Geologic factors in the evaluation of water pollution potential at mountain dwelling sites

December, 1973.Bibliography: pages [133]-135.In order to establish the relationship between the geologic setting and the occurrence of water pollution in mountain home developments containing individual sewage disposal systems, three areas in Colorado's Front Range were studied. Two of the areas were known to have biological contamination as confirmed by microbiological tests. Also, each area had adequate rock exposures to allow for detailed geologic study, the absence of thick soil profiles above bedrock and current development for mountain home location. In addition, each of the selected study areas differed in geologic setting, age of development and home density in the development. The extent of water pollution was established by a program of well and surface water testing for total coliform. Fecal coliform and inorganic contaminants were tested in selected wells. Detailed geologic maps were made of each area to locate features such as dikes or shear zones which might act as either barriers or conduits to ground water movement. Slope maps were prepared for the area by computer plots of digitized data of elevations taken from U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps. Determination of the water table profile and extent of alluvial fill in valley bottoms was accomplished using driller's well logs for each well in the area. In addition, soils were tested to determine their effective grain size, a joint and foliation study was conducted to determine the direction of pollutant travel should effluent enter these openings, driller's well logs were used to establish depth of soils and depth of weathering in bedrock and data from county health records were used to establish soil percolation rates. Data were compiled in the form of overlays on base maps of the areas involved. A topographic map with the geologic overlay was used in conjunction with various combinations of the field derivative overlays to indicate the pollution potential for specific areas. The overlays used in this procedure were compiled from. the following parameters: 1) slope, 2) depth of soil, 3) depth of intensely weathered bedrock, 4) local water table profile, and 5) soil percolation rates. These overlays indicated that the Glen Haven area is unsuitable for soil absorption sewage systems because of steep slopes, soil depth and depth of the water table. Most of the Tall Timbers area was indicated as unsuitable for soil absorption systems because of slope, soil depth and local geology. The Crescent Park area was categorized as safe (in part) for soil absorption systems, however, local areas within the subdivision were categorized as hazardous. From the results it was suggested that a procedure such as the one used in this study could be used for each subdivision proposed in the mountainous regions of Colorado. Thus more effective use of mountainous areas might be passable while maintaining a low probability of ground water contamination. Areas within each proposed subdivision would be classified as safe, hazardous, or unsuitable for soil absorption sewage systems. Unsuitable areas could be used as parks or greenbelts, hazardous areas would have low population densities and safe areas would be allowed to have higher population densities as long as other factors were favorable. In addition, procedures such as the one used in this investigation could be used to indicate mountain areas which should require a municipal sewage disposal system before development to ensure that the ground water system was not polluted.Supported by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission and the United States Department of Interior, Office of Water Resources Research, no.87-194-2. (s) 14-01-001-1882

Synergistic interactions between XPC and p53 mutations in double-mutant mice: neural tube abnormalities and accelerated UV radiation-induced skin cancer

AbstractThe significance of DNA repair to human health has been well documented by studies on xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients, who suffer a dramatically increased risk of cancer in sun-exposed areas of their skin [1,2]. This autosomal recessive disorder has been directly associated with a defect in nucleotide excision–repair (NER) [1,2]. Like human XP individuals, mice carrying homozygous mutations in XP genes manifest a predisposition to skin carcinogenesis following exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation [3–5]. Recent studies have suggested that, in addition to roles in apoptosis [6] and cell-cycle checkpoint control [7] in response to DNA damage, p53 protein may modulate NER [8]. Mutations in the p53 gene have been observed in 50% of all human tumors [9] and have been implicated in both the early [10] and late [11] stages of skin cancer. To examine the consequences of a combined deficiency of the XPC and the p53 proteins in mice, we generated double-mutant animals. We document a spectrum of neural tube defects in XPC p53 mutant embryos. Additionally, we show that, following exposure to UV-B radiation, XPC p53 mutant mice have more severe solar keratosis and suffer accelerated skin cancer compared with XPC mutant mice that are wild-type with respect to p53

Joint flow-seismic inversion for characterizing fractured reservoirs: theoretical approach and numerical modeling

Traditionally, seismic interpretation is performed without any account of the flow behavior. Here, we present a methodology to characterize fractured geologic media by integrating flow and seismic data. The key element of the proposed approach is the identification of the intimate relation between acoustic and flow responses of a fractured reservoir through the fracture compliance. By means of synthetic models, we show that: (1) owing to the strong (but highly uncertain) dependence of fracture permeability on fracture compliance, the modeled flow response in a fractured reservoir is highly sensitive to the geophysical interpretation; and (2) by incorporating flow data (well pressures and production curves) into the inversion workflow, we can simultaneously reduce the error in the seismic interpretation and improve predictions of the reservoir flow dynamics.Eni-MIT Energy Initiative Founding Member Progra

On the Evolution Equation for Magnetic Geodesics

In this paper we prove the existence of long time solutions for the parabolic equation for closed magnetic geodesics.Comment: In this paper we prove the existence of long time solutions for the parabolic equation for closed magnetic geodesic

Predicting glacio-hydrologic change in the headwaters of the Zongo River, Cordillera Real, Bolivia

In many partially glacierized watersheds glacier recession driven by a warming climate could lead to complex patterns of streamflow response over time, often marked with rapid increases followed by sharp declines, depending on initial glacier ice cover and rate of climate change. Capturing such “phases” of hydrologic response is critical in regions where communities rely on glacier meltwater, particularly during low flows. In this paper, we investigate glacio-hydrologic response in the headwaters of the Zongo River, Bolivia, under climate change using a distributed glacio-hydrological model over the period of 1987–2100. Model predictions are evaluated through comparisons with satellite-derived glacier extent estimates, glacier surface velocity, in situ glacier mass balance, surface energy flux, and stream discharge measurements. Historically (1987–2010) modeled glacier melt accounts for 27% of annual runoff, and 61% of dry season (JJA) runoff on average. During this period the relative glacier cover was observed to decline from 35 to 21% of the watershed. In the future, annual and dry season discharge is projected to decrease by 4% and 27% by midcentury and 25% and 57% by the end of the century, respectively, following the loss of 81% of the ice in the watershed. Modeled runoff patterns evolve through the interplay of positive and negative trends in glacier melt and increased evapotranspiration as the climate warms. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that the selection of model surface energy balance parameters greatly influences the trajectory of hydrological change projected during the first half of the 21st century. These model results underscore the importance of coupled glacio-hydrology modeling.This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by American Geophysical Union and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://sites.agu.org/The Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalysis meteorological data can be downloaded from the Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES-DISC, http://disc.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov). Most of the glaciological and meteorological data measured in the watershed that were utilized in this study can be downloaded from the Glacioclim database (http://www-lgge.ujfgrenoble.fr/ServiceObs/). Nonpublic glaciological and meteorological data can be obtained with agreement from the Institute of Research for Development (IRD). The CMIP5 general circulation model output can be downloaded from the World Climate Research Program (WCRP, http://cmippcmdi.llnl.gov/cmip5/). The Landsat Thematic Mapper scenes can be downloaded from the United States Geological Survey (USGS, http://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/). All glacio-hydrological model data presented in this manuscript are available by request through the corresponding author ([email protected]). Surface energy balance observations were provided by Jean Emmanuel Sicart ([email protected])

Process evaluation of a peer-led antenatal breastfeeding class for fathers: perceptions of facilitators and participants

Background: The Parent Infant Feeding Initiative (PIFI) was a factorial, randomised controlled trial that aimed to prolong exclusive breastfeeding by targeting expecting fathers. One of the intervention strategies evaluated was a father-focused breastfeeding class facilitated by a male peer facilitator. The aim of this mixed-methods descriptive study was to 1) evaluate the feedback provided from participants of the class and 2) explore the motivations and experiences of volunteer male peer facilitators trained to deliver the class. Methods: Father-focused breastfeeding antenatal (FFAB) classes were conducted in six Western Australian hospitals between August 2015 and December 2016. Following each peer facilitated FFAB class, expecting father participants completed an evaluation form to assess their satisfaction with the format, facilitation and content, in addition to whether their expectations and confidence to manage breastfeeding problems had changed. Feedback to open-ended questions was analysed using content analysis to identify learnings and suggestions for improvements. At the completion of PIFI, individual telephone interviews were undertaken with 14 peer facilitators to gain insight into their motivations for volunteering and experiences of conducting the classes. Transcripts from interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six phases for thematic analysis. Results: Participant evaluation forms were completed by 678 of the 697 father participants (98%). Overall satisfaction with class format, facilitation and content was high with 90% or more of fathers either strongly agreeing or agreeing with each positively-phrased evaluation item. Class participants enjoyed interacting with other fathers, appreciated validation of their role, were not always aware of the importance of breastfeeding or potential difficulties, valued the anticipatory guidance around what to expect in the early weeks of parenting and appreciated learning practical breastfeeding support strategies. Peer facilitators indicated they felt well prepared and supported to conduct FFAB classes. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed common experiences of the peer facilitators incorporating four themes: ‘Highlights of being a facilitator’, ‘Challenges’, ‘Mourning the project completion’ and ‘Satisfaction with training and support’. Conclusion: Father-focused breastfeeding classes supported by volunteer male peer facilitators are a feasible and acceptable way of engaging fathers as breastfeeding supporters. Trial registration: ACTRN12614000605695. Registered 6 June 2014

Sequential approach to joint flow-seismic inversion for improved characterization of fractured media

Seismic interpretation of subsurface structures is traditionally performed without any account of flow behavior. Here we present a methodology for characterizing fractured geologic reservoirs by integrating flow and seismic data. The key element of the proposed approach is the identification—within the inversion—of the intimate relation between fracture compliance and fracture transmissivity, which determine the acoustic and flow responses of a fractured reservoir, respectively. Owing to the strong (but highly uncertain) dependence of fracture transmissivity on fracture compliance, the modeled flow response in a fractured reservoir is highly sensitive to the geophysical interpretation. By means of synthetic models, we show that by incorporating flow data (well pressures and tracer breakthrough curves) into the inversion workflow, we can simultaneously reduce the error in the seismic interpretation and improve predictions of the reservoir flow dynamics. While the inversion results are robust with respect to noise in the data for this synthetic example, the applicability of the methodology remains to be tested for more complex synthetic models and field cases.Eni-MIT Energy Initiative Founding Member ProgramKorea (South). Ministry of Land, Transportation and Maritime Affairs (15AWMP-B066761-03

Communications Biophysics

Contains reports on nine research projects split into four sections.National Institutes of Health (Grant 5 PO1 NS13126)National Institutes of Health (Grant 5 KO4 NS00113)National Institutes of Health (Training Grant 5 T32 NS07047)National Institutes of Health (Training Grant 1 T32 NS07099)National Science Foundation (Grant BNS77-16861)National Institutes of Health (Grant 5 ROI NS10916)National Institutes of Health (Grant 5 RO1 NS12846)National Science Foundation (Grant BNS77-21751)National Institutes of Health (Grant 1 RO1 NS14092)Edith E. Sturgis FoundationHealth Sciences FundNational Institutes of Health (Grant 2 R01 NS11680)National Institutes of Health (Fellowship 5 F32 NS05327)National Institutes of Health (Grant 2 ROI NS11080)National Institutes of Health (Training Grant 5 T32 GM07301

Species-specific responses of Late Quaternary megafauna to climate and humans

Despite decades of research, the roles of climate and humans in driving the dramatic extinctions of large-bodied mammals during the Late Quaternary remain contentious. We use ancient DNA, species distribution models and the human fossil record to elucidate how climate and humans shaped the demographic history of woolly rhinoceros, woolly mammoth, wild horse, reindeer, bison and musk ox. We show that climate has been a major driver of population change over the past 50,000 years. However, each species responds differently to the effects of climatic shifts, habitat redistribution and human encroachment. Although climate change alone can explain the extinction of some species, such as Eurasian musk ox and woolly rhinoceros, a combination of climatic and anthropogenic effects appears to be responsible for the extinction of others, including Eurasian steppe bison and wild horse. We find no genetic signature or any distinctive range dynamics distinguishing extinct from surviving species, underscoring the challenges associated with predicting future responses of extant mammals to climate and human-mediated habitat change.This paper is in the memory of our friend and colleague Dr. Andrei Sher, who was a major contributor of this study. Dr Sher died unexpectedly, but his major contributions to the field of Quaternary science will be remembered and appreciated for many years to come. We are grateful to Dr. Adrian Lister and Dr. Tony Stuart for guides and discussions. Thanks to Tina B. Brandt, Dr. Bryan Hockett and Alice Telka for laboratory help and samples and to L. Malik R. Thrane for his work on the megafauna locality database. Data taken from the Stage 3 project was partly funded by Grant #F/757/A from the Leverhulme Trust, together with a grant from the McDonald Grants and Awards Fund. We acknowledge the Danish National Research Foundation, the Lundbeck Foundation, the Danish Council for Independent Research and the US National Science Foundation for financial suppor