Observation of electro-activated localized structures in broad area VCSELs

We demonstrate experimentally the electro-activation of a localized optical structure in a coherently driven broad-area vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) operated below threshold. Control is achieved by electro-optically steering a writing beam through a pre-programmable switch based on a photorefractive funnel waveguide.Comment: 5 Figure

The challenge of managing marine biodiversity: A practical toolkit for a cartographic, territorial approach

An approach to the management of marine biodiversity was developed based on two levels of environmental diagnostics: (1) the characterization (to identify types), and (2) the evaluation (to define status and values). Both levels involve the production of maps, namely: (i) morphobathymetry and sedimentology; (ii) habitats; (iii) natural emergencies; (iv) degradation and risk; (v) weighted vulnerability; (vi) environmental quality; and, (vii) susceptibility to use. A general methodological aspect that must be stated first is the need of dividing the mapped area in territorial units corresponding to submultiples of the UTM grid and having different sizes according to the scale adopted. Territorial units (grid cells) are assigned to one of five classes of evaluation, ranging from high necessity of conservation or protection to non-problematic, unimportant or already compromised (according to the specific map) situations. Depending on the scale, these maps are suited for territorial planning (small scales, allowing for a synoptic view) or for administration and decision making (large scales, providing detail on local situations and problems). Mapping should be periodically repeated (diachronic cartography) to assure an efficient tool for integrated coastal zone management. © 2012 by the authors

An observation methodology for non-measurable rotorcraft states

In an attempt to reduce acoustic pollution due to terminal flight phases (lift-offs and landings) in the surroundings of heliport, project MANOEUVRES developed a device capable of estimating the acoustic footprint of helicopters on the ground. This device requires knowledge of certain quantities that cannot be directly measured through physical sensors: the tip-path plane angle of attack and the main rotor thrust coefficient. Previous research has demonstrated that these quantities can be accurately estimated using observers that are properly fed with directly measurable flight mechanics and rotor state variables. However, these observers, which are based on linear mathematical models identified offline and employed through interpolation with respect to nominal airspeed, have shown poor robustness when the number of identification input cases is reduced, as required for a realistic design of observers in the field. This issue has particularly emerged when non-trimmed manoeuvres were considered during observation testing. To address this issue, this paper introduces a new baseline for the observation model, which includes dynamic pressure as an additional input. Moreover, a different model structure is considered depending on the observed variable. Specifically, for the tip-path plane angle of attack, a single model covers the entire airspeed range, while observation models for the rotor thrust coefficient are interpolated based on flight altitude. This new approach demonstrates results of comparable or superior quality to previous observation models. Furthermore, it exhibits increased robustness when the pool of identification cases used for observer synthesis is significantly reduced. Such improved performance and ease of synthesis pave the way for the setup and adoption of the proposed observers in the field

Abrupt change in a Subtidal Rocky Reef community coincided with a rapid acceleration of Sea Water Warming

Seawater warming is impacting marine ecosystems, but proper evaluation of change requires the availability of long-term biological data series. Mesco Reef (Ligurian Sea, Italy) offers one of the longest Mediterranean data series on sessile epibenthic communities, based on underwater photographic surveys. Photographs taken in four stations between 20 m and 40 m depth allowed calculating the percent cover of conspicuous species in 1961, 1990, 1996, 2008, and 2017. Multivariate analysis evidenced an abrupt compositional change between 1990 and 1996. A parallel change was observed in Ligurian Sea temperatures. Two invasive macroalgae (Caulerpa cylindracea and Womersleyella setacea) became dominant after 1996. Community diversity was low in 1961 to 1996, rapidly increased between 1996 and 2008, and exhibited distinctly higher values in 2008-2017. A novel community emerged from the climate shift of the 1990s, with many once characteristic species lost, reduced complexity, biotic homogenization, greater diversity and domination by aliens. Only continued monitoring will help envisage the possibility for a reversal of the present phase shift or for further transformations driven by global change

Characterization and evaluation of a marine protected area: 'Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo' (Sardinia, NW Mediterranean)

Habitat mapping plays a key role in the management and conservation of natural systems. In protected areas, where sustainable development is always subordinate to conservation efforts, maps are largely used to represent habitats, development pressures, tourist facilities or legal restrictions such as the zoning of a protected area. Some authors have recently developed a methodology that allows the production of a set of maps for the management of marine protected areas. In this paper, we present the application of this methodology to the case study of the marine protected area 'Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo'. © 2013 Copyright A. Rovere

Characterization and evaluation of a marine protected area: ‘Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo’ (Sardinia, NW Mediterranean)

Habitat mapping plays a key role in the management and conservation of natural systems. In protected areas, where sustainable development is always subordinate to conservation efforts, maps are largely used to represent habitats, development pressures, tourist facilities or legal restrictions such as the zoning of a protected area. Some authors have recently developed a methodology that allows the production of a set of maps for the management of marine protected areas. In this paper, we present the application of this methodology to the case study of the marine protected area ‘Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo’

Novel insights into the transport mechanism of the human amino acid transporter LAT1 (SLC7A5) : probing critical residues for substrate translocation

BACKGROUND: LAT1 (SLC7A5) is the transport competent unit of the heterodimer formed with the glycoprotein CD98 (SLC3A2). It catalyzes antiport of His and some neutral amino acids such as Ile, Leu, Val, Cys, Met, Gln and Phe thus being involved in amino acid metabolism. Interestingly, LAT1 is over-expressed in many human cancers that are characterized by increased demand of amino acids. Therefore LAT1 was recently acknowledged as a novel target for cancer therapy. However, knowledge on molecular mechanism of LAT1 transport is still scarce. METHODS: Combined approaches of bioinformatics, site-directed mutagenesis, chemical modification, and transport assay in proteoliposomes, have been adopted to unravel dark sides of human LAT1 structure/function relationships. RESULTS: It has been demonstrated that residues F252, S342, C335 are crucial for substrate recognition and C407 plays a minor role. C335 and C407 cannot be targeted by SH reagents. The transporter has a preferential dimeric structure and catalyzes an antiport reaction which follows a simultaneous random mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Critical residues of the substrate binding site of LAT1 have been probed. This site is not freely accessible by molecules other than substrate. Similarly to LeuT, K+ has some regulatory properties on LAT1. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The collected data represent a solid basis for deciphering molecular mechanism underlying LAT1 function

Geo-environmental cartography of the marine protected area "isola di bergeggi" (Liguria, NW mediterranean sea)

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are considered one of the main tools for conservation, valorisation and management of coastal marine environments, and are defined by Italian Law (derived from European directives) as territories with "physical, geological, geomorphological and biological features having relevant naturalistic and environmental value". While the bionomic mapping of MPAs has received large attention by researchers, MPA geological or geomorphological cartographies have been seldom realized. In this study we present a geomorphological cartography, comprising also environmental themes having a geomorphological significance, realized in the MPA "Isola di Bergeggi"