bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in aerosol absorption Ångström exponents between correction algorithms for particle soot absorption photometer measured on South African Highveld
Authors: Backman J. , Virkkula A. , Vakkari V. , Beukes J. P. , Van Zyl P. , Josipovic M. , Piketh S. , Tiitta P. , Chiloane K. , Petäjä T. , Kulmala M. , Laakso L.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Absorption Ångstrom exponents (AAE) calculated from filter-based absorption measurements are often used to give information on the origin of the ambient aerosol, for example to distinguish between urban pollution and biomass burning aerosol. Filter-based absorption measurements are a widely used method and are commonly used at aerosol monitoring stations globally. Several correction algorithms are used to account for the artifacts associated with filter-based absorption techniques. These algorithms are of profound importance when determining the absolute amount of absorption by the aerosol. However, this study shows that there are significant differences between the AAEs calculated from these corrections. The study also shows that the difference between AAEs calculated using different corrections can lead to conflicting conclusions on the type of aerosol for the same data set. In this work the AAEs were calculated from data measured with a three-wavelength Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP) at Elandsfontein on deployed on the South African Highveld for 23 months. The sample air of the PSAP was diluted to prolong filter change intervals. The dilution-corrected PSAP showed a good agreement with a non-diluted MAAP. Thus, the study also shows that the applicability of the PSAP can be extended to remote sites are not often visited or suffer from high levels of pollution.
An evaluation of COSMIC radio occultation data in the lower atmosphere over the Southern Ocean
Authors: Hande L. B. , Lenschow D. H. , Siems S. T. , Manton M. J.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation (RO) method is a relatively new technique for taking atmospheric measurements for use in both weather and climate studies. As such, this technique needs to be evaluated for all parts of the globe. Here, we present an extensive evaluation of the performance of the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) GPS RO observations of the Southern Ocean boundary layer. The two COSMIC products used here are the "wetPrf" product, which is based on 1-D variational analysis with European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and the "atmPrf" product, which contains the raw measurements from COSMIC. A direct comparison of temporally and spatially co-located COSMIC profiles and high resolution radiosonde profiles from Macquarie Island (54.62° S, 158.85° E) highlights weaknesses in the ability of both COSMIC products to identify the boundary layer structure, as identified by break points in the refractivity profile. In terms of reproducing the temperature and moisture profile in the lowest 2.5 km, the "wetPrf" COSMIC product does not perform as well as an analysis product from the ECMWF. A further statistical analysis is performed on a large number of COSMIC profiles in a region surrounding Macquarie Island. This indicates that, statistically, COSMIC performs well at capturing the heights of main and secondary break points. However the frequency of break points detected is lower than the radiosonde profiles suggest, but this could be simply due to the long horizontal averaging in the COSMIC measurements. There is also a weak seasonal cycle in the boundary layer height, providing some confidence in the ability of COSMIC to detect an important boundary layer variable.
Nitrous oxide emission and nitrogen use efficiency in response to nitrophosphate, N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide and dicyandiamide of a wheat cultivated soil under sub-humid monsoon conditions
Authors: Ding W. X. , Chen Z. M. , Yu H. Y. , Luo J. F. , Yoo G. Y. , Xiang J. , Zhang H. J. , Yuan J. J.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. A field experiment was designed to study the effects of nitrogen (N) source and urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) or nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) on nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and N use efficiency (NUE) in a sandy loam soil. Six treatments including no N fertilizer (control), N fertilizer urea alone (U), urea plus NBPT (NBPT), urea plus DCD (DCD), urea plus NBPT and DCD (NBPT + DCD), and nitrate-based fertilizer nitrophosphate (NP) were designed and implemented separately during the wheat growth period. Seasonal cumulative N2O emissions with urea alone amounted to 0.49 ± 0.12 and were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced to 0.28 ± 0.03, 0.31 ± 0.01 and 0.26 ± 0.01kg N2O-N ha−1 by application of DCD, NBPT and NBPT + DCD, respectively. Cumulative N2O emissions from NP were 0.28 ± 0.01kg N2O-N ha−1. A single N2O flux peak was identified following basal fertilization, and DCD and/or NBPT inhibition effects mainly occurred during the peak emission period. The NP application significantly (P < 0.05) increased wheat yield by 12.3% and NUE from 28.8% (urea alone) to 35.9%, while urease and/or nitrification inhibitors showed a slight increase effect. Our results clearly indicated that the application of urea as basal fertilizer, but not as supplemental fertilizer, together with DCD and NBPT is an effective practice to reduce N2O emissions. The application of NP instead of urea would be an optimum agricultural strategy for reducing N2O emissions and increasing crop yield and NUE for wheat cultivation in soils of the North China Plain.
Diagnosing the seasonal land–atmosphere coupling strength over Northern Australia: dependence on soil moisture state and coupling strength definition
Authors: Decker M. , Pitman A. , Evans J.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The strength of land–atmosphere coupling during the onset (September) through to the peak (February) of the wet season over Northern Australia is statistically diagnosed using ensembles of land surface model simulations that produce a range of different background soil moisture states. We derive coupling strength between the soil moisture and the planetary boundary layer via a statistical measure of association. The simulated evaporative fraction and the boundary layer are shown to be strongly coupled during both SON and DJF despite the differing background soil moisture states between the two seasons as among the ensemble members. The sign and magnitude of the surface layer soil moisture based coupling strength during the onset of the wet season (SON) differs from the coupling between the evaporative fraction and boundary layer from the same season, and the coupling between the surface soil moisture and boundary layer coupling during DJF. The patterns and magnitude of the surface flux-boundary layer coupling are not captured when coupling is diagnosed using the surface layer soil moisture alone. The conflicting results arise because the surface layer soil moisture lacks strong association with the atmosphere during the monsoon onset because the evapotranspiration is dominated by transpiration. Our results indicate that accurately diagnosing coupling strength in seasonally dry regions, such as Northern Australia, requires root zone soil moisture to be included.
Hydrological drought typology: temperature-related drought types and associated societal impacts
Authors: Van Loon A. F. , Ploum S. W. , Parajka J. , Fleig A. K. , Garnier E. , Laaha G. , Van Lanen H. A. J.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. For drought management and prediction, knowledge of causing factors and socio-economic impacts of hydrological droughts is crucial. Propagation of meteorological conditions in the hydrological cycle results in different hydrological drought types that require separate analysis. In addition to the existing hydrological drought typology, we here define two new drought types related to snow and ice. A snowmelt drought is a deficiency in the snowmelt discharge peak in spring in snow-influenced basins and a glaciermelt drought is a deficiency in the glaciermelt discharge peak in summer in glacierised basins. In 21 catchments in Austria and Norway we studied the meteorological conditions in the seasons preceding and at the time of snowmelt and glaciermelt drought events. Snowmelt droughts in Norway were mainly controlled by below-average winter precipitation, while in Austria both temperature and precipitation played a role. For glaciermelt droughts the effect of below-normal summer temperature was dominant, both in Austria and Norway. Subsequently, we investigated the impacts of temperature-related drought types (i.e. snowmelt and glaciermelt drought, but also cold and warm snow season drought and rain-to-snow-season drought). In historical archives and drought databases for the US and Europe many impacts were found that can be attributed to these temperature-related hydrological drought types, mainly in the sectors agriculture and electricity production (hydropower). However, drawing conclusions on the frequency of occurrence of different drought types from reported impacts is difficult, mainly because of reporting biases and the inevitably limited spatial and temporal scales of the information. This study shows that the combination of quantitative analysis of causing factors and qualitative analysis of impacts of temperature-related droughts is a promising approach to identify relevant drought types in other regions, especially if more data on drought impacts become available.
Parameter-Based Performance Analysis of Object-Based Image Analysis Using Aerial and Quikbird-2 Images
Authors: Kavzoglu T. , Yildiz M.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Opening new possibilities for research, very high resolution (VHR) imagery acquired by recent commercial satellites and aerial systems requires advanced approaches and techniques that can handle large volume of data with high local variance. Delineation of land use/cover information from VHR images is a hot research topic in remote sensing. In recent years, object-based image analysis (OBIA) has become a popular solution for image analysis tasks as it considers shape, texture and content information associated with the image objects. The most important stage of OBIA is the image segmentation process applied prior to classification. Determination of optimal segmentation parameters is of crucial importance for the performance of the selected classifier. In this study, effectiveness and applicability of the segmentation method in relation to its parameters was analysed using two VHR images, an aerial photo and a Quickbird-2 image. Multi-resolution segmentation technique was employed with its optimal parameters of scale, shape and compactness that were defined after an extensive trail process on the data sets. Nearest neighbour classifier was applied on the segmented images, and then the accuracy assessment was applied. Results show that segmentation parameters have a direct effect on the classification accuracy, and low values of scale-shape combinations produce the highest classification accuracies. Also, compactness parameter was found to be having minimal effect on the construction of image objects, hence it can be set to a constant value in image classification.
Combining Pixel-Based and Object-Oriented Support Vector Machines using Bayesian Probability Theory
Authors: Salah M.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. This study employed a hybrid system for the combination of pixel-based (PB) and object-oriented (OO) Support Vector Machines (SVMs) based on Bayesian Probability Theory (BPT) for improved land cover classification. A set of uncorrelated feature attributes have been generated from a one-meter IKONOS satellite image. Four different SVMs kernels were compared and tested to classify buildings, trees, roads and ground from satellite image and the generated attributes. The kernels used include: linear, polynomial, radial basis function (RBF), and sigmoid. PB and OO SVMs have been applied to classify the image. BPT was then applied for combining the class memberships from the PB and OO classifiers. Accuracy assessment was carried out using reference data sets derived from the one-meter IKONOS image. The outcomes demonstrate that the OO method has achieved an overall kappa coefficient of 0.8286, compared with 0.6327 that was derived from the conventional PB method. The improvement in overall kappa obtained from the combined system was 0.0608 over the OO SVMs.
Predicting outflow induced by moraine failure in glacial lakes: the Lake Palcacocha case from an uncertainty perspective
Authors: Rivas D. S. , Somos-Valenzuela M. A. , McKinney D. C. , Hodges B. R.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Moraine dam collapse is one of the causes of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods. Available models seek to predict both moraine breach formation and lake outflow. The models depend on hydraulic, erosion, and geotechnical parameters that are mostly unknown or uncertain. This paper estimates the outflow hydrograph caused by a potential collapse of the moraine dam of Lake Palcacocha in Peru and quantifies the uncertainty of the results. The overall aim is to provide a simple and robust method of calculation of the expected outflow hydrographs that is useful for risk assessment studies. To estimate the peak outflow and failure time of the hydrograph, we assessed several available empirical equations based on lake and moraine geometries; each equation has defined confidence intervals for peak flow predictions. Complete outflow hydrographs for each peak flow condition were modeled using a~hydraulic simulation model calibrated to meet the peak flows estimated with the empirical equations. Failure time and peak flow differences between the simulations and the corresponding empirical equations were used as error parameters. Along with an expected hydrograph, lower and upper bound hydrographs were calculated for Lake Palcacocha, representing the confidence interval of the results. The method has several advantages: first, it is simple and robust. Second, it evaluates the capability of empirical equations to reproduce the conditions of the lake and moraine dam. Third, this method accounts for uncertainty in the hydrographs estimations, which makes it appropriate for risk management studies.
Self-Mimetic Curved Silvering: Dancing with Irigaray
Authors: Hall Joshua Maloy
Published: September 2014

In lieu of an abstract, here is the opening paragraph of the essay:One of Luce Irigaray’s many important contributions to philosophy consists in invoking dance more frequently than any other canonical Western philosopher. Unfortunately, however, her treatment of dance has rarely been treated substantively in the secondary literature, especially in regard to her most influential commentators, including Judith Butler, Elizabeth Grosz, and Margaret Whitford. Accordingly, I will begin my first section by situating the theme of dance in Irigaray’s work in the context of that of the latter three philosophers. I will attempt to show, moving from Butler to Grosz to Whitford, an increasing tolerance for, and ultimately even celebration of, ambivalence in the form and content of Irigaray’s work. I will then conclude my first section by considering Elend Summers-Bremer’s “Reading Irigaray, Dancing” in tandem with Gerald Jonas’ Dancing: The Power, Pleasure and Art of Movement. My suggestion here will be that a certain Irigaray-informed approach to social dance could be seen as foreshadowing Irigaray’s later work on a new, more positive, kind of heterosexual relationship. Overall, then, this first section provides the justification for my thematic focus on dance.
Ant Ballet: Phase I
Authors: Palmer Ollie
Published: September 2014

The Ant Ballet project aims to create a precisely choreographed movement from a colony of ants through the use of artificial pheromones. This article presents an annotated storyboard of the film that documents the first set of experiments within the project. The full film can be viewed online at www.antballet.org.
Towards Mobile Microrobot Swarms for Additive Micromanufacturing
Authors: Cappelleri David , Efthymiou Dimitrios , Goswami Ashesh , Vitoroulis Nikolaos , Zavlanos Michael
Published: September 2014

In this paper, a novel approach to achieving the independent control of multiple magnetic microrobots is presented. The approach utilizes a specialized substrate consisting of a fine grid of planar, MEMS-fabricated micro coils of the same size as the microrobots (≤ 500 μm). The coils can be used to generate real magnetic potentials and, therefore, attractive and repulsive forces in the workspace to control the trajectories of the microrobots. Initial work on modelling the coil and microrobot behavior is reported along with simulation results for navigating one and two microrobots along independent desired trajectories. Qualitative results from a scaled-up printed circuit board version of the specialized substrate operating on permanent magnets are presented and offer proof-of-concept results for the approach. These tests also provide insights for practical implementations of such a system, which are similarly reported. The ultimate goal of this work is to use swarms of independently controlled microrobots in advanced, additive manufacturing applications.
A Flexible Sandwich Nanogenerator for Harvesting Piezoelectric Potential from Single Crystalline Zinc Oxide Nanowires
Authors: Nour E. S. , Khan Azam , Nur Omer , Willander Magnus
Published: September 2014

High-quality single crystalline zinc oxide nanowires were grown on silver and gold coated plastic substrates for the fabrication of a sandwich-like nanogenerator using the aqueous chemical growth method. The applicability of this configuration as a nanogenerator is demonstrated by studying the harvested electrical output under mechanical deformation. Three different configurations were fabricated and utilized for harvesting piezoelectric potential by applying an external force. The maximum resulting output open circuit voltage and short circuit current were 2.4 V and 152.2 μA, respectively. The comparison between the different configurations indicates that more piezoelectric potential can be harvested by using two arrays of ZnO NWs placed face-to-face than by using a single nanowire configuration. In addition, the use of a piezoelectric polymer will enhance the amount of generated piezoelectric potential. The obtained results from different configurations of zinc oxide nanowire nanogenerators offer a cost-effective, flexible, long term stable nanogenerator for promising application. The principle of the sandwich nanogenerator demonstrated a new idea for novel self-powering nanotechnology that harvests electricity from the environment for applications such as portable electronics.
Self-Reported Speech Problems in Adolescents and Young Adults with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study
Authors: Spruijt Nicole E , Vorstman Jacob AS , Kon Moshe , Mink van der Molen Aebele B
Published: September 2014

Background Speech problems are a common clinical feature of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. The objectives of this study were to inventory the speech history and current self-reported speech rating of adolescents and young adults, and examine the possible variables influencing the current speech ratings, including cleft palate, surgery, speech and language therapy, intelligence quotient, and age at assessment.

Methods In this cross-sectional cohort study, 50 adolescents and young adults with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (ages, 12-26 years, 67% female) filled out questionnaires. A neuropsychologist administered an age-appropriate intelligence quotient test. The demographics, histories, and intelligence of patients with normal speech (speech rating=1) were compared to those of patients with different speech (speech rating>1).

Results Of the 50 patients, a minority (26%) had a cleft palate, nearly half (46%) underwent a pharyngoplasty, and all (100%) had speech and language therapy. Poorer speech ratings were correlated with more years of speech and language therapy (Spearman's correlation= 0.418, P=0.004; 95% confidence interval, 0.145-0.632). Only 34% had normal speech ratings. The groups with normal and different speech were not significantly different with respect to the demographic variables; a history of cleft palate, surgery, or speech and language therapy; and the intelligence quotient.

Conclusions All adolescents and young adults with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome had undergone speech and language therapy, and nearly half of them underwent pharyngoplasty. Only 34% attained normal speech ratings. Those with poorer speech ratings had speech and language therapy for more years.
Three-Dimensional Pre-Bent Titanium Implant for Concomitant Orbital Floor and Medial Wall Fractures in an East Asian Population
Authors: Lee Kyung Min , Park Ji Ung , Kwon Sung Tack , Kim Suk Wha , Jeong Eui Cheol
Published: September 2014

Background The objective of this article is to evaluate clinical outcomes of combined orbital floor and medial wall fracture repair using a three-dimensional pre-bent titanium implant in an East Asian population.

Methods Clinical and radiologic data were analyzed for 11 patients with concomitant orbital floor and medial wall fractures. A combined transcaruncular and inferior fornix approach with lateral canthotomy was used for the exposure of fractures. An appropriate three-dimensional preformed titanium implant was selected and inserted according to the characteristics of a given defect.

Results Follow-up time ranged from 2 to 6 months (median, 4.07 months). All patients had a successful treatment outcome without any complications. Clinically significant enophthalmos was not observed after treatment.

Conclusions Three-dimensional pre-bent titanium implants are appropriate for use in the East Asian population, with a high success rate of anatomic restoration of the orbital volume and prevention of enophthalmos in combined orbital floor and medial wall fracture cases.
An Anthropometric and Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Two-Point Fixation of Zygomatic Complex Fractures
Authors: Jo Taehee , Kim Junhyung
Published: September 2014

Background Maintaining stability and restoring the aesthetic appearance are the fundamental goals when managing zygomatic fractures. We aimed to evaluate the stability and anthropometric outcomes of zygomatic fracture patients who underwent two-point fixation involving the infraorbital rim and zygomaticomaxillary buttress via the transconjunctival and gingivobuccal approaches without any skin incisions.

Methods We examined 15 zygomatic fracture patients who underwent two-point fixation during a 3-year period. Stability was evaluated using three-dimensional facial bone computed tomography. Superoinferior and anteroposterior displacement of the zygoma was quantified. The aesthetic appearance of the periorbital region was evaluated using indirect anthropometry with standardized clinical photographs. The ratios between the eye fissure height and width, and lower iris coverage ratio were used to evaluate aesthetical changes. The bony displacement and aesthetic ratios were analyzed using Wilcoxon or Friedman tests. The correlation between the preoperative zygoma position and anthropometric values was analyzed.

Results The positions of the zygoma were similar to those on the contralateral side at the long-term follow-up. The preoperative anthropometric measurements on the fractured side differed from those on the contralateral side, although these values were close to the normal values at the long-term follow-up. Furthermore, we noted that the anteroposterior displacement strongly positively correlated with the lower iris coverage rate (Spearman's coefficient= 0.678, P=0.005).

Conclusions Two-point fixation of zygomatic fractures achieved stable outcomes on long-term follow-up, and also appeared to be reliable in restoring the aesthetic appearance of the periorbital region.
Risk Acceptance and Expectations of Laryngeal Allotransplantation
Authors: Jo Hyun Kyo , Park Jang Wan , Hwang Jae Ha , Kim Kwang Seog , Lee Sam Yong , Shin Jun Ho
Published: September 2014

Background Laryngeal allotransplantation (LA) is a technique involving transplantation of a deceased donor's larynx into a recipient, and it may be substituted for conventional laryngeal reconstruction. There are widely different views on LA, as the recipient is administered continuous, potentially life-threatening, immunosuppressive therapy for a functional or aesthetic result, which is not directly related to life extension. The purpose of this study was to analyze the difference in risk acceptance and expectations of LA between four population groups.

Methods A survey was performed to examine patients' risk acceptance and expectations of LA. The survey included 287 subjects in total (general public, n=100; kidney transplant recipients, n=53; post-laryngectomy patients, n=34; doctors, n=100), using a Korean translated version of the louisville instrument for transplantation (LIFT) questionnaire.

Results All four groups responded differently at various levels of their perception in risk acceptance and expectations. The kidney transplant recipients reported the highest risk acceptance and expectations, and the doctor group the lowest.

Conclusions This study examined the disparate perception between specific population groups of the risks and benefits of using LA for the promotion of the quality of life. By addressing the information gaps about LA in the different populations that have been highlighted from this survey, we suggest that LA can become a more viable alternative to classical surgery with resultant improved quality of life for patients.
Immediate Direct-To-Implant Breast Reconstruction Using Anatomical Implants
Authors: Kim Sung-Eun , Jung Dong-Woo , Chung Kyu-Jin , Lee Jun Ho , Kim Tae Gon , Kim Yong-Ha , Lee Soo Jung , Kang Su Hwan , Choi Jung Eun
Published: September 2014

Background In 2012, a new anatomic breast implant of form-stable silicone gel was introduced onto the Korean market. The intended use of this implant is in the area of aesthetic breast surgery, and many reports are promising. Thus far, however, there have been no reports on the use of this implant for breast reconstruction in Korea. We used this breast implant in breast reconstruction surgery and report our early experience.

Methods From November 2012 to April 2013, the Natrelle Style 410 form-stable anatomically shaped cohesive silicone gel-filled breast implant was used in 31 breasts of 30 patients for implant breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix. Patients were treated with skin-sparing mastectomies followed by immediate breast reconstruction.

Results The mean breast resection volume was 240 mL (range, 83-540 mL). The mean size of the breast implants was 217 mL (range, 125-395 mL). Breast shape outcomes were considered acceptable. Infection and skin thinning occurred in one patient each, and hematoma and seroma did not occur. Three cases of wound dehiscence occurred, one requiring surgical intervention, while the others healed with conservative treatment in one month. Rippling did not occur. So far, complications such as capsular contracture and malrotation of breast implant have not yet arisen.

Conclusions By using anatomic breast implants in breast reconstruction, we achieved satisfactory results with aesthetics better than those obtained with round breast implants. Therefore, we concluded that the anatomical implant is suitable for breast reconstruction.
Our Experiences in Nipple Reconstruction Using the Hammond flap
Authors: Yang Jung Dug , Ryu Jeong Yeop , Ryu Dong Wan , Kwon O Hyun , Bae Sung Gun , Lee Jeong Woo , Choi Kang Young , Chung Ho Yun , Cho Byung Chae
Published: September 2014

Background Nipple reconstruction following breast mound reconstruction is the final step in breast reconstruction. Although nipple reconstruction is a simple surgery, the psychological aspects of nipple reconstruction are thought to be important. Nipple projection is a key factor in determining patient satisfaction with the surgery. In the present study, the Hammond flap technique was introduced for nipple reconstruction.

Methods Twenty-six patients who had undergone breast reconstruction from February 2008 to March 2012 were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients were evaluated based on preoperative photos, and their nipple diameters and heights were measured. Postoperative evaluation was conducted 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following nipple reconstruction. A questionnaire on patient satisfaction with the nipple reconstruction was administered 12 months after nipple reconstruction. Moreover, the same plastic surgeon scored nipple projection and overall cosmetic result of the new nipple.

Results The mean projection was 4.4 mm (range, 3-6 mm), and it well matched the contralateral nipple. Twelve months following nipple reconstruction, the mean reduction rate in the nipple projection was 43.6%. Patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the nipple projection and the overall cosmetic result in 80.7% cases.

Conclusions In the present study, compared with other techniques, the use of the Hammond flap technique in nipple reconstruction showed competitive results with regard to nipple projection and patient satisfaction.
Use of the Anterolateral Thigh and Vertical Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flaps as Utility Flaps in Reconstructing Large Groin Defects
Authors: Aslim Edwin Jonathan , Rasheed Mohamed Zulfikar , Lin Fangbo , Ong Yee-Siang , Tan Bien-Keem
Published: September 2014

Background Groin dissections result in large wounds with exposed femoral vessels requiring soft tissue coverage, and the reconstructive options are diverse. In this study we reviewed our experience with the use of the pedicled anterolateral thigh and vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps in the reconstruction of large groin wounds.

Methods Groin reconstructions performed over a period of 10 years were evaluated, with a mean follow up of two years. We included all cases with large or complex (involving perineum) defects, which were reconstructed with the pedicled anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous or the vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) flaps. Smaller wounds which were covered with skin grafts, locally based flaps and pedicled muscle flaps were excluded.

Results Twenty-three reconstructions were performed for large or complex groin defects, utilising the anterolateral thigh (n=10) and the vertical rectus abdominis (n=13) pedicled musculocutaneous flaps. Femoral vein reconstruction with a prosthetic graft was required in one patient, and a combination flap (VRAM and gracilis muscle flap) was performed in another. Satisfactory coverage was achieved in all cases without major complications. No free flaps were used in our series.

Conclusions The anterolateral thigh and vertical rectus abdominis pedicled musculocutaneous flaps yielded consistent results with little morbidity in the reconstruction of large and complex groin defects. A combination of flaps can be used in cases requiring extensive cover.
Disulfiram Implantation for the Treatment of Alcoholism: Clinical Experiences from the Plastic Surgeon's Point of View
Authors: Sezgin Billur , Sibar Serhat , Bulam Hakan , Findikcioglu Kemal , Tuncer Serhan , Dogan Bilge
Published: September 2014

Background Disulfiram implantation is a widely used treatment alternative for alcohol abuse, yet reports on the surgical aspect of disulfiram implantation with respect to patient and drug-related treatment efficacy and wound complications are very limited. We present our clinical experiences with disulfiram implantation and discuss the surgical outcomes obtained with different anatomical planes for implantation.

Methods Medical records of all patients referred to our clinic from the psychiatry department between 2007 and 2013 for disulfiram implantation were retrospectively analyzed. Implantation was carried out using 10 sterile Disulfiram tablets (WZF Polfa S.A.), each tablet containing 100 mg of disulfiram. The procedure was carried out by implanting the tablets randomly in either a subcutaneous or an intramuscular plane. The location and the plane of implantation and the complications were recorded for each patient and compared to determine the differences in the outcomes.

Results A total of 32 implantation procedures were evaluated for this study. Twenty-five implants were placed in the intramuscular plane (78.2%), while seven implants were placed subcutaneously (21.8%). Exposure was encountered in three of the seven subcutaneous implants (42.9%), while no exposure was seen with the intramuscular implants. Incomplete absorption of the tablets was encountered in one patient with a previous subcutaneous implant who presented 1 year later for re-implantation as part of the continuation of therapy.

Conclusions To overcome the issue of treatment continuation in the case of disulfiram therapy, which may be ceased due to frequently encountered wound complications, we believe that implantation in the subscapular intramuscular plane allows both uneventful healing and an out-of-reach implant location.
Computer Simulation Surgery for Mandibular Reconstruction Using a Fibular Osteotomy Guide
Authors: Jeong Woo Shik , Choi Jong Woo , Choi Seung Ho
Published: September 2014

In the present study, a fibular osteotomy guide based on a computer simulation was applied to a patient who had undergone mandibular segmental ostectomy due to oncological complications. This patient was a 68-year-old woman who presented to our department with a biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma on her left gingival area. This lesion had destroyed the cortical bony structure, and the patient showed attenuation of her soft tissue along the inferior alveolar nerve, indicating perineural spread of the tumor. Prior to surgery, a three-dimensional computed tomography scan of the facial and fibular bones was performed. We then created a virtual computer simulation of the mandibular segmental defect through which we segmented the fibular to reconstruct the proper angulation in the original mandible. Approximately 2-cm segments were created on the basis of this simulation and applied to the virtually simulated mandibular segmental defect. Thus, we obtained a virtual model of the ideal mandibular reconstruction for this patient with a fibular free flap. We could then use this computer simulation for the subsequent surgery and minimize the bony gaps between the multiple fibular bony segments.
Lymphedema Fat Graft: An Ideal Filler for Facial Rejuvenation
Authors: Nicoli Fabio , Chilgar Ram M. , Sapountzis Stamatis , Lazzeri Davide , Sze Wei Matthew Yeo , Ciudad Pedro , Nicoli Marzia , Lim Seong Yoon , Chen Pei-Yu , Constantinides Joannis , Chen Hung-Chi
Published: September 2014

Lymphedema is a chronic disorder characterized by lymph stasis in the subcutaneous tissue. Lymphatic fluid contains several components including hyaluronic acid and has many important properties. Over the past few years, significant research has been performed to identify an ideal tissue to implant as a filler. Because of its unique composition, fat harvested from the lymphedema tissue is an interesting topic for investigation and has significant potential for application as a filler, particularly in facial rejuvenation. Over a 36-month period, we treated and assessed 8 patients with lymphedematous limbs who concurrently underwent facial rejuvenation with lymphedema fat (LF). We conducted a pre- and post-operative satisfaction questionnaire survey and a histological assessment of the harvested LF fat. The overall mean general appearance score at an average of 6 months after the procedure was 7.2±0.5, demonstrating great improvement. Patients reported significant improvement in their skin texture with a reading of 8.5±0.7 and an improvement in their self-esteem. This study demonstrates that LF as an ideal autologous injectable filler is clinically applicable and easily available in patients with lymphedema. We recommend the further study and clinical use of this tissue as it exhibits important properties and qualities for future applications and research.
Solubility Prediction of Paracetamol in N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone + Ethanol + Water Mixtures at 25 °C
Authors: Ahmadi Farahnaz , Sadrjavadi Komail , Mohammadi Ghobad , Separham Amir , Barzegar-Jalali Mohammad , Khoubnasabjafari Maryam , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: September 2014

The solubility of paracetamol in N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) + ethanol and NMP + ethanol + water solvent mixtures at 25°C was determined using the shake flask method. The generated data extended the solubility database of pharmaceuticals and also was used to assess the solubility prediction capability of the Jouyban-Acree model in NMP + ethanol + water mixtures. The accuracy of the predicted solubilities was evaluated by the mean percentage deviation (MPD) between the predicted and experimental solubilities. The MPD of the Jouyban-Acree model for predicting the solubility of paracetamol in NMP + ethanol + water mixtures at 25°C was 14.6 %.
Surfactant Assisted Synthesis of Homogeneous Calcium Based CO2 Sorbent at Room Temperature
Authors: Foo Chee Yew Henry , Mohamed Abdul Rahman , Lee Keat Teong , Irvan Dahlan
Published: September 2014

Calcium oxide (CaO) sorbents have been recently used for removal of CO2 gases in fossil fuel-fired power plant. However, there are some limitations of CaO in CO2 capturing such as rapid loss of activity during the capture cycles, which is a result of sintering, attrition, and consequent elutriation. Therefore, this paper has demonstrated a novel synthesis method to produce CaO at room temperature to avoid abovementioned drawbacks. In addition, introduction of ionic surfactant of sodium dodecyl sulfate to the CaO formation solution has shown a positive result of formation of homogeneous spherical particle with a mean Z-average diameter of 345.2 nm and polydispersion index (PDI) of 0.335 by dynamical light scattering measurement. Subjected to a high calcination temperature of 1200oC, developed CaO is able to maintain a CO2 uptake capacity of 0.1025 gCO2/gsorbent under 30 minutes of carbonation time. Despite its lower CO2 uptake capacity compared to maximum theoretical limit of 0.78 gCO2/gsorbent, CaO particles is able to withstand a high calcination temperature of 1200oC and reported a particle size distribution ranged from 0.4 - 1.2 µm after calcination which is just slightly larger than fresh developed CaO. Given that such small narrow distributed size of CaO, developed CaO at room temperature is good for packed-bed reactor in calcium looping processes and more studies are required to find a suitable support for fluidized bed reactor type. This successful synthesis story of CaO particle at room temperature has unraveled the possibility to develop nanosized CaO at room temperature in order to achieve high CO2 uptake capacity while enjoying its superior thermal stability over multiple carbonation/calcination cycles.
Travel time classification of extreme solar events: Two families and an outlier
Authors: Freed A. J. , Russell C. T.
Published: September 2014

Extreme solar events are of great interest because of the extensive damage that could be experienced by technological systems such as electrical transformers during such periods. In studying geophysical phenomena, it is helpful to have a quantitative measure of event strength so that similar events can be intercompared. Such a measure also allows the calculation of the occurrence rates of events with varying strength. We use historical fast travel time solar events to develop a measure of strength based on the Sun‐Earth trip time. We find that these fast events can be grouped into two distinct families with one even faster outlier. That outlier is not the Carrington event of 1859 but the extremely intense solar particle event of August 1972.
Current reduction in a pseudo‐breakup event: THEMIS observations
Authors: Yao Z. H. , Pu Z. Y. , Owen C. J. , Fu S. Y. , Chu X. N. , Liu J. , Angelopoulos V. , Rae I. J. , Yue C. , Zhou X.‐Z. , Zong Q.‐G. , Cao X. , Shi Q. Q. , Forsyth C. , Du A. M.
Published: September 2014

Pseudo‐breakup events are thought to be generated by the same physical processes as substorms. This paper reports on the cross‐tail current reduction in an isolated pseudo‐breakup observed by three of the THEMIS probes (THEMIS A (THA), THEMIS D (THD), and THEMIS E (THE)) on 22 March 2010. During this pseudo‐breakup, several localized auroral intensifications were seen by ground‐based observatories. Using the unique spatial configuration of the three THEMIS probes, we have estimated the inertial and diamagnetic currents in the near‐Earth plasma sheet associated with flow braking and diversion. We found the diamagnetic current to be the major contributor to the current reduction in this pseudo‐breakup event. During flow braking, the plasma pressure was reinforced, and a weak electrojet and an auroral intensification appeared. After flow braking/diversion, the electrojet was enhanced, and a new auroral intensification was seen. The peak current intensity of the electrojet estimated from ground‐based magnetometers, ~0.7 × 105 A, was about 1 order of magnitude lower than that in a typical substorm. We suggest that this pseudo‐breakup event involved two dynamical processes: a current‐reduction associated with plasma compression ahead of the earthward flow and a current‐disruption related to the flow braking/diversion. Both processes are closely connected to the fundamental interaction between fast flows, the near‐Earth ambient plasma, and the magnetic field.
Seismo‐ionospheric coupling appearing as equatorial electron density enhancements observed via DEMETER electron density measurements
Authors: Ryu K. , Lee E. , Chae J. S. , Parrot M. , Pulinets S.
Published: September 2014

We report the processes and results of statistical analysis on the ionospheric electron density data measured by the Detection of Electro‐Magnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions (DEMETER) satellite over a period of 6 years (2005–2010), in order to investigate the correlation between seismic activity and equatorial plasma density variations. To simplify the analysis, three equatorial regions with frequent earthquakes were selected and then one‐dimensional time series analysis between the daily seismic activity indices and the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) intensity indices, which represent relative equatorial electron density increase, were performed for each region. The statistically significant values of the lagged cross‐correlation function, particularly in the region with minimal effects of longitudinal asymmetry, indicate that some of the very large earthquakes with M > 5.0 in the low‐latitude region can accompany observable precursory and concurrent EIA enhancements, even though the seismic activity is not the most significant driver of the equatorial ionospheric evolution. The physical mechanisms of the seismo‐ionospheric coupling is consistent with our observation, and the possibility of earthquake prediction using the EIA intensity variation is discussed.
Mesoscale eddy variability in the southern extension of the East Madagascar Current: Seasonal cycle, energy conversion terms, and eddy mean properties
Authors: Halo Issufo , Penven Pierrick , Backeberg Björn , Ansorge Isabelle , Shillington Frank , Roman Raymond
Published: September 2014

In this study, we used more than 17 years of satellite altimetry observations and output from an ocean model to investigate the mesoscale eddy variability and forcing mechanisms to the south of Madagascar. Analysis of energy conversion terms in the model has shown seasonality on eddy formation, both by barotropic and baroclinic instabilities: maximum in winter (JJA) and minimum in summer (DJF). The eddies were mainly formed in the upper ocean (0–300 m) and at intermediate depths (800–2000 m) by barotropic and baroclinic instabilities, respectively. The former dominated in the southeastern margin of Madagascar, and the latter to the southwest, where the South‐East Madagascar Current (SEMC) separates from the continental shelf. Seasonality of the eddy formation appeared linked with the seasonal intensification of the SEMC. The energy conversion terms indicated that the eddies have a significant contribution to the large‐scale circulation, but not being persistent throughout the year, occurring mainly during the fall season (MAM). Eddy demography from altimetry and model provided information on eddy preferential sites for birth, annual occurrence (6–13 per year), eddy mean diameter (124–178 km), mean amplitude (9–28 cm), life‐time (90–183 days), and maximum traveling distances (325–1052 km). Eddies formed to the southwest of Madagascar exhibited distinct characteristics from those formed in the southeast. Nevertheless, all eddies were highly nonlinear, suggesting that they are potential vectors of connectivity between Madagascar and Africa. This may have a significant impact on the ecology of this region.
Mean sea level variability in the North Sea: Processes and implications
Authors: Dangendorf Sönke , Calafat Francisco M. , Arns Arne , Wahl Thomas , Haigh Ivan D. , Jensen Jürgen
Published: September 2014

Mean sea level (MSL) variations across a range of time scales are examined for the North Sea under the consideration of different forcing factors since the late 19th century. We use multiple linear regression models, which are validated for the second half of the 20th century against the output of a tide+surge model, to determine the barotropic response of the ocean to fluctuations in atmospheric forcing. We find that local atmospheric forcing mainly initiates MSL variability on time scales up to a few years, with the inverted barometric effect dominating the variability along the UK and Norwegian coastlines and wind controlling the MSL variability in the south from Belgium up to Denmark. On decadal time scales, MSL variability mainly reflects steric changes, which are largely forced remotely. A spatial correlation analysis of altimetry observations and gridded steric heights suggests evidence for a coherent signal extending from the Norwegian shelf down to the Canary Islands. This fits with the theory of longshore wind forcing along the eastern boundary of the North Atlantic causing coastally trapped waves to propagate over thousands of kilometers along the continental slope. Implications of these findings are assessed with statistical Monte‐Carlo experiments. It is demonstrated that the removal of known variability increases the signal to noise ratio with the result that: (i) linear trends can be estimated more accurately; (ii) possible accelerations (as expected, e.g., due to anthropogenic climate change) can be detected much earlier. Such information is of crucial importance for anticipatory coastal management, engineering, and planning.
Climatological monthly heat and freshwater flux estimates on a global scale from Argo
Authors: Giglio Donata , Roemmich Dean
Published: September 2014

The global pattern of climatological monthly heat and freshwater fluxes at the ocean surface is estimated using Argo temperature and salinity profile data for the period 2004–2013. Temperature or salinity changes are calculated in a volume of water above an isopycnal that is below the mixed layer and not subject to mixed‐layer entrainment. Horizontal advection components from geostrophic velocity and from Ekman transport, based on wind stress, are also included. The climatological monthly heat or freshwater flux at the ocean surface is estimated as the sum of advective and time tendency contributions. The air‐sea flux estimates from Argo are described in global maps and basin‐wide integrals, in comparison to atmospheric reanalysis data and to air‐sea flux products based on observations. This ocean‐based estimate of surface fluxes is consistent with property variations in the subsurface ocean and indicates greater amplitude for the climatological monthly heat flux values in the subtropics compared to other products. Similarly, the combination of Argo freshwater flux and reanalysis evaporation, suggests greater amplitude for climatological monthly precipitation in the tropics.