bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) as observed by MIPAS/Envisat: temporal development and spatial distribution at 15–45 km altitude
Authors: Höpfner M. , Glatthor N. , Grabowski U. , Kellmann S. , Kiefer M. , Linden A. , Orphal J. , Stiller G. , von Clarmann T. , Funke B.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. We present a climatology of monthly and 10° zonal mean profiles of sulfur dioxide (SO2) volume mixing ratios (vmr) derived from MIPAS/Envisat measurements in the altitude range 15–45 km from July 2002 until April 2012. The vertical resolution varies from 3.5–4 km in the lower stratosphere up to 6–10 km at the upper end of the profiles with estimated total errors of 5–20 pptv for single profiles of SO2. Comparisons with few available observations of SO2 up to high altitudes from ATMOS, for a volcanically perturbed situations from ACE-FTS and, at the lowest altitudes, with stratospheric in-situ observations reveal general consistency of the datasets. The observations are the first empirical confirmation of features of the stratospheric SO2 distribution which have only been shown by models up to now: (1) the local maximum of SO2 at around 25–30 km altitude which is explained by the conversion of carbonyl sulfide (COS) as the precursor of the Junge layer, and (2) the downwelling of SO2 rich air to altitudes of 25–30 km at high latitudes during winter and its subsequent depletion on availability of sunlight. This has been proposed as the reason for the sudden appearance of enhanced concentrations of condensation nuclei during Arctic and Antarctic spring. Further, the strong increase of SO2 to values of 80–100 pptv in the upper stratosphere through photolysis of H2SO4 has been confirmed. Lower stratospheric variability of SO2 could mainly be explained by volcanic activity and no hint for a strong anthropogenic influence has been found. Regression analysis revealed a QBO (quasi-biennial oscillation) signal of the SO2 time series in the tropics at about 30–35 km, a SAO (semi-annual oscillation) signal at tropical and subtropical latitudes above 32 km and annual periodics predominantly at high latitudes. Further, the analysis indicates a correlation with the solar cycle in the tropics and southern subtropics above 30 km. Significant negative linear trends are found in the tropical lower stratosphere, probably due to reduced tropical volcanic activity and at southern mid-latitudes above 35 km. A positive trend is visible in the lower and middle stratosphere at polar to subtropical southern latitudes.
Particle partitioning potential of organic compounds is highest in the Eastern US and driven by anthropogenic water
Authors: Carlton A. G. , Turpin B. J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Gas phase water-soluble organic matter (WSOMg) is ubiquitous in the troposphere. In the summertime, the potential for these gases to partition to particle phase liquid water (H2Optcl) where they can form secondary organic aerosol (SOAAQ) is high in the Eastern US and low elsewhere, with the exception of an area near Los Angeles, CA. This spatial pattern is driven by mass concentrations of H2Optcl, not WSOMg. H2Optcl mass concentrations are predicted to be high in the Eastern US, largely due to sulfate. The ability of sulfate to increase H2Optcl is well-established and routinely included in atmospheric models, however WSOMg partitioning to this water and subsequent SOA formation is not. The high mass concentrations of H2Optcl in the southeast (SE) US but not the Amazon, may help explain why biogenic SOA mass concentrations are high in the SE US, but low in the Amazon. Furthermore, during the summertime in the Eastern US, the potential for organic gases to partition into liquid water is greater than their potential to partition into organic matter (OM) because concentrations of WSOMg and H2Optcl are higher than semi-volatile gases and OM. Thus, unless condensed phase yields are substantially different (> ~ order of magnitude), we expect that SOA formed through aqueous phase pathways (SOAAQ) will dominate in the Eastern US. These findings also suggest that H2Optcl is largely anthropogenic and provide a previously unrecognized mechanism by which anthropogenic pollutants impact the amount of SOA mass formed from biogenic organic emissions. The previously reported estimate of the controllable fraction of biogenic SOA in the Eastern US (50%) is likely too low.
Method development estimating ambient mercury concentration from monitored mercury wet deposition
Authors: Chen S. M. , Qiu X. , Zhang L. , Yang F. , Blanchard P.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Speciated atmospheric mercury data have recently been monitored at multiple locations in North America; but the spatial coverage is far less than the long-established mercury wet deposition network. The present study describes a first attempt linking ambient concentration with wet deposition using Beta distribution fitting of a ratio estimate. The mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and skewness of the fitted Beta distribution parameters were generated using data collected in 2009 at 11 monitoring stations. Comparing the normalized histogram and the fitted density function, the empirical and fitted Beta distribution of the ratio shows a close fit. The estimated ambient mercury concentration was further partitioned into reactive gaseous mercury and particulate bound mercury using linear regression model developed by Amos et al. (2012). The method presented here can be used to roughly estimate mercury ambient concentration at locations and/or times where such measurement is not available but where wet deposition is monitored.
Direct estimation of the rate constant of the reaction ClO + HO2 → HOCl + O2 from SMILES atmospheric observations
Authors: Kuribayashi K. , Sagawa H. , Lehmann R. , Sato T. O. , Kasai Y.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Diurnal variations of ClO, HO2, and HOCl were simultaneously observed by the Superconducting Submillimeter-Wave Limb-Emission Sounder (SMILES) between 12 October 2009 and 21 April 2010. These were the first global observations of the diurnal variation of HOCl in the upper atmosphere. A major reaction to produce HOCl is ClO + HO2 → HOCl + O2 (R1) in extra polar region. A model study suggested that in the mesosphere during night this is the only reaction influencing the amount of HOCl and ClO. The evaluation of the pure reaction period, where only reaction (R1) occurred in Cly chemical system, was performed by the consistency between two reaction rates, HOCl production and ClO loss, from SMILES observation data. It turned out that the SMILES data at the pressure level of 0.28 hPa (about 58 km) during night (between local time 18:30 and 04:00) in the autumn mid-latitude region (20–40° February–April 2010) were suitable for the estimation of k1. The rate constant was obtained to be k1(245 K) = 7.73 ± 0.26 (1σ) [× 10–12 cm3/molecule s] from SMILES atmospheric observations. This result was consistent with that from both the laboratory experiment and the ab initio calculations for similar low-pressure conditions. The 1σ precision of k1 obtained was 2–10 times better than those of previous laboratory measurements.
HOLIMO II: a digital holographic instrument for ground-based in-situ observations of microphysical properties of mixed-phase clouds
Authors: Henneberger J. , Fugal J. P. , Stetzer O. , Lohmann U.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Measurements of the microphysical properties of mixed-phase clouds with high spatial resolution are important to understand the processes inside these clouds. This work describes the design and characterization of the newly developed ground-based field instrument HOLIMO II (HOLographic Imager for Microscopic Objects II). HOLIMO II uses digital in-line holography to in-situ image cloud particles in a well defined sample volume. By an automated algorithm, two-dimensional images of single cloud particles between 6 and 250 μm in diameter are obtained and the size spectrum, the concentration and water content of clouds are calculated. By testing the sizing algorithm with monosized beads a systematic overestimation near the resolution limit was found, which has been used to correct the measurements. Field measurements from the high altitude research station Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, are presented. The measured number size distributions are in good agreement with parallel measurements by a fog monitor (FM-100, DMT, Boulder USA). The field data shows that HOLIMO II is capable of measuring the number size distribution with a high spatial resolution and determines ice crystal shape, thus providing a method of quantifying variations in microphysical properties. A case study over a period of 8 h has been analyzed, exploring the transition from a liquid to a mixed-phase cloud, which is the longest observation of a cloud with a holographic device. During the measurement period, the cloud does not completely glaciate, contradicting earlier assumptions of the dominance of the Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen (WBF) process.
Total columns of H2O measured from the ground and from space at Observatoire de Haute-Provence in France (44° N)
Authors: Alkasm S. , Sarkissian A. , Keckhut P. , Pazmino A. , Goutail F. , Pinharanda M. , Noël S.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. In this work, we compare vertical column density of water vapour measured at Observatoire de Haute-Provence, Southern France (5° 42' E, +43° 55' N). Data were obtained by three satellite sensors, GOME, GOME 2 and SCIAMACHY, and by two ground-based spectrometers, Elodie and SAOZ. These five instruments are able to measure total column density of water vapour in the visible and have different principles of observation. All these instruments reproduce the total column water vapour with good accuracy. The mean difference between the satellite measurements, ground-based measurements, and between both types, are quantified. The diurnal cycle of water vapour above the station and its variability with latitude have been investigated. The differences between these data sets are due sometimes to the differences in the time of the measurements, or to the differences in the geometry of observations, or also due to both effects. The effect of land and sea and the effect of the season on the total column water vapour has been analysed. The global agreement between our data sets range from 10% in summer to 25% in winter, improved significantly when observations are closer in time and location.
An overview of chemosynthetic symbioses in bivalves from the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Duperron S. , Gaudron S. M. , Rodrigues C. F. , Cunha M. R. , Decker C. , Olu K.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Deep-sea bivalves found at hydrothermal vents, cold seeps and organic falls are sustained by chemosynthetic bacteria that ensure part or all of their carbon nutrition. These symbioses are of prime importance for the functioning of the ecosystems. Similar symbioses occur in other bivalve species living in shallow and coastal reduced habitats worldwide. In recent years, several deep-sea species have been investigated from continental margins around Europe, West Africa, eastern Americas, the Gulf of Mexico, and from hydrothermal vents on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In parallel, numerous, more easily accessible shallow marine species have been studied. Herein we provide a summary of the current knowledge available on chemosymbiotic bivalves in the area ranging west-to-east from the Gulf of Mexico to the Sea of Marmara, and north-to-south from the Arctic to the Gulf of Guinea. Characteristics of symbioses in 53 species from the area are summarized for each of the five bivalve families documented to harbor chemosynthetic symbionts (Mytilidae, Vesicomyidae, Solemyidae, Thyasiridae and Lucinidae). Comparisons are made between the families, with special emphasis on ecology, life cycle, and connectivity. Chemosynthetic symbioses are a major adaptation to ecosystems and habitats exposed to reducing conditions. However, relatively little is known regarding their diversity and functioning, apart from a few "model species" on which effort has focused over the last 30 yr. In the context of increasing concern about biodiversity and ecosystems, and increasing anthropogenic pressure on oceans, we advocate a better assessment of the diversity of bivalve symbioses in order to evaluate the capacities of these remarkable ecological and evolutionary units to withstand environmental change.
Future humidity trends over the western United States in the CMIP5 global climate models and variable infiltration capacity hydrological modeling system
Authors: Pierce D. W. , Westerling A. L. , Oyler J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Global climate models predict relative humidity (RH) in the western US will decrease at a rate of about 0.1–0.6 percentage points per decade, albeit with seasonal differences (most drying in spring and summer), geographical variability (greater declines in the interior), stronger reductions for greater anthropogenic radiative forcing, and notable spread among the models. Although atmospheric moisture content increases, this is more than compensated for by higher air temperatures, leading to declining RH. Fine-scale hydrological simulations driven by the global model results should reproduce these trends. It is shown that the MT-CLIM meteorological algorithms used by the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrological model, when driven by daily Tmin, Tmax, and precipitation (a configuration used in numerous published studies), do not preserve the original global model's humidity trends. Trends are biased positive in the interior western US, so that strong RH decreases are changed to weak decreases, and weak decreases are changed to increases. This happens because the MT-CLIM algorithms VIC incorporates infer an overly large positive trend in atmospheric moisture content in this region, likely due to an underestimate of the effect of increasing aridity on RH. The result could downplay the effects of decreasing RH on plants and wildfire. RH trends along the coast have a weak negative bias due to neglect of the ocean's moderating influence. A numerical experiment where the values of Tdew are altered to compensate for the RH error suggests that eliminating the atmospheric moisture bias could, in and of itself, decrease runoff up to 14% in high-altitude regions east of the Sierra Nevada and Cascades, and reduce estimated Colorado River runoff at Lees Ferry up to 4% by the end of the century. It could also increase the probability of large fires in the northern and central US Rocky Mountains by 13 to 60%.
Evaluating scale and roughness effects in urban flood modelling using terrestrial LIDAR data
Authors: Ozdemir H. , Sampson C. C. , de Almeida G. A. M. , Bates P. D.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This paper evaluates the results of benchmark testing a new inertial formulation of the de St. Venant equations, implemented within the LISFLOOD-FP hydraulic model, using different high resolution terrestrial LiDAR data (10 cm, 50 cm and 1 m) and roughness conditions (distributed and composite) in an urban area. To examine these effects, the model is applied to a hypothetical flooding scenario in Alcester, UK, which experienced surface water flooding during summer 2007. The sensitivities of simulated water depth, extent, arrival time and velocity to grid resolutions and different roughness conditions are analysed. The results indicate that increasing the terrain resolution from 1 m to 10 cm significantly affects modelled water depth, extent, arrival time and velocity. This is because hydraulically relevant small scale topography that is accurately captured by the terrestrial LIDAR system, such as road cambers and street kerbs, is better represented on the higher resolution DEM. It is shown that altering surface friction values within a wide range has only a limited effect and is not sufficient to recover the results of the 10 cm simulation at 1 m resolution. Alternating between a uniform composite surface friction value (n = 0.013) or a variable distributed value based on land use has a greater effect on flow velocities and arrival times than on water depths and inundation extent. We conclude that the use of extra detail inherent in terrestrial laser scanning data compared to airborne sensors will be advantageous for urban flood modelling related to surface water, risk analysis and planning for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) to attenuate flow.
Contrasts between chemical and physical estimates of baseflow help discern multiple sources of water contributing to rivers
Authors: Cartwright I. , Gilfedder B. , Hofmann H.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This study compares geochemical and physical methods of estimating baseflow in the upper reaches of the Barwon River, southeast Australia. Estimates of baseflow from physical techniques such as local minima and recursive digital filters are higher than those based on chemical mass balance using continuous electrical conductivity (EC). Between 2001 and 2011 the baseflow flux calculated using chemical mass balance is between 1.8 × 103 and 1.5 × 104 ML yr−1 (15 to 25% of the total discharge in any one year) whereas recursive digital filters yield baseflow fluxes of 3.6 × 103 to 3.8 × 104 ML yr−1 (19 to 52% of discharge) and the local minimum method yields baseflow fluxes of 3.2 × 103 to 2.5 × 104 ML yr−1 (13 to 44% of discharge). These differences most probably reflect how the different techniques characterise baseflow. Physical methods probably aggregate much of the water from delayed sources as baseflow. However, as many delayed transient water stores (such as bank return flow or floodplain storage) are likely to be geochemically similar to surface runoff, chemical mass balance calculations aggregate them with the surface runoff component. The mismatch between geochemical and physical estimates is greatest following periods of high discharge in winter, implying that these transient stores of water feed the river for several weeks to months. Consistent with these interpretations, modelling of bank storage indicates that bank return flows provide water to the river for several weeks after flood events. EC vs. discharge variations during individual flow events also imply that an inflow of low EC water stored within the banks or on the floodplain occurs as discharge falls. The joint use of physical and geochemical techniques allows a better understanding of the different components of water that contribute to river flow, which is important for the management and protection of water resources.
A QUALITY ANALYSIS AND UNCERTAINTY MODELING APPROACH FOR CROWD-SOURCING LOCATION CHECK-IN DATA
Authors: Zhou M. , Hu Q. , Wang M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The location check-in data, developing along with social network, are considered as user-generated crowd-sourcing geospatial data. With massive data volume, abundance in contained information, and high up-to-date status, the check-in data provide a new data source for geographic information service represented by location-based service. However, there is a significant quality issue regarding to crowd-sourcing data, which has a direct influence to data availability. In this paper, a data quality analysis approach is designed for the location check-in data and a check-in data uncertainty model is proposed. First of all, the quality issue of location check-in data is discussed. Then, according to the characteristics of check-in data, a location check-in data quality analysis and data processing approach is proposed, using certain standard dataset as reference to conduct an affine transformation for the check-in dataset, during which the RANSAC algorithm is adopted for outlier elimination. Subsequently, combining GIS data uncertainty theory, an uncertainty model of processed check-in data is set up. At last, using location check-in data obtained from jiepang.com as experimental data and selected navigation data as data standard, multiple location check-in data quality analysis and uncertainty modeling experiments are conducted. By comprehensive analysis of experimental results, the feasibility of proposed location checkin data quality analysis and process approach and the availability of proposed uncertainty model are verified. The novel approach is proved to have a certain practical significance to the study of the quality issue of crowd-sourcing geographic data.
DATA QUALITY IN THE INTEGRATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES: SOME RESEARCH CHALLENGES
Authors: Harding J. L.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This paper describes preliminary work to investigate what it means to manage data quality in a simple data integration and analysis prototype for research purposes, where input datasets are from a range of different sources. Consideration is given to how standard elements of spatial data quality (as in ISO 19115:2003) apply in the context of the prototype, which is based on a relatively straight forward "house hunting" scenario. Based on initial findings the paper aims to position further work, identifying a series of research questions around needs for improved data quality management and communication in analytical processes involving geographic information. While not providing solutions or raising novel issues it is hoped the paper may serve to add support for more applied and user focused data quality research in the area of analytics.
RESEARCH ON THE METHODS OF QUALITY INSPECTION FOR PUBLISHED CHARTS BASED ON ENTITY RULES AND CARTOGRAPHIC SPECIFICATIONS
Authors: Haitao Z. , Xuefang L. , Xiaorong G.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. For Chinese paper charts, no standards are made yet, quality of paper charts are controlled by “there-level inspection” with naked eyes at present. This method has many disadvantages like more errors, more omissions, low efficiency and resource wastes etc. But paper charts can not be totally replaced by electronic charts in a short time. Thus, the research on new quality inspection method for paper charts in digital age is absolutely necessary. Aiming at the production of paper charts in digital environment, a new quality inspection method based on entity rules and cartographic specifications is put forward in this paper. Firstly, considering the fact that updating speed of charts database is closely related to the changing speed of maritime objects, each category of maritime features are analyzed from different aspects including their attributes, symbols, entity rules, changing features, etc. Based on this, features are classified into three categories according to their changing features to make sure that proper quality inspection method will be applied to certain features. The three categories are as follows: low changing speed, fast changing speed with regulations, fast changing speed without regulations. At the same time, rules of each feature and its relationships with some other features are analyzed, too, for all those changing speed and rules, relationships are the most important factors when design inspection methods for each kind of features. Secondly, the concept of inspection method based on entity rules and cartographic specifications are introduced.
INCORPORATING LAND-USE MAPPING UNCERTAINTY IN REMOTE SENSING BASED CALIBRATION OF LAND-USE CHANGE MODELS
Authors: Cockx K. , Van de Voorde T. , Canters F. , Poelmans L. , Uljee I. , Engelen G. , de Jong K. , Karssenberg D. , van der Kwast J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Building urban growth models typically involves a process of historic calibration based on historic time series of land-use maps, usually obtained from satellite imagery. Both the remote sensing data analysis to infer land use and the subsequent modelling of land-use change are subject to uncertainties, which may have an impact on the accuracy of future land-use predictions. Our research aims to quantify and reduce these uncertainties by means of a particle filter data assimilation approach that incorporates uncertainty in land-use mapping and land-use model parameter assessment into the calibration process. This paper focuses on part of this work, more in particular the modelling of uncertainties associated with the impervious surface cover estimation and urban land-use classification adopted in the land-use mapping approach. Both stages are submitted to a Monte Carlo simulation to assess their relative contribution to and their combined impact on the uncertainty in the derived land-use maps. The approach was applied on the central part of the Flanders region (Belgium), using a time-series of Landsat/SPOT-HRV data covering the years 1987, 1996, 2005 and 2012. Although the most likely land-use map obtained from the simulation is very similar to the original classification, it is shown that the errors related to the impervious surface sub-pixel fraction estimation have a strong impact on the land-use map’s uncertainty. Hence, incorporating uncertainty in the land-use change model calibration through particle filter data assimilation is proposed to address the uncertainty observed in the derived land-use maps and to reduce uncertainty in future land-use predictions.
MULTI-DIMENSIONAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF PHOTOGRAMMETRIC AND LIDAR DATASETS BASED ON A VECTOR APPROACH
Authors: Mohamed M. , Landes T. , Grussenmeyer P. , Zhang W.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The production of 3D city models requires the reconstruction of individual 3D building models. As the performance of data acquisition methods improves, the quality evaluation of building models in 3D has become an important issue. The main objective of the presented work is to introduce a multi-dimensional approach for assessing the quality of 3D building vector models. This approach performs assessments in 1D, 2D and 3D by comparing calculated building models to their reference. For 1D assessment, homologous points in two buildings to be compared are analyzed. For 2D assessment, homologous planes enter in the evaluation process. Quality of the planes under study is assessed by calculating a set of indices in vector format. For 3D assessment, building models are considered as one object. Quality of the buildings is assessed by calculation of vector volumetric quality factors. These factors require the not trivial calculation of vector intersection volumes which calculation is presented in the paper. Intersection volume is defined by superimposing the building model to be tested with the reference one. The multi-dimensional vector assessment approach has been applied to evaluate the building models produced with three different reconstruction processes created from different types of datasets. The datasets are obtained by photogrammetry (UltraCam-X and Zeiss LMK cameras), by LiDAR, and also by integration of photogrammetric and LiDAR datasets. The 1D, 2D or 3D assessment approach allows highlighting the source of deviations in the tested buildings. The error budget affecting the final product is not only composed of errors due to the reconstruction algorithm. Also errors due to the quality of the raw data, the processing of LiDAR data, of aerial data and the shape of the produced buildings should be considered.
ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF DISTANCE ON DATA ACQUISITION INTENSITY FORESTRY TARGETS BY A LIDAR TECHNIQUE WITH TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNER
Authors: Bordin F. , Teixeira E. C. , Rolim S. B. A. , Tognoli F. M. W. , Souza C. N. , Veronez M. R.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The forest sciences as well as other areas of knowledge benefit from technological advances to develop their working methods and increase their knowledge of their specific field of study. New equipment and methods are continually developed to support these applications. In the last decade, laser scanning and profiling systems have been consolidated as one of the most effective technologies for geospatial data acquisition. Based on the time-of-flight and with an electromagnetic spectrum that ranges into the mid-infrared, 1535 nm, the terrestrial laser systems are appropriate for correlating the intensity data with physicochemical properties. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the distance to the target in the data acquisition intensity targets forest in order to support future studies of correlation between this variable and the physicochemical characteristics of the targets. In this study we used the Terrestrial Laser Scanner 3D Ilris with Optech operating principle based on flight time and wavelength of 1535 nm spectral range from infrared magnetic medium. The data acquisition targets intensity was assessed at distances (1 m à 50 m) by using a target reference of 99% reflectance. The results were analysed and showed that the distance interferes with the return of intensity. From the results of this research recommend that the intensity data are calibrated in relation to distance before using them as a source for study of the physical-chemical characteristics of the targets.
Safe-economical route and its assessment model of a ship to avoid tropical cyclones using dynamic forecast environment
Authors: Wu L. C. , Wen Y. Q. , Wu D. Y.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. In heavy sea conditions related to tropical cyclones (TCs), losses to shipping caused by capsizing are greater than other kinds of accidents. Therefore, it is important to consider capsizing risk in the algorithms used to generate safe-economic routes that avoid tropical cyclones (RATC). A safe-economic routing and assessment model for RATC, based on a dynamic forecasting environment, is presented in this paper. In the proposed model, a ship's risk is quantified using its capsizing probability caused by heavy wave conditions. Forecasting errors in the numerical models are considered according to their distribution characteristics. A case study shows that: the economic cost of RATCs is associated not only to the ship's speed and the acceptable risk level, but also to the ship's wind and wave resistance. Case study results demonstrate that the optimal routes obtained from the model proposed in this paper are significantly superior to those produced by traditional methods.
Brief communication "Spatial and temporal variation of wind power at hub height over Europe"
Authors: Gisinger S. , Mayr G. J. , Messner J. W. , Stauffer R.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Wind power over Europe computed from two years of the new 100 m wind product from ECMWF at 16 km horizontal resolution is 20% of maximum capacity of an exemplary wind turbine power curve. This is five percent of maximum capacity less than extrapolated from 10 m winds using model roughness in the logarithmic law, but eight percent more than multiplying 10 m winds by a constant factor of 1.28 as in a previous study. The result from the new data set happens to be very close to the actual capacity factor of 21% for European wind turbines (Boccard, 2009). The capacity factor in high power regions between 50 and 58° N and most of northernmost Africa is almost 30%. The aggregation of wind power over Europe smooths onshore day-to-day fluctuations to at most 7 percentage points during 80% of the year.
Springtime contribution of dinitrogen fixation to primary production across the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Rahav E. , Herut B. , Levi A. , Mulholland M. R. , Berman-Frank I.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Dinitrogen (N2) fixation rates were measured during early spring across the different provinces of Mediterranean Sea surface waters. N2 fixation rates, measured using 15N2 enriched seawater, were lowest in the eastern basin and increased westward with a maximum at the Strait of Gibraltar (0.10 to 2.35 nmol N L−1 d−1, respectively). These rates were 3–7 fold higher than N2 fixation rates measured previously in the Mediterranean Sea during summertime and we estimated that methodological differences alone did not account for the seasonal changes we observed. Higher contribution of N2 fixation to primary production (4–8%) was measured in the western basin compared to the eastern basin (∼2%). Our data indicates that these differences between basins may be attributed to changes in N2-fixing planktonic communities and that heterotrophic diazotrophy may play a significant role in the eastern Mediterranean while autotrophic diazotrophy has a more dominant role in the western basin.
Blood transfusion and hemostatic agents used during radical cystectomy
Authors: Punjani Nahid , Lavallée Luke T. , Momoli Franco , Fergusson Dean , Witiuk Kelsey , Mallick Ranjeeta , Morash Christopher , Cagiannos Ilias , Breau Rodney H.
Published: May 2013

Background: Radical cystectomy may result in significant blood loss necessitating transfusion. The purpose of this study was to determine what intra-operative techniques and hemostatic agents are currently used by uro-oncologists to prevent and control blood loss during radical cystectomy.Methods: In August 2011, members of the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) were solicited to complete an online survey. Residents, fellows and non-urologists were excluded. Canadian members received a personal email invitation. Respondents were asked to provide demographic information and opinions regarding blood loss and transfusion. Participants were also asked to report techniques used to reduce blood loss.Results: Of the 34 Canadian SUO members with registered email addresses, 27 (79%) completed the survey and met inclusion criteria as staff urologists who perform radical cystectomy. In addition, 52 non-Canadian SUO members were included in the analysis. Among all SUO respondents, a high proportion (73; 88%) reported using topical hemostatic agents during cystectomy. Thirty-six (46%) surgeons reported occasionally using procedural techniques and 9 (11%) using systemic hemostatic agents. Number of years since training was associated with decreased use of topical agents and increased use of procedural techniques (p < 0.01). Number of cystectomies per year was associated with decreased use of topical hemostatic agents (p < 0.01).Interpretation: Based on a survey of practice, there is significant risk of blood loss requiring transfusion during radical cystectomy. Surgeons frequently use topical hemostatic agents and rarely use systemic drugs to prevent or control blood loss. Trials evaluating agents and techniques to reduce blood loss during radical cystectomy are needed.
The relevance of serum levels of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and prostate cancer risk: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Chua Michael , Sio M.C.D. , Sorongon M.C. , Morales Jr. M.L.
Published: May 2013

Objective: Our objective was to systematically analyze the evidence for an association between serum level long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) and prostate cancer risk from human epidemiological studies.Study Procedures: We searched biomedical literature databases up to November 2011 and included epidemiological studies with description of long chain n-3 PUFA and incidence of prostate cancer in humans. Critical appraisal was done by two independent reviewers. Data were pooled using the general variance-based method with random-effects model; effect estimates were expressed as risk ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by Chi2 and quantified by I2, publication bias was also determined.Results: In total, 12 studies were included. Significant negative association was noted between high serum level of n-3 PUFA docosapentaenoicacid (DPA) and total prostate cancer risk (RR:0.756;95% CI 0.599, 0.955; p = 0.019). Likewise, a positive association between high blood level of fish oil contents, eicosapentaenoicacid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and high-grade prostate tumour incidence (RR:1.381; 95% CI 1.050, 1.817; p = 0.021) was noted; however, this finding was evident only after adjustment was done on interstudy variability through the removal of a lower quality study from the pool.Conclusions: High serum levels of long chain n-3 PUFA DPA is associated with reduced total prostate cancer risk. While high blood level of EPA and DHA is possibly associated with increased high-grade prostate tumour risk.
Complete response to low-dose sorafenib in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Morita Jun , Naoe Michio , Ogawa Yu , Nakasato Takehiko , Sugahara Motoko , Morita Masashi , Fuji Kohzo , Fukagai Takashi , Sasaki Haruaki , Ogawa Yoshio
Published: May 2013

We present a case of a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) who was treated solely with low-dose sorafenib and achieved a complete response (CR). A 79-year-old man with cytokine-refractory mRCC involving the lung, abdominal wall, and lymph nodes was treated with low-dose sorafenib (400 mg/day) as a second-line therapy. Five months into sorafenib administration, CR was confirmed by follow-up computed tomography. No severe adverse events were observed and sorafenib treatment has been continued without appearance of new lesions. Although sorafenib has been  approved for mRCC treatment, complete clinical recovery is uncommon and has rarely been described. In this case, low-dose sorafenib appears to be sufficient for achieving CR while suppressing toxicity. Furthermore, long-term continuous administration induces the patient to obtain disease stabilization. However, considering toxicity and treatment costs, it is currently a debate whether treatment should be discontinued or sustained after CR.
Why are recurrent cervical cancers of the pelvic stump misdiagnosed as interstitial cystitis?: The urologist’s point of view based on a case report
Authors: Oh Jin Kyu , Kim Khae-Hawn
Published: May 2013

A 50-year-old female who had undergone laparoscopic total hysterectomy at a local clinic owing to leiomyoma of the uterus was referred to our hospital after having dysuria, urgency, frequency, lower abdominal pain and right flank pain over several months. After routine examinations, cystoscopy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed, and non-ulcerative interstitial cystitis accompanied by post-operative fibrosis secondary to a previous surgery was suggested. Pentosan sulfuric polyester(Elmiron®) reduced her severely debilitating symptoms and improved her quality of life. Both the hydronephrosis and the symptoms were relieved by ureteral stent insertion and percutaneous nephrostomy. However, a few days later, she presented with vaginal bleeding along with her previous symptoms, and punch biopsy of the vaginal stump resulted in a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Both ureterocutaneostomy with radical cystectomy and lower anterior resection for rectum invasion were conducted. After the slide review of the original specimen from the local clinic, she was diagnosed with recurrent cervical cancer of the vaginal stump.
Incarcerated inguinal hernia in infancy associated with testicular infarction: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Alyami Fahad , Whelan Thomas
Published: May 2013

One of the most common urgent urologic problems seen in young patients in the emergency department is the acute scrotum. Testicular infarction from an incarcerated inguinal hernia is an unusual presentation and often not considered in the initial evaluation. Herein, we present an interesting case of a 28 day old boy who presented with an acute scrotum and was found to have a testicular infarction and an incarcerated inguinal hernia. The management of similar cases in young males may vary depending on which surgical service is consulted initially and a scrotal ultrasound should be done without any delay.
Extra-adrenal paraganglioma of prostate
Authors: Wang Hong-Hau , Chen Yen-Lin , Kao Hao-Lun , Lin Shih-Chung , Lee Chiao-Hua , Huang Guo-Shu , Chang Wei-Chou
Published: May 2013

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas, or paragangliomas are rare tumors that may develop from extra-adrenal chromaffin cells, and most occur in the organ of Zuckerkandl. Extra-adrenal paraganglioma of the prostate is extremely rare. Here, we report a 53-year-old man with hypertension and lower urinary tract symptoms, who was initially diagnosed as benign prostate hyperplasia. Computed tomography (CT) showed a large heterogenously enhancing mass in the prostate, imprinting the right distal ureter and urinary bladder. Before surgical intervention, CT-guided biopsy of the prostatic mass was performed and the result of histologic examination confirmed extra-adrenal paraganglioma. He underwent radical prostatectomy, partial cystectomy and right ureteroneocystostomy. The patient recovered and his blood pressure returned within normal range after surgical removal of the prostate tumor. In this article, we stressed that the rarity of prostatic paraganglioma, preoperative localization, and imaging-guided biopsy, which provided useful information for deciding further surgical strategy in such cases.
Unanticipated intra-operative finding of pulmonary artery tumour thromboembolism during radical nephrectomy and caval thrombectomy: Case report and management
Authors: Sharda Rajan , Deutscher Raymond , Christodoulou Chris , Horne David , Freed Darren H. , McGregor Thomas
Published: May 2013

We report a case of an unanticipated intra-operative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) finding of pulmonary artery thromboembolism in a 72yr woman being prepared for radical nephrectomy and caval thrombectomy.  Intra-operative TEE performed to evaluate the extent of caval thrombus found the presence of pulmonary artery tumor thromboembolism in an otherwise asymptomatic patient after induction and prior to commencing surgery.  A chest Computed Tomography (CT) scan confirmed a large saddle tumor thromboembolus.   A multidisciplinary approach was utilized to facilitate radical nephrectomy with caval thrombectomy and pulmonary artery thromboembolectomy.  This case shows the importance of adequate perioperative imaging and utilization of intra-operative TEE to evaluate the extent of disease. To our knowledge, we are the first to present a case of RCC with cava tumour thrombus in which the pulmonary artery tumour thromboembolism was detected incidentally on intraoperative TEE.
Investigating the effect of tamsulosin on the measurement of bladder wall thickness and International Prostate Symptom Score in benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Eghbali Kamyar , Shayegan Mohammad Reza , Kianoush Sina
Published: May 2013

Introduction: According to previous studies, aging, gender, bladder volume and pathological states, such as bladder outflow obstruction, affect bladder wall thickness (BWT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between BWT and the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) before and after tamsulosin treatment.Methods: In this study, 60 BPH patients were included. After obtaining informed consent, data were gathered using questionnaires to determine IPSS. After that, prostate-specific antigen was measured and a clinical examination, including a digital rectal examination, was performed for all patients. BWT was determined by transabdominal ultrasound. Finally, all patients were treated with tamsulosin (0.4 mg/day) for 2 months. After completing treatment, the IPSS and BWT were measured again and compared with the initial findings.Results: In total, 44 patients completed treatment. Patients aged 61.7 ± 9.2 years old. The mean ± standard deviation of IPSS and BWT were 14.6 ± 5.0 and 5.36 ± 1.28 mm before treatment, while they significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased to 8.2 ± 4.7 and 4.69 ± 1.23 mm, respectively, after treatment. Chi-square test showed that the decrease in BWT was significantly correlated with the improvement in IPSS (p = 0.002; r = 0.449).Conclusion: After treatment with tamsulosin, patients experienced a reduction in their BWT which was significantly correlated with improvement in their IPSS. We conclude that transabdominal evaluation of BWT could be included in the follow-up assessment in BPH.
Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination of Cajal cells in ureteropelvic junction obstruction
Authors: Eken Alper , Erdogan Seyda , Kuyucu Yurdun , Seydaoglu Gulsah , Polat Sait , Satar Nihat
Published: May 2013

Objective: We examine the ultrastructural configurations of Cajalcells by electron microscopy, as well as the quantitative changesoccurring in Cajal cells by light microscopy.Methods: In total, 35 patients with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ)obstruction and 7 patients without obstruction were comparedimmunohistochemically with c-kit (CD117) to quantify the numberof cells. On electron microscopic examination, 7 patients with UPJobstruction and 3 patients without obstruction were compared toevaluate the changes which occurred in the ultrastructural configurationof the Cajal cells.Results: On light microscopic examination, it was determined thatthe Cajal cells, which demonstrate c-kit (CD117) immunoreactivecharacter, were located near the circular muscle layer and parallelto the muscle cells. The number of Cajal cells in the control groupwas significantly increased compared to the number of cells inpatients with UPJ obstruction (p < 0.001). On electron microscopicexamination, the number of interstitial cells was also higher in thecontrol group. A decrease in the number of the caveolae in thesecells was seen in the group with UPJ obstruction compared to thecontrol group.Conclusion: In UPJ obstruction, a decrease in the number of Cajalcells, as well as the changes in the morphologic structure of theCajal cells, indicates that these cells have a role in the pacemakersystem and are associated with ureteral peristalsis.
How reliable is 12-core prostate biopsy procedure in the detection of prostate cancer?
Authors: Serefoglu Ege Can , Altinova Serkan , Ugras Nevzat Serdar , Akincioglu Egemen , Asil Erem , Balbay Derya
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Prostate biopsies incur the risk of being false-negativeand this risk has not yet been evaluated for 12-core prostatebiopsy. We calculated the false-negative rate of 12-core prostatebiopsy and determined the patient characteristics which mightaffect detection rate.Methods: We included 90 prostate cancer patients (mean age of64, range: 49-77) diagnosed with transrectal ultrasound guided12-core prostate biopsy between December 2005 and April 2008.All patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy and the12-core prostate biopsy procedure was repeated on surgical specimenex-vivo.Results of preoperative and postoperative prostatebiopsies were compared. We analyzed the influence of patient age,prostate weight, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, free/total PSA ratio, PSA density and Gleason score on detection rate.Results: In 67.8% of patients, prostate cancer was detected withrepeated ex-vivo biopsies using the same mapping postoperatively.We found an increase in PSA level, PSA density and biopsyGleason score; patient age, decreases in prostate weight and free/total PSA ratio yielded higher detection rates. All cores, exceptthe left-lateral cores, showed mild-moderate or moderate internalconsistency. Preoperative in-vivo biopsy Gleason scores remainedthe same, decreased and increased in 43.3%, 8.9% and 47.8% ofpatients, respectively, on final specimen pathology.Conclusions: The detection rate of prostate cancer with 12-corebiopsy in patients (all of whom had prostate cancer) was considerablylow. Effectively, repeat biopsies can still be negative despitethe patient’s reality of having prostate cancer. The detection rate ishigher if 12-core biopsies are repeated in younger patients, patientswith high PSA levels, PSA density and Gleason scores, in additionin patients with smaller prostates, lower free/total PSA ratios.