Deep Learning for Opportunistic Rain Estimation via Satellite Microwave Links.

Accurate precipitation measurement is critical for managing flood and drought risks. Traditional meteorological tools, such as rain gauges and remote sensors, have limitations in resolution, coverage, and cost-effectiveness. Recently, the opportunistic use of microwave communication signals has been explored to improve precipitation estimation.

Learning Ground Displacement Signals Directly from InSAR-Wrapped Interferograms.

Monitoring ground displacements identifies potential geohazard risks early before they cause critical damage. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is one of the techniques that can monitor these displacements with sub-millimeter accuracy. However, using the InSAR technique is challenging due to the need for high expertise, large data volumes, and other complexities.

Remote mentoring in laparotomic and laparoscopic cancer surgery during Covid-19 pandemic: an experimental setup based on mixed reality.

In this paper, Mixed Reality (MR) has been exploited in the operating rooms to perform laparoscopic and open surgery with the aim of providing remote mentoring to the medical doctors under training during the Covid-19 pandemic. The employed architecture, which has put together MR smartglasses, a Digital Imaging Player, and a Mixed Reality Toolkit, has been used for cancer surgery at the IRCCS Hospital 'Giovanni Paolo II' in southern Italy. The feasibility of using the conceived platform for real-time remote mentoring has been assessed on the basis of surveys distributed to the trainees after each surgery.

Thermodynamics, Charge Transfer and Practical Considerations of Solid Boosters in Redox Flow Batteries.

Solid boosters are an emerging concept for improving the performance and especially the energy storage density of the redox flow batteries, but thermodynamical and practical considerations of these systems are missing, scarce or scattered in the literature. In this paper we will formulate how these systems work from the point of view of thermodynamics. We describe possible pathways for charge transfer, estimate the overpotentials required for these reactions in realistic conditions, and illustrate the range of energy storage densities achievable considering different redox electrolyte concentrations, solid volume fractions and solid charge storage densities.

An Intrapancreatic accessory spleen presenting as a neuroendocrine tumor.

Although the second most common site of the accessory spleen is the tail of the pancreas, intrapancreatic accessory spleens (IPAS) are rarely recognized radiologically. When an accessory spleen is located in the pancreas, it may mimic a hypervascular pancreatic tumor. We report a case of intrapancreatic accessory spleen which radiologically (on TC) mimicked a neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor (PNET).

A Versatile and Efficient Voxelization-Based Meshing Algorithm of Multiple Phases.

This paper presents a new algorithm (INNOV) capable of generating a mesh of three-dimensional objects containing multiple phases. This mesh can later be imported into commercial or open-source software to perform multiphysics-based simulations based on partial differential equations. While the range of application is large, this algorithm is designed as a post-processing tool of micro/nanotomography images and electrode mesostructures predicted from CGMD (coarse-grained molecular dynamics) simulations of the electrode fabrication process carried out in LAMMPS software.

Boosting Rechargeable Batteries R&D by Multiscale Modeling: Myth or Reality?

This review addresses concepts, approaches, tools, and outcomes of multiscale modeling used to design and optimize the current and next generation rechargeable battery cells. Different kinds of multiscale models are discussed and demystified with a particular emphasis on methodological aspects. The outcome is compared both to results of other modeling strategies as well as to the vast pool of experimental data available.

Continuous, semi-automatic monitoring of ground deformation using Sentinel-1 satellites.

We present the continuous monitoring of ground deformation at regional scale using ESA (European Space Agency) Sentinel-1constellation of satellites. We discuss this operational monitoring service through the case study of the Tuscany Region (Central Italy), selected due to its peculiar geological setting prone to ground instability phenomena. We set up a systematic processing chain of Sentinel-1 acquisitions to create continuously updated ground deformation data to mark the transition from static satellite analysis, based on the analysis of archive images, to dynamic monitoring of ground displacement.

Stochasticity of Pores Interconnectivity in Li-O Batteries and its Impact on the Variations in Electrochemical Performance.

While large dispersions in electrochemical performance have been reported for lithium oxygen batteries in the literature, they have not been investigated in any depth. The variability in the results is often assumed to arise from differences in cell design, electrode structure, handling and cell preparation at different times. An accurate theoretical framework turns out to be needed to get a better insight into the mechanisms underneath and to interpret experimental results.

Multiscale Simulation Platform Linking Lithium Ion Battery Electrode Fabrication Process with Performance at the Cell Level.

A novel multiscale modeling platform is proposed to demonstrate the importance of particle assembly during battery electrode fabrication by showing its effect on battery performance. For the first time, a discretized three-dimensional (3D) electrode resulting from the simulation of its fabrication has been incorporated within a 3D continuum performance model. The study used LiNiCoMnO as active material, and the effect of changes of electrode formulation is explored for three cases, namely 85:15, 90:10, and 95:5 ratios between active material and carbon-binder domains.

Use of IAEA's phase-space files for virtual source model implementation: Extension to large fields.

In a previous work, phase-space data files (phsp) provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) were used to develop a hybrid virtual source model (VSM) for clinical photon beams. Very good agreement with dosimetric measurements performed on linear accelerators was obtained for field sizes up to 15×15cm(2). In the present work we extend the VSM to larger field sizes, for which phsp are not available.

Use of IAEA's phase-space files for the implementation of a clinical accelerator virtual source model.

In the present work, phase-space data files (phsp) provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for different accelerators were used in order to develop a Virtual Source Model (VSM) for clinical photon beams. Spectral energy distributions extracted from supplied phsp files were used to define the radiation pattern of a virtual extended source in a hybrid model which is completed with a virtual diaphragm used to simulate both electron contamination and the shape of the penumbra region. This simple virtual model was used as the radiation source for dosimetry calculations in a water phantom.

Transanal tube NO COIL® after rectal cancer proctectomy. The "G. Paolo II" Cancer Centre experience.

Aims And Background: Covering stoma is the main method used to protect low-lying anastomosis after cancer proctectomy. Intraluminal rectal pressure could be a potential risk factor for anastomotic leakage. We present our personal experience with an alternative and original device, the transanal tube NO COIL®, evaluating its feasibility and safety based on a preliminary manometric study.

Modifications of band 3 and oxidation level of membrane proteins in senescent erythrocytes.

Objectives: To study membrane proteins modifications in Senescent Red Blood Cells (SeRBC). DESIGN ANDMETHODS: SeRBC were obtained on Percoll gradients. Membrane proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, band 3 by immunoblotting, and protein oxidation by measuring the carbonyl groups.

Effects of aging on antioxidant response and phagocytosis in senescent erythrocytes.

Red blood cell (RBC) aging is a complex process affected by immunological and biochemical parameters. In this work we studied the antioxidant response in RBC of different ages. We also investigated their interaction with peripheral blood monocytes.

Strong leadership and teamwork drive culture and performance change: Ohio State University Medical Center 2000-2006.

Several characteristics of academic health centers have the potential to create high levels of internal conflict and misalignment that can pose significant leadership challenges. In September 2000, the positions of Ohio State University (OSU) senior vice president for health sciences, dean of the medical school, and the newly created position of chief executive officer of the OSU Medical Center (OSUMC) were combined under a single leader to oversee the OSUMC. This mandate from the president and trustees was modeled after top institutions with similar structures.

Isolated splenic metastasis from colon cancer. Report of a case.

Isolated splenic metastasis is an uncommon event, except in the case of secondary involvement by lymphoma. The most common sites of metastases of colorectal cancer are the regional lymph nodes, liver and peritoneum; lung and bone are rarely involved, the spleen exceptionally. In this paper we report a case of metachronous isolated splenic metastasis of transverse colon cancer in an 80-year-old woman who was successfully treated by splenectomy.

Clinical and economic effects of central venous catheters on oncology patient care.

Central Venous Catheters (CVC) and ports are essential devices to the medical care of cancer patients. Every year about one million CVCs are inserted in cancer patients. The field of oncohematology is making a great contribution to the development of new models of catheters and to the use of innovative materials.

H pylori status and angiogenesis factors in human gastric carcinoma.

Aim: To investigate H pylori expression in gastric cancer patients in relation to primary tumor angiogenic markers, such as microvessel density (MVD), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGF-R1), p53 and circulating VEGF levels.

Methods: Angiogenic markers were analyzed immunohistochemically in 56 primary gastric cancers. H pylori cytotoxin (vacA) and the cytotoxin-associated gene (cagA) amplification were evaluated using PCR assay.

[Endoluminal pressure: risk factor for anastomotic dehiscence in rectal carcinoma. Preliminary results].

The aim of this work was to evaluate the risk factors for anastomotic leakage with particular reference to endoluminal pressures in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer between february 1998 and september 2000. In this preliminary report a total of 120 patients were identified; 96 patients were treated with a total mesorectal excision (with anastomosis less than 10 cm from the anal margin) for rectal cancer and 33 with a partial mesorectal excision (with anastomosis of the superior rectum) for rectosigmoid carcinoma. The leakages were observed in 10.

Inferior mesocaval shunt for bleeding anorectal varices and portal vein thrombosis.

Intractable bleeding from anorectal varices is a serious and often misdiagnosed complication of portal hypertension and no agreement has been reached on which could be the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. Indeed, fatal outcome has been often reported resulting from delayed diagnosis and improper treatment. The case of a 67-year-old gentleman with life-threatening bleeding from anorectal varices who successfully underwent inferior mesocaval shunt is reported, and surgical technique for establishing a shunt between the inferior mesenteric vein and inferior vena cava is described.

[J-pouch after total gastrectomy].

The Authors report their initial experience with the construction of a J-pouch as restorative surgery following total gastrectomy (TG) for malignant neoplasms. In the last 10 months of the 1990 upon 52 interventions for gastric cancer 31 TG were performed, and in 13 cases a J-pouch on the proximal end of the jejunal segment was constructed. No mortality or specific morbidity was registered using the totally stapled technique.