVs are usually equipped with different imaging devices, both optical and acoustic. Optical sensors are able to generate better images in close range and clear water conditions, while acoustic systems are usually employed in long range acquisitions and do not suffer from the presence of turbidity, a well-known cause of coarser resolution and harder data extraction. In this work we describe the preliminary steps in the development of an opto-acoustic camera able to provide an on-line 3D reconstruction of the acquired scene. Taking full advantage of the benefits arising from the opto-acoustic data fusion techniques, the system was conceived as a support tool for ROV operators during the navigation in turbid waters, or in operations conducted by means of mechanical manipulators. The paper presents an overview of the device, an ad-hoc methodology for the extrinsic calibration of the system and a custom software developed to control the opto-acoustic camera and supply the operator with visual information.
AIRBORNE LASER BATHYMETRY FOR DOCUMENTATION OF SUBMERGED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN SHALLOW WATER
Authors: Doneus M. , Miholjek I. , Mandlburger G. , Doneus N. , Verhoeven G. , Briese Ch. , Pregesbauer M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Knowledge of underwater topography is essential to the understanding of the organisation and distribution of archaeological sites along and in water bodies. Special attention has to be paid to intertidal and inshore zones where, due to sea-level rise, coastlines have changed and many former coastal sites are now submerged in shallow water. Mapping the detailed inshore topography is therefore important to reconstruct former coastlines, identify sunken archaeological structures and locate potential former harbour sites. However, until recently archaeology has lacked suitable methods to provide the required topographical data of shallow underwater bodies. Our research shows that airborne topo-bathymetric laser scanner systems are able to measure surfaces above and below the water table over large areas in high detail using very short and narrow green laser pulses, even revealing sunken archaeological structures in shallow water. Using an airborne laser scanner operating at a wavelength in the green visible spectrum (532 nm) two case study areas in different environmental settings (Kolone, Croatia, with clear sea water; Lake Keutschach, Austria, with turbid water) were scanned. In both cases, a digital model of the underwater topography with a planimetric resolution of a few decimeters was measured. While in the clear waters of Kolone penetration depth was up to 11 meters, turbid Lake Keutschach allowed only to document the upper 1.6 meters of its underwater topography. Our results demonstrate the potential of this technique to map submerged archaeological structures over large areas in high detail providing the possibility for systematic, large scale archaeological investigation of this environment.
Ionospheric flow shear associated with the preexisting auroral arc: A statistical study from the FAST spacecraft data
Authors: Jiang Feifei , Kivelson Margaret G. , Strangeway Robert J. , Khurana Krishan K. , Walker Raymond
Published: April 2015

An auroral substorm is a disturbance in the magnetosphere that releases energy stored in the magnetotail into the high‐latitude ionosphere. By definition, an auroral substorm commences when a discrete auroral arc brightens and subsequently expands poleward and azimuthally. The arc that brightens is usually the most equatorward of several auroral arcs that remain quiescent for ~5 to ~60 min before the breakup commences. This arc is often referred to as the “preexisting auroral arc (PAA)” or the “growth‐phase arc.” In this study, we use FAST measurements to establish the statistics of flow patterns near PAAs in the ionosphere. We find that flow shear is present in the vicinity of a preexisting arc. When a PAA appears in the evening sector, enhanced westward flow develops equatorward of the arc, whereas when a PAA appears in the morning sector, enhanced eastward flow develops poleward of the arc. We benchmark locations of the PAAs relative to large‐scale field‐aligned currents (FACs) and convective flows in the ionosphere, finding that the arc forms in the upward current region within ~1° of the Region 1/Region 2 boundary in all local time sectors from 20 MLT to 03 MLT. We also find that near midnight in the Harang region, most of the PAAs lie within 0.5° poleward of the low‐latitude Region 1/Region 2 currents boundary and sit between the westward and eastward flow peak but equatorward of the flow reversal point. Finally, we examine arc‐associated electrodynamics and find that the FAC of the PAA is mainly closed by the north‐south Pedersen current in the ionosphere.
Latitudinal distributions of atmospheric dicarboxylic acids, oxocarboxylic acids, and α‐dicarbonyls over the western North Pacific: Sources and formation pathways
Authors: Bikkina Srinivas , Kawamura Kimitaka , Miyazaki Yuzo
Published: April 2015

The present study aims to assess the molecular distributions of water‐soluble dicarboxylic acids (diacids: C2–C12), oxocarboxylic acids (C2–C9), and α‐dicarbonyls (glyoxal and methylglyoxal) in aerosols collected over the western North Pacific (WNP) during a summer cruise (August to September 2008). The measured water‐soluble organics show pronounced latitudinal distributions with higher concentrations in the region of 30°N–45°N (average 63 ng m−3) than 10°N–30°N (18 ng m−3). Mass fraction of oxalic acid (C2) in total aliphatic diacids (ΣC2–C12) showed higher values (72 ± 10%) in lower latitude (10°N–30°N) than that (56 ± 16%) in higher latitude (30°N–45°N), suggesting a photochemical production of C2 due to an increased insolation over the tropical WNP. A similar trend was found in other diagnostic ratios such as oxalic to succinic (C2/C4) and oxalic to glyoxylic acid (C2/ωC2), which further corroborate an enhanced photochemical aging over the WNP. In addition, relative abundances of oxalic acid in total diacids showed a marked increase as a function of ambient temperature, supporting their photochemical production. Constantly low concentration ratios of adipic and phthalic acids relative to azelaic acid suggest a small contribution of anthropogenic sources and an importance of oceanic sources during the study period. Significant production of C2 through oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds emitted from the sea surface is also noteworthy, as inferred from the strong linear correlations among water‐soluble organic carbon, methanesulphonic acid, and oxalic acid. Sea‐to‐air emission of unsaturated fatty acids also contributes to formation of diacids over the WNP.
The Saharan heat low and moisture transport pathways in the central Sahara—Multiaircraft observations and Africa‐LAM evaluation
Authors: Engelstaedter S. , Washington R. , Flamant C. , Parker D. J. , Allen C. J. T. , Todd M. C.
Published: April 2015

We present a characterization of the Saharan heat low (SHL) based on dropsonde observations made on 22 June 2011 by two simultaneously flying aircraft during the Fennec project. The observations are used to identify moisture transport pathways and to validate the UK Met Office limited area model for northern Africa (Africa‐LAM). The observations capture the SHL, harmattan, and monsoon surge. The SHL has a northeast‐southwest orientated elongated shape centered over northern Mauritania. The SHL core is associated with a 950 hPa temperature minimum (36.4°C) in the morning caused by the monsoon surge and a maximum (42.6°C) in the afternoon. The monsoon surge east of the SHL core splits into two transport pathways: (a) curving around the SHL core in the north, especially pronounced in a morning near‐surface layer, and (b) northeastward transport within the ~2 km deep monsoon surge (afternoon observations only). In the morning the model forecasts the harmattan, monsoon surge, and the SHL geographic location and northeast‐southwest orientation well but the model represents the SHL flatter and more spatially extended and overestimates the convective boundary layer (CBL) by up to ~0.3 km. The simulated afternoon SHL location appears shifted westward by up to ~1°. The model overestimates the shallow afternoon monsoon surge CBL depth of ~1.8 km by >2 km resulting in southwestward transport of vertically mixed moisture above ~2.5 km contrasting observed northeastward‐only transport at lower levels. This moisture distribution model error is likely to have consequences for simulations of Saharan thermodynamics and dust emissions caused by convection‐driven cold pools.
Engineering Mixed Ionic Electronic Conduction in La0.8Sr0.2MnO3+δ Nanostructures through Fast Grain Boundary Oxygen Diffusivity
Authors: Saranya Aruppukottai M. , Pla Dolors , Morata Alex , Cavallaro Andrea , Canales‐Vázquez Jesús , Kilner John A. , Burriel Mónica , Tarancón Albert
Published: April 2015

Nanoionics has become an increasingly promising field for the future development of advanced energy conversion and storage devices, such as batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. Particularly, nanostructured materials offer unique properties or combinations of properties as electrodes and electrolytes in a range of energy devices. However, the enhancement of the mass transport properties at the nanoscale has often been found to be difficult to implement in nanostructures. Here, an artificial mixed ionic electronic conducting oxide is fabricated by grain boundary (GB) engineering thin films of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3+δ. This electronic conductor is converted into a good mixed ionic electronic conductor by synthesizing a nanostructure with high density of vertically aligned GBs with high concentration of strain‐induced defects. Since this type of GBs present a remarkable enhancement of their oxide‐ion mass transport properties (of up to six orders of magnitude at 773 K), it is possible to tailor the electrical nature of the whole material by nanoengineering, especially at low temperatures. The presented results lead to fundamental insights into oxygen diffusion along GBs and to the application of these engineered nanomaterials in new advanced solid state ionics devices such are micro‐solid oxide fuel cells or resistive switching memories.
Menu Labeling Fills the Gaps in Consumers’ Knowledge of the Calorie Content of Restaurant Foods
Authors: Stewart Hayden , Hyman Jeffrey , Dong Diansheng
Published: April 2015

Restaurant foods are typically higher in calories than meals consumed at home. A goal of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is to encourage healthier food choices at restaurants by providing consumers with information about the calorie content of menu items. However, doesn't a well‐informed consumer already know that a 12‐piece bucket of chicken has more calories than a salad? Following research in marketing science and behavioral economics, we evaluate a representative consumer's ability to discriminate between low‐calorie and high‐calorie menu items using only some basic “rules of thumb” nutrition knowledge. Results reveal the extent to which menu labeling may increase consumers' knowledge about the calories in restaurant foods.
Price Transmission in the European Tomatoes and Cauliflowers Sectors
Authors: Santeramo Fabio Gaetano
Published: April 2015

The paper explores the characteristics of spatial price movements for fresh vegetables. The analysis is conducted on tomato and cauliflower prices collected on main production and consumption European markets. We estimate an asymmetric threshold autoregressive econometric model and provide estimates of transaction costs and speeds of price transmission among spatially separated markets. We assess the average elapsing time for the transmission of price shocks. In eight of ten cases we found that spatial price transmissions is not symmetric. Moreover in most cases we conclude that tomato and cauliflower markets are not efficient. We convey interesting policy considerations for the fresh vegetables sectors.
A robust mixed‐conducting multichannel hollow fiber membrane reactor
Authors: Zhu Jiawei , Guo Shaobin , Liu Gongping , Liu Zhengkun , Zhang Zhicheng , Jin Wanqin
Published: April 2015

To accelerate the commercial application of mixed‐conducting membrane reactor for catalytic reaction processes, a robust mixed‐conducting multichannel hollow fiber (MCMHF) membrane reactor was constructed and characterized in this work. The MCMHF membrane based on reduction‐tolerant and CO2‐stable SrFe0.8Nb0.2O3‐δ (SFN) oxide not only possesses a good mechanical strength but also has a high oxygen permeation flux under air/He gradient, which is about four times that of SFN disk membrane. When partial oxidation of methane (POM) was performed in the MCMHF membrane reactor, excellent reaction performance (oxygen flux of 19.2 mL min−1 cm−2, hydrogen production rate of 54.7 mL min−1 cm−2, methane conversion of 94.6% and the CO selectivity of 99%) was achieved at 1173 K. And also, the MCMHF membrane reactor for POM reaction was operated stably for 120 h without obvious degradation of reaction performance. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2592–2599, 2015
Aggregation of silica nanoparticles in an aqueous suspension
Authors: Liu Lande
Published: April 2015

Aggregation affects the stability of the nanoparticles in fluids. For hydrophilic particles in aqueous suspensions, zeta potential becomes a common measure to control the stability of the particles. However, it is not clear how zeta potential impacts on the interaction of the particles during their close range contact when the hydration repulsion arises strongly. This article demonstrates a method that uses the kinetic theory of aggregation for an aggregation system of changing zeta potential to determine the hydration repulsion and the aggregation efficiency. It was found that the hydration repulsion has an equivalent electrical potential of 30 mV on the stem surface of the particles and an exponential decay length of 2.77 Å. This hydration potential is equivalent to 12 mV zeta potential and contributes 29% to the aggregation coefficient that is 5.5 × 10−6 for a 30 mV zeta potential stabilized silica particle suspension. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2136–2146, 2015
meso‐Hydroxysubporphyrins: A Cyclic Trimeric Assembly and a Stable meso‐Oxy Radical
Authors: Shimizu Daiki , Oh Juwon , Furukawa Ko , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: April 2015

Treatment of meso‐chlorosubporphyrin with potassium hydroxide in DMSO followed by aqueous work up and recrystallization gave a cyclic trimer consisting of meso‐hydroxysubporphyrin units linked between the central boron atoms and meso‐hydroxy groups. Solutions of this trimer are nonfluorescent, but become fluorescent when exposed to acid or base, since hydrolytic cleavage of the axial BO bonds generates the meso‐hydroxysubporphyrin monomer or its oxyanion. Ring cleavage of the trimer was also effected by reaction with phenylmagnesium bromide to produce meso‐hydroxy‐B‐phenyl subporphyrin, which can be quantitatively oxidized with PbO2 to furnish a subporphyrin meso‐oxy radical as a remarkably stable species as a result of spin delocalization over almost the entire molecule.