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The erosion impact of large coastal storm events typically occurs across broad (100s of km) sections of coastline and may include significant variability both alongshore and vertically between the berm and dunes. Identifying controls of variability in storm erosion is critical to understanding the response of coastlines to present and changing storminess. This contribution analyses immediate pre‐ and post‐storm Lidar data of over 1700 cross‐shore profile transects, determined at every 100 m alongshore and spanning 400km of the southeast Australian coastline. This unique dataset allowed for a data‐driven Bayesian network analysis of the key relationships between the measured storm erosion response and a range of variables describing the antecedent morphology and hydrodynamic forcing at the coastline. It was found that while erosion of the dune and berm was observed to increase with increased exposure of the local profile to incident storm waves, additional erosion controls were found to be different for these two different sections of the beach. Erosion of the berm was specifically linked to the pre‐storm berm volume, with more accreted berms experiencing a greater proportion of erosion of the overall berm, regardless of variability in forcing conditions. In contrast, dune erosion was equally controlled by the exceedance of wave runup above the antecedent dune toe elevation and the width of the beach immediately fronting the dune, with wider beaches resulting in reduced dune erosion. The results of this large, data‐driven analysis provide important affirmation and insights into the primary controls of berm and dune storm erosion. Plain Language Summary: The erosion caused by coastal storm events is often spatially‐variable ‐ some areas of the coast may experience severe erosion of the beach and dune, while adjacent areas may be relatively unaffected. Understanding the controls of this spatial variability in erosion is important to better manage storm erosion now and in the future. This research analyses an unprecedentedly detailed dataset of coastal storm erosion spanning a 400 km region of the southeast Australian coastline to identify controls of spatial variability in storm‐induced coastal erosion. It was found that the magnitude of erosion caused by the storm event at different locations along the coast was controlled by both the storm wave and water level conditions, as well as the pre‐storm state of the beach. In particular, erosion was controlled by 1) the exposure of the coastline to incident storm waves; 2) the elevation of wave runup with respect to dune toe elevation; 3) the pre‐storm volume of sand on the beach; and, 4) the pre‐storm width of the beach. The results provide useful insight into the controls of both local and regional‐scale coastal erosion and have implications for understanding and modelling coastal vulnerability to storms now and into the future. Key Points: Immediate pre‐ and post‐storm Lidar data of 400 km of coastline was analyzed to investigate key controls of variability in storm erosionDune erosion was equally controlled by the amount of runup that exceeded the dune toe and the width of the berm fronting the duneAccreted berms experienced a greater proportion of erosion of the overall berm, regardless of variability in forcing conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the rapid and destructive impacts of storm erosion, beach recovery is a key natural process of restoration, returning eroded sediment to the subaerial beach and rebuilding coastal morphology. While the effects of storm erosion have commonly been investigated, detailed studies into poststorm recovery are currently lacking. This study investigates wave‐driven recovery processes of the berm and beachface on a microtidal, swash‐aligned sandy beach. Following complete removal of the berm by a significant storm event, the entire 76‐day rebuilding of a swash berm is analyzed at the timescale of every semidiurnal tidal cycle, utilizing high‐resolution (5 Hz) swash and subaerial beach profile measurements from a continuously scanning fixed lidar. Tide‐by‐tide rates of subaerial volume change during berm recovery were most frequently observed between 1 and 2 m3/m/day, including losses and gains an order of magnitude larger than the more gradual rate of net gain (0.7 m3/m/day) observed for the entire recovery period. Patterns of berm crest formation and vertical growth were found to be primarily governed by the neap‐spring tide variations in total water levels. Tide‐by‐tide beachface and berm volume changes were used to classify four principal behavioral modes of subaerial profile variability during recovery. Using decision tree classification, modes were differentiated according to nearshore dimensionless fall velocity, swash exceedance of the berm crest, and ocean water levels. The findings provide novel behavioral and parametric insight into the tide‐by‐tide rebuilding of the beachface and berm by swash throughout a complete poststorm recovery period. Key Points: Tide‐by‐tide analysis of an entire 76‐day poststorm recovery of a sandy berm and beachface reveals four key modes of profile behaviorRates of beachface volume change per tidal cycle varied on the order of several cubic meters per meterCriteria found to govern behavioral modes include dimensionless fall velocity, swash exceedance of the berm crest, and ocean water levels [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many patients remain without a diagnosis despite extensive medical evaluation. The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) was established to apply a multidisciplinary model in the evaluation of the most challenging cases and to identify the biologic characteristics of newly discovered diseases. The UDN, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health, was formed in 2014 as a network of seven clinical sites, two sequencing cores, and a coordinating center. Later, a central biorepository, a metabolomics core, and a model organisms screening center were added.Methods: We evaluated patients who were referred to the UDN over a period of 20 months. The patients were required to have an undiagnosed condition despite thorough evaluation by a health care provider. We determined the rate of diagnosis among patients who subsequently had a complete evaluation, and we observed the effect of diagnosis on medical care.Results: A total of 1519 patients (53% female) were referred to the UDN, of whom 601 (40%) were accepted for evaluation. Of the accepted patients, 192 (32%) had previously undergone exome sequencing. Symptoms were neurologic in 40% of the applicants, musculoskeletal in 10%, immunologic in 7%, gastrointestinal in 7%, and rheumatologic in 6%. Of the 382 patients who had a complete evaluation, 132 received a diagnosis, yielding a rate of diagnosis of 35%. A total of 15 diagnoses (11%) were made by clinical review alone, and 98 (74%) were made by exome or genome sequencing. Of the diagnoses, 21% led to recommendations regarding changes in therapy, 37% led to changes in diagnostic testing, and 36% led to variant-specific genetic counseling. We defined 31 new syndromes.Conclusions: The UDN established a diagnosis in 132 of the 382 patients who had a complete evaluation, yielding a rate of diagnosis of 35%. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health Common Fund.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne scanning laser technology provides an effective method to systematically survey surface topography and changes in that topography with time. In this paper, the authors describe the capability of a rapid-response lidar system in which airborne observations are utilized to describe results from a set of surveys of Narrabeen-Collaroy Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, over a short period of time during which significant erosion and deposition of the subaerial beach occurred. The airborne lidar data were obtained using a Riegl Q240i lidar coupled with a NovAtel SPAN-CPT integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and inertial unit and flown at various altitudes. A set of the airborne lidar data is compared with ground-truth data acquired from the beach using a GNSS/real-time kinematic (RTK) system mounted on an all-terrain vehicle. The comparison shows consistency between systems, with the airborne lidar data being less than 0.02 m different from the ground-truth data when four surveys are undertaken, provided a method of removing outliers-developed here and designated as 'weaving'-is used. The combination of airborne lidar data with ground-truth data provides an excellent method of obtaining high-quality topographic data. Using the results from this analysis, it is shown that airborne lidar data alone produce results that can be used for ongoing large-scale surveys of beaches with reliable accuracy, and that the enhanced accuracy resulting from multiple airborne surveys can be assessed quantitatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever-expanding networks of surf cameras offer a unique opportunity to monitor the coastline over large expanses at very little cost compared to traditional in situ survey methods. Here, we describe and test a new coastal monitoring system maintained by CoastalCOMS Pty Ltd. at their test site at Gold Coast, Australia. The two-camera system monitors two highly sensitive 4-km stretches of sandy coastline adjacent to high-value assets. The traditional static multi-camera setup has been replaced by a single rotational camera. A 14-month data set, encompassing one major storm, a recovery period, and a seasonal cycle, was analyzed. Positive shoreline detections using the new camera system were available 64% of the time (roughly 145 days of the available 226, where daily offshore significant wave heights Hs ≤ 1 m). Comparison of the CoastalCOMS-derived shorelines and in situ survey data showed a mean shoreward bias of 25.5 m. Daily shoreline estimates were used to calculate weekly and five-week running mean beach widths at both sites. Analysis showed that both sites eroded between 15-22 m during the May 2009 storm and then recovered during the proceeding five-month calm period. Distinct intersite variability was observed between the more exposed Northern Beaches that displayed an annual shoreline cycle and very little intrasite variability and the more sheltered southern Palm Beach site that displayed large intrasite spatial variability and sensitivity to changes to both wave direction and wave height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Transvaginal ultrasonography to predict preterm birth in women with hysteroscopic uterine septum resection," by J.M. Crane and colleagues is presented.

Microwave-based reactions have gained traction in recent years due to their ability to enhance reaction rates and yield while reducing energy consumption. Also, according to the conception of 'waste to materials', various waste feeds are intensively sought to be tested. The experimental setup of this study involved varying pH levels, oxidation agents, and precipitation agents to optimize the synthesis process of iron red based on waste iron sulfate. The selection of oxidation and precipitation agents was found to significantly influence the pigment synthesis process. Various oxidizing agents, including hydrogen peroxide and atmospheric air, were evaluated for their effectiveness in promoting the oxidation of ferrous ions to ferric ions, essential for pigment formation. Additionally, different precipitation agents such as sodium hydroxide and ammonia solution were assessed for their ability to precipitate iron hydroxides and facilitate pigment particle formation. The characterization of synthesized pigments revealed promising results in terms of quality and color properties. Helium Ion Microscopy (HIM) analysis confirmed the formation of well-defined pigment particles with controlled morphology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies provided insights into the crystalline structure of the pigments, indicating the presence of characteristic iron oxide phases. By improving this technology, waste iron sulfate can be efficiently transformed into valuable iron pigments, offering a sustainable solution for waste management while meeting the growing demand for high-quality pigments.

Introduction: Northern Ontario has a population of approximately 800,000 people distributed over 806,707 km2. Before 2018, the only fertility treatment centre in Northern Ontario was located in Thunder Bay; many patients travelled south for care. In 2018, the Northeastern Ontario Women's Health Network (NEOWHN) opened in Sudbury, providing fertility treatments to people living in Northeastern Ontario. The goal of this study was to determine if proximity to this new fertility centre increases one's chance of achieving pregnancy when undergoing fertility treatment. Secondary outcomes included the quantity and types of fertility investigations and treatments completed by patients., Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients seeking fertility treatment at NEOWHN between January 2019 and December 2020. Traveling >100 km to access healthcare was considered to be a clinically significant determinant of health., Results: Seven hundred and 5 patients were seen in consultation for fertility services at NEOWHN during the study period. One hundred eighty-one of 478 (37.9%) patients living <100 km from NEOWHN achieved pregnancy compared to 39 of 227 (17.2%) patients living >100 km from NEOWHN (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Living in proximity (<100 km) to NEOWHN increased the likelihood that individuals in Northeastern Ontario would seek fertility services and would achieve pregnancy. Financial constraints and inaccessibility likely play a role in this, but further studies are needed to explain this difference., Introduction: Le Nord de l'Ontario compte une population d'environ 800,000 personnes réparties sur 806,707 km2. Avant 2018, le seul centre de traitement de la fertilité du Nord de l'Ontario était situé à Thunder Bay; de nombreux patients SE rendaient dans le sud pour recevoir des soins. En 2018, le Northeastern Ontario Women's Health Network (NEOWHN-le Réseau de santé des femmes du Nord-Est de l'Ontario) a ouvert ses portes à Sudbury, offrant des traitements de fertilité aux personnes vivant dans le Nord-Est de l'Ontario. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer si la proximité de ce nouveau centre de fertilité augmente les chances d'obtenir une grossesse lors d'un traitement de fertilité. Les résultats secondaires comprenaient la quantité et les types d'examens et de traitements de fertilité effectués par les patients., Mthodes: Une étude rétrospective des dossiers a été réalisée pour tous les patients cherchant un traitement de fertilité au NEOWHN entre janvier 2019 et décembre 2020. Le fait de voyager >100 km pour accéder aux soins de santé a été considéré comme un déterminant de la santé cliniquement significatif., Rsultats: Seven hundred and 5 patients ont été vus en consultation pour des services de fertilité au NEOWHN pendant la période d'étude. One hundred eighty-one des 478 (37.9%) patientes vivant à moins de 100 km du NEOWHN ont obtenu une grossesse, contre 39 des 227 (17.2%) patientes vivant à plus de 100 km du NEOWHN (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Le fait de vivre à proximité (<100 km) du NEOWHN augmente la probabilité que les habitants du Nord-Est de l'Ontario aient recours à des services de fertilité et obtiennent une grossesse. Les contraintes financières et l'inaccessibilité jouent probablement un rôle à cet égard, mais d'autres études sont nécessaires pour expliquer cette différence., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Society of Rural Physicians of Canada.)

This article presents a two-step method of iron red synthesis based on waste long-term deposited iron(II) sulfate. The first step is the purification of waste iron sulfate, and then the pigment is synthesized by precipitation using a microwave reactor. The newly developed method of purification allows for quick and thorough purification of iron salt. The use of a microwave reactor in the synthesis of iron red makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the goethite-hematite phase transition from 500 °C to 170 °C and skip the calcination process. A temperature reduction in the synthesis decreases the formation of agglomerates of synthesized materials compared to commercial ones. The results of the research showed a change in the physicochemical properties of the obtained pigments depending on the conditions of synthesis. Waste iron(II) sulfate is a promising raw material for the synthesis of iron red pigments. Laboratory pigments are found to be differ from commercial pigments. The difference in properties speaks in favor of synthesized materials.

An understanding of health related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and families affected by methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is important in planning counseling and therapeutic intervention. Liver transplantation (LT) is used as a treatment for MMA; however, its risks and benefits continue to be investigated. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to measure HRQoL in children and families affected by MMA using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) parent version, and (2) to assess the impact of LT on HRQoL by comparing LT and non-LT patient scores and free responses. Parents/caregivers reported lower scores on the majority of the PedsQL™ scales as compared to samples of healthy children, children with solid organ transplants for indications other than MMA, and families affected by chronic conditions. Scores for children with MMA were lowest in school and social functioning and scores for families were lowest in worry and activity impairment. There were no significant differences in LT and non-LT patient scores on the PedsQL™ scales. Our results document the negative impact of MMA on HRQoL.

Objective: To estimate whether cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasonography in women with a history of hysteroscopic uterine septum resection predicts spontaneous preterm birth <35 weeks' gestation., Methods: This retrospective cohort study compared women who had undergone hysteroscopic metroplasty, and were subsequently pregnant with singleton gestations delivered January 2003 to December 2012, to a low-risk control group. Transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical lengths were measured 16-30 weeks' gestation. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth <35 weeks' gestation and the primary exposure variable of interest was cervical length., Results: Women with a uterine septum resected (N = 24) had a shorter cervical length (2.90 cm) than the low-risk control group (N = 141, 4.31 cm, p < 0.0001); and were more likely to have a cervical length <3.0 cm (41.7% versus 1.4%, p < 0.0001), <2.5 cm (33.3% versus 0%, p < 0.0001), <2.0 cm (16.7% versus 0%, p < 0.0001) and <1.5 cm (12.5% versus 0%, p = 0.003). Women with septum resected were more likely to receive corticosteroids (33.3% versus 11.3%, p = 0.010), but were not more likely to have a spontaneous preterm birth <35 weeks (4.2% versus 0.7%, p = 0.27). There were no differences noted in secondary outcomes including neonatal morbidity., Conclusion: Pregnant women with a history of a hysteroscopic uterine septum resection have shorter cervical lengths than low-risk controls but may not be at a higher risk of spontaneous preterm birth <35 weeks' gestation. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to evaluate this group of women to determine if transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical length assessment is of benefit.

Epoxides are a group of reactive intermediates formed by the cytochrome P-450-mediated monooxygenation of unsaturated xenobiotics. Epoxide hydrolase inactivates these epoxides by addition of water to form diols. Commonly the function of epoxide hydrolase is finally followed by excretion of the diols. However, reactivation of certain diols by a second epoxidation may happen. Epoxide hydrolase inactivates also the epoxides existing in the metabolism of endogenous compounds. The determination of the activity of epoxide hydrolase by the addition of water to styrene oxide (1,2-epoxyethylbenzene) and measurement of the concentration of the produced phenylglycol (1-phenyl-1,2-ethandiol) with subsequent separation of the 2 substances by HPLC is described. Lipophilic xenobiotics tend to accumulate into tissues, and they must be transformed to water soluble compounds to enable the excretion. In this transformation process reactive intermediates are produced. If biotransformation fails to detoxify these reactive intermediates, they may react covalently with critical targets like the genetic material, or start harmful reaction chains like lipid peroxidation. As a result of this carcinogenicity, mutagenicity etc. may ensue Miller and Miller (1976). Depending on the chemical structure of the molecule, different kinds of reactive substances are generated. Epoxides originate from oxidation of an aliphatic or aromatic double bond by the action of cytochrome P-450-mediated monooxygenases (Leibmann et al. 1979). One detoxifying pathway is the addition of water to form diols, which are of low reactivity; this reaction is catalyzed by epoxide hydrolase. Other possible pathways are the formation of glutathione conjugates or the rearrangement to aldehydes or ketones (Habig et al. 1974; Oesch 1979).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)