Inversion Schemes to Retrieve Atmospheric and Oceanic Parameters from SeaWiFS Data

The investigation focuses on two key issues in satellite ocean color remote sensing, namely the presence of whitecaps on the sea surface and the validity of the aerosol models selected for the atmospheric correction of SeaWiFS data. Experiments were designed and conducted at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to measure the optical properties of whitecaps and to study the aerosol optical properties in a typical mid-latitude coastal environment. CIMEL Electronique sunphotometers, now integrated in the AERONET network, were also deployed permanently in Bermuda and in Lanai, calibration/validation sites for SeaWiFS and MODIS. Original results were obtained on the spectral reflectance of whitecaps and on the choice of aerosol models for atmospheric correction schemes and the type of measurements that should be made to verify those schemes. Bio-optical algorithms to remotely sense primary productivity from space were also evaluated, as well as current algorithms to estimate PAR at the earth's surface

Vies moyennes de quelques niveaux du noyau 19F

Les énergies d'excitations et les vies moyennes de 9 niveaux du 19 F d'énergie inférieure à 6 MeV ont été déterminées à l'aide de la réaction 18O(d, nγ) 19F. De ces vies moyennes, mesurées à partir de la méthode du déplacement Doppler, ont été déduites certaines largeurs de transition M1 qui sont comparées aux prédictions de modèles en couches

Sea surface temperature of the coastal zones of France

Thermal gradients in French coastal zones for the period of one year were mapped in order to enable a coherent study of certain oceanic features detectable by the variations in the sea surface temperature field and their evolution in time. The phenomena examined were mesoscale thermal features in the English Channel, the Bay of Biscay, and the northwestern Mediterranean; thermal gradients generated by French estuary systems; and diurnal heating in the sea surface layer. The investigation was based on Heat Capacity Mapping Mission imagery

Reef response to sea-level and environmental changes during the last deglaciation: Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 310, Tahiti Sea Level

The last deglaciation is characterized by a rapid sea-level rise and coeval abrupt environmental changes. The Barbados coral reef record suggests that this period has been punctuated by two brief intervals of accelerated melting (meltwater pulses, MWP), occurring at 14.08-13.61 ka and 11.4-11.1 ka (calendar years before present), that are superimposed on a smooth and continuous rise of sea level. Although their timing, magnitude, and even existence have been debated, those catastrophic sea-level rises are thought to have induced distinct reef drowning events. The reef response to sea-level and environmental changes during the last deglacial sea-level rise at Tahiti is reconstructed based on a chronological, sedimentological, and paleobiological study of cores drilled through the relict reef features on the modern forereef slopes during the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 310, complemented by results on previous cores drilled through the Papeete reef. Reefs accreted continuously between 16 and 10 ka, mostly through aggradational processes, at growth rates averaging 10 mm yr-1. No cessation of reef growth, even temporary, has been evidenced during this period at Tahiti. Changes in the composition of coralgal assemblages coincide with abrupt variations in reef growth rates and characterize the response of the upward-growing reef pile to nonmonotonous sea-level rise and coeval environmental changes. The sea-level jump during MWP 1A, 16 ± 2 m of magnitude in ~350 yr, induced the retrogradation of shallow-water coral assemblages, gradual deepening, and incipient reef drowning. The Tahiti reef record does not support the occurrence of an abrupt reef drowning event coinciding with a sea-level pulse of ~15 m, and implies an apparent rise of 40 mm yr-1 during the time interval corresponding to MWP 1B at Barbados. © 2012 Geological Society of America

Sea surface temperature of the coastal zones of France

The results of an investigation to map the various thermal gradients in the coastal zones of France are presented. Paricular emphasis is given to the natural phenomena and man made thermal effluents. It is shown that a close correlation exist between wind speed direction and the offshore width of the effluent

Sea surface temperature of the coastal zones of France. Heat Capacity Mapping Mission (HCMM)

The author has identified the following significant results. HCMM data analysis shows some mesoscale features which were previously expected to occur: summer coastal upwellings in the Gulf of Lions, tidal fronts bordering the English Channel, and cooler surface waters at the continental shelf break. The analysis of the spectral variance density spectra show that the interpretation of the data usually is limited by the HCMM radiometric performance (noise levels) at wavenumbers below 5 km in the oceanic areas; from this analysis it may also be concluded that a decrease of the radiometric noise level down to 0.1 k against an increase of the ground resolution up to 2 km would give a better optimum of the radiometric performances in the oceanic areas. HCMM data appear to be useful for analysis of the sea surface temperature field, particularly in the very coastal area by profiting from the ground resolution of 500 m

Total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis secondary to extra-articular malunions

SummaryIntroductionPost-traumatic total knee arthroplasty for extra-articular malunion requires correction of the deformity, either through asymmetrical bone resection (possibly inducing ligaments imbalance) or osteotomy at the time of arthroplasty. We report the results of a continuous multicenter, retrospective series of 78 patients (18 implants with osteotomy) with a mean 4 years of follow-up. The hypothesis is that the selected procedure requires to be based on the deformity's location and severity.PatientsWith a mean age of 63 years (younger in the osteotomy group), 38 patients had femoral malunion, 36 had tibial malunion, and four had a combined malunion. There were 70 frontal deformities (48 varus and 22 valgus) and 10 rotational deformities, often diaphyseal, four of which more than 20°. Twelve patients had a history of infection; eight had frontal laxity greater than 10°, and 15 a limited range of motion in flexion. In 70 cases, semi- or nonconstrained implants were used, and in eight cases more constrained implants, including four hinge prostheses.ResultsWe observed two deep infections, one case of avulsion of the extensor mechanism, and two cases of aseptic loosening with femoral malunion and varus deformity. Two osteotomies resulted in nonunion, one with internal fixation devices mobilization requiring revision using extension rods. The function and pain scores were significantly improved. The mobility improvements were moderate but did not compromise the surgical procedure main objective. The preoperative hip-knee angle was corrected with both techniques. Only the function score gain was greater for the isolated arthroplasty procedures.Discussion and conclusionThe indications for arthroplasty alone were extended to 20° varus and 15° valgus, with no major residual laxity. Beyond 10°, hinge prosthesis should be available. Associated osteotomy can correct rotational deformities that cannot be compensated with bone cuts. In deformities that are close to the joint, osteotomy facilitates implantation of moderately constrained prosthesis. This indication is based on CAT scan rotational deformities measurements because rotational deformities require an osteotomy, and/or the presence of extraligamentous deformity that cannot be reduced with collateral ligaments surgical release.Level of evidenceLevel 4. Non-controlled retrospective study