Subsurface horizontal flow reed beds are being evaluated for Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) removal from plant nursery runoff water in New South Wales Australia. The need to include plants (
...Phragmites australis), the effect of reaction time (3.5 v 7.0
d) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on N and P removal in batch fed gravel wetland tubs (55
L) was studied over 19 months. Simulated nursery runoff water containing N (10.1
mg
L
−1, 74% as NO
3) and P (0.58
mg
L
−1, 88% as PO
4) and DOC (2–5
mg
L
−1) was used. The planted wetland tubs removed >96% TN and TP over most of the 19-month study period while unplanted tubs were inefficient (<16% N and <45% P removal) and occasionally discharged nutrients. Doubling the reaction time to 7.0 days had no effect on nutrient removal. Plant nutrient uptake accounted for most of the N (76%) and P (86%) removed while roots and rhizomes were the dominant sink (N 58%, P 67%). The addition of methanol (C:N–3:1) to unplanted tubs achieved 81–98% N removal. In Carbon limited low nutrient nursery runoff, plants were essential to a gravel-based wetland to achieve efficient nutrient removal with effluent TN and TP concentrations of <1
mg
L
−1 and 0.05
mg
L
−1, respectively with a 3.5 day reaction time.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
ABSTRACT
The performance of tomographic adaptive optics (AO) systems is intrinsically linked to the vertical profile of optical turbulence. First, a sufficient number of discrete turbulent layers ...must be reconstructed to model the true continuous turbulence profile. Secondly over the course of an observation, the profile as seen by the telescope changes and the tomographic reconstructor must be updated. These changes can be due to the unpredictable evolution of turbulent layers on meteorological time-scales as short as minutes. Here, we investigate the effect of changing atmospheric conditions on the quality of tomographic reconstruction by coupling fast analytical AO simulation to a large data base of 10 691 high-resolution turbulence profiles measured over two years by the Stereo-SCIDAR instrument at ESO Paranal, Chile. This work represents the first investigation of these effects with a large, statistically significant sample of turbulence profiles. The statistical nature of the study allows us to assess not only the degradation and variability in tomographic error with a set of system parameters (e.g. number of layers and temporal update period), but also the required parameters to meet some error threshold. In the most challenging conditions where the profile is rapidly changing, these parameters must be far more tightly constrained in order to meet this threshold. By providing estimates of these constraints for a wide range of system geometries as well as the impact of different temporal optimization strategies we may assist the designers of tomographic AO for the extremely large telescope to dimension their systems.
Summary
Colonization by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may be persistent in people and is horizontally transmissible. The scientific literature suggests that domestic pets may ...also participate in cross‐transmission of MRSA within households. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for MRSA carriage by pets residing in households with an MRSA‐infected person. From 66 households in which an MRSA‐infected patient resided, we screened 47 dogs and 52 cats using a swab protocol. Isolates from pets and humans were genotyped using two techniques and compared for concordance. Human participants completed a 22‐question survey of demographic and epidemiologic data relevant to staphylococcal transmission. Eleven of 99 pets (11.5%) representing 9 (13.6%) of households were MRSA‐positive, but in only six of these households were the human and animal‐source strains genetically concordant. Human infection by strain USA 100 was significantly associated with pet carriage OR = 11.4 (95% CI 1.7, 76.9); P = 0.013. Yet, for each day of delay in sampling the pet after the person’s MRSA diagnosis, the odds of isolating any type of MRSA from the pet decreased by 13.9% (95% CI 2.6, 23.8); P = 0.017). It may be concluded that pets can harbour pandemic strains of MRSA while residing in a household with an infected person. However, the source of MRSA to the pet cannot always be attributed to the human patient. Moreover, the rapid attrition of the odds of obtaining a positive culture from pets over time suggests that MRSA carriage may be fleeting.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The surgical learning curve is an observable and measurable phenomenon. In the era of competency-based approaches to surgical training, monitoring the trajectory of individual trainee competence ...attainment could represent a meaningful method of formative and summative assessment. While technology can assist this approach, a number of significant barriers to the implementation of such assessment methods remain, including: accurate data collection, standard setting, and reliable assessment. Translating individual learning curve data into quantifiable case minimum targets in training poses further difficulties, and may not be possible for all procedures, particularly those that are less frequently performed and assessed. In spite of these challenges, significant benefits could be realized through an individualized approach to competency assessment using trainee learning curve data. Tracking competence acquisition against criterion-referenced standards could allow for targeted training and remediation, conforming with modern theories of adult education and empowering trainees to take control of their own learning. Learning curve data could also be used to assess the effects of educational interventions such as simulation-based training on subsequent competence acquisition rates. Ultimately, the individual learning curves of trainees could be used to inform personalised decisions regarding entrustment, credentialing, and certification, allowing training programmes to move beyond minimum operative experience targets as a crude proxy measure of competence.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Smile reanimation should be considered from a dynamic perspective. Any intervention should restore normality. To date no such normative dynamic data has been published.
To quantitatively analyse ...maximal smiles between a healthy group of Caucasian male and female adults using 3D motion capture (4D stereophotogrammetry).
Using a 3D facial motion capture system 54 males and 54 female volunteers were imaged whilst performing a maximal smile. Eight nasolabial landmarks were digitised and tracked. Differences in displacement and speed of bilateral landmarks between males and females were analysed in each direction (x, y, z and Euclidian), from rest (T0), to median smile (T1) and maximal smile (T2), using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon-Signed Rank tests.
In males and females the displacement and speed of the left and right alar base landmarks were similar in the x and y directions but less in the z direction. For the philtrum, the displacement and speed of the bilateral landmarks were similar in the y and z directions, but less in the x direction. The left alar base and left philtrum moved significantly more in males. Left and right cheilion moved a similar amount in the x and y directions but more in the z direction. Labiale superius moved significantly more in the z direction, and labiale inferius moved significantly more in the y direction in males.
In conclusion, this study has presented a novel normative data set of dynamic nasolabial complex movement for males and females during maximum smile. The data, as well as providing magnitudes of displacements of the nasolabial complex, also provides the speeds of movement.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
On abyssal plains, demersal fish are believed to play an important role in transferring energy across the seafloor and between the pelagic and benthic realms. However, little is known about their ...spatial distributions, making it difficult to quantify their ecological significance. To address this, we employed an autonomous underwater vehicle to conduct an exceptionally large photographic survey of fish distributions on the Porcupine Abyssal Plain (NE Atlantic, 4850 m water depth) encompassing two spatial scales (1-10 km(2)) on and adjacent to a small abyssal hill (240 m elevation). The spatial distributions of the total fish fauna and that of the two dominant morphotypes (Coryphaenoides sp. 1 and C. profundicolus) appeared to be random, a result contrary to common expectation but consistent with previous predictions for these fishes. We estimated total fish density on the abyssal plain to be 723 individuals km(-2) (95% CI: 601-844). This estimate is higher, and likely more precise, than prior estimates from trawl catch and baited camera techniques (152 and 188 individuals km(-2) respectively). We detected no significant difference in fish density between abyssal hill and plain, nor did we detect any evidence for the existence of fish aggregations at any spatial scale assessed.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Objective The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical features of relapsing polychondritis (RPC) within the Department of Defense beneficiary population and determine the utility of ...echocardiography, imaging studies, and pulmonary function testing for diagnosis and monitoring disease. Methods We performed a retrospective Electronic Medical Record chart review of all patients diagnosed with RPC within the Department of Defense between January 2004 and December 2009. Results Thirty patients met McAdam's diagnostic criteria and an additional 13 met our criteria for partial RPC. Auricular chondritis (88%), inflammatory eye disease (57%), and arthritis (60%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Pulmonary involvement was seen in 16 (37%) patients. Methotrexate (42%) and corticosteroids (21%) were the most conventional therapies. Thirty (70%) patients had pulmonary function tests with flow volume loop abnormalities observed in 33%. Chest computed tomography was performed in 63%, with abnormalities in 48%. Abnormalities on echocardiography were observed in 12 of 25 (48%) patients. Conclusions The incidence, demographic data, and organ involvement in our RPC patients were similar to previous studies. The diagnosis of RPC was determined primarily on physical examination and symptom-driven diagnostic testing. There was no notable pattern by rheumatologists for monitoring the progression of tracheobronchial tree or large vessel involvement. Interpreting flow volume loops is recommended with pulmonary function testing to detect early laryngotracheal involvement. Computed tomography of the chest is also recommended to monitor for vascular and tracheobronchial tree involvement.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) has variable outcomes. Current risk stratification models lack the positive predictive value to identify patients at highest risk of PE-related mortality. We ...identified intermediate-risk PE patients who underwent catheter-based interventions and right heart catheterization (RHC) and identified those with low cardiac index (CI < 2.2 L/min/m2). We utilized regression models to identify echocardiographic predictors of low CI and Kaplan Meier curve to evaluate PE-related mortality when stratified by the echocardiographic predictor. Of 174 intermediate-risk PE patients, 41 underwent RHC. Within this cohort, 46.3% had low CI. Univariable linear regression identified right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (RVOT VTI), right/left ventricular ratio, S prime, inferior vena cava diameter, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure as potential predictors of low CI. Multivariable linear regression identified RVOT VTI as significant predictor of low CI (β coefficient 0.124, 95% confidence interval CI: 0.01-0.24, P = .034). Right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral <9.5 cm was associated with increased PE-related mortality, P = .002. A substantial proportion of intermediate-risk PE patients referred for catheter-based interventions had low CI despite normotension. Right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral was a significant predictor of low CI. Low RVOT VTI was associated with increased PE-related mortality.
The aim of this study was to quantify the fluctuating dynamic facial asymmetry during smiling in a group of ‘normal’ adults, using three-dimensional (3D) motion facial capture technology. Fifty-four ...male and 54 female volunteers were recruited. Each subject was imaged using a passive markerless 3D motion capture system (DI4D). Eighteen landmarks were tracked through the 3D capture sequence. A facial asymmetry score was calculated based on either a clinically derived midline or Procrustes alignment; scores were based on the Euclidean distance between landmark pairs. Facial asymmetry scores were determined at three time points: rest, median, and maximum frame. Based on the clinically derived midline and on Procrustes alignment, the differences between male and female volunteers, as well as those at the three different time points, were not clinically significant. However, throughout a smile, facial and lip asymmetry scores increased over the duration of the smile. Fluctuating facial asymmetry exists within individuals, as well as between individuals. Procrustes superimposition and the clinically derived midline produced similar asymmetry scores and both are valid for symmetrical faces. However, with facial asymmetry, Procrustes superimposition may not be a valid measure, and the use of the clinically derived midline may be more appropriate, although this requires further investigation.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Background
Previous studies demonstrated that lower outdoor temperatures increase the levels of established cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as blood pressure and lipids. Whether or not low ...temperatures increase novel cardiovascular disease risk factors levels is not well studied. The aim was to investigate associations of outdoor temperature with a comprehensive range of established and novel cardiovascular disease risk factors in two large Northern European studies of older adults, in whom cardiovascular disease risk is increased.
Design and methods
Data came from the British Regional Heart Study (4252 men aged 60–79 years) and the Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (5804 men and women aged 70–82 years). Associations between outdoor temperature and cardiovascular disease risk factors were quantified in each study and then pooled using a random effects model.
Results
With a 5℃ lower mean temperature, total cholesterol was 0.04 mmol/l (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02–0.07) higher, low density lipoprotein cholesterol was 0.02 mmol/l (95% CI 0.01–0.05) higher and SBP was 1.12 mm Hg (95% CI 0.60–1.64) higher. Among novel cardiovascular disease risk factors, C-reactive protein was 3.3% (95% CI 1.0–5.6%) higher, interleukin-6 was 2.7% (95% CI 1.1–4.3%) higher, and vitamin D was 11.2% (95% CI 1.0–20.4%) lower.
Conclusions
Lower outdoor temperature was associated with adverse effects on cholesterol, blood pressure, circulating inflammatory markers, and vitamin D in two older populations. Public health approaches to protect the elderly against low temperatures could help in reducing the levels of several cardiovascular disease risk factors.
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