The movement of sediment in a channel in relation to magnitude and frequency concepts- a New Zealand example

In areas where surface wash contributes most of the debris to a channel network, the effect of events of moderate magnitude and frequency appear to be more important than catastrophic events for land form development. In previous studies this idea has been emphasised, largely as a result of the fact that the contribution of bedload to sediment yield has rarely been considered. Examination of these ideas under certain New Zealand conditions would seem to present a somewhat different picture. Where rapid mass movement is the main contributor of sediment to the channel, both the development of hill-slope form and the movement of sediment in channels must be related to the frequency of occurrence of mass movements. The evidence seems to suggest that most major mass movements are triggered during high-intensity, low-frequency storms. The Orere River catchment in the Hunua greywacke block of South Auckland, New Zealand, is examined to test these ideas. Although historical data are limited, the character of the sediments in the lower catchment would suggest a succession of major periods of deposition. High-intensity storms of 1966 and 1967 resulted in the deposition of large amounts of material in the channels throughout the catchment, with a gradual removal of material mainly from the upper catchment since that time. From the limited evidence that is available, a simple model of sediment movement through the catchment is presented

Does the Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA) accurately map visual field loss attributed to vigabatrin?

Purpose Vigabatrin (VGB) is an anti-epileptic medication which has been linked to peripheral constriction of the visual field. Documenting the natural history associated with continued VGB exposure is important when making decisions about the risk and benefits associated with the treatment. Due to its speed the Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA) has become the algorithm of choice when carrying out Full Threshold automated static perimetry. SITA uses prior distributions of normal and glaucomatous visual field behaviour to estimate threshold sensitivity. As the abnormal model is based on glaucomatous behaviour this algorithm has not been validated for VGB recipients. We aim to assess the clinical utility of the SITA algorithm for accurately mapping VGB attributed field loss. Methods The sample comprised one randomly selected eye of 16 patients diagnosed with epilepsy, exposed to VGB therapy. A clinical diagnosis of VGB attributed visual field loss was documented in 44% of the group. The mean age was 39.3 years ± 14.5 years and the mean deviation was -4.76 dB ±4.34 dB. Each patient was examined with the Full Threshold, SITA Standard and SITA Fast algorithm. Results SITA Standard was on average approximately twice as fast (7.6 minutes) and SITA Fast approximately 3 times as fast (4.7 minutes) as examinations completed using the Full Threshold algorithm (15.8 minutes). In the clinical environment, the visual field outcome with both SITA algorithms was equivalent to visual field examination using the Full Threshold algorithm in terms of visual inspection of the grey scale plots , defect area and defect severity. Conclusions Our research shows that both SITA algorithms are able to accurately map visual field loss attributed to VGB. As patients diagnosed with epilepsy are often vulnerable to fatigue, the time saving offered by SITA Fast means that this algorithm has a significant advantage for use with VGB recipients

Diurnal Refractive Error Fluctuations in Diabetic and Control Subjects

Purpose: Refractive error has been shown to fluctuate in poorly controlled diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to measure acute diurnal fluctuations in refractive error and blood glucose levels (BGLs) in diabetic and control subjects. Methods: Twenty-one type 2 diabetic subjects (age 56 ± 11 years), 20 type 1 diabetic subjects (age 38 ± 15 years) and 20 non-diabetic controls (age 49 ± 23 years) took part in the study. Refractive error was measured with an OPD ARK-10000 autorefractometer (Nidek) and BGLs were measured using a finger stick test (Hemocue). All measurements were taken six times during the day, between 8AM and 8PM at approximately twohourly intervals. Using power vector analysis the variability in refractive error was mapped against time of day and related to BGLs, HbA1c, diabetic status and duration of disease. Results: Refractive error was similar between groups (p=0.96) and did not fluctuate significantly during the day in any of the three groups (ANOVA p>0.05). The mean ± SD values for BGLs during the day were 10.4 ± 4.40mM/l in DM type 2, 10.3 ± 5.30mM/l in DM type 1, and 5.4 ± 1.04mM/l in control subjects. BGLs changed significantly during the day and between groups (ANOVA p0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that neither BGLs, HbA1c, diabetic status, nor duration of disease had a significant effect on diurnal refractive error measurements. (p>0.05). Conclusions: Diurnal changes in BGLs do not result in significant acute refractive error fluctuations in diabetic patients, as measured with an autorefractometer. CR: C. O’Donnell, None; H. Workman, None; S.L. Hosking, None; B. Huntjens, None. Support: Supported by a PhD studentship from Lein Applied Diagnostics Ltd

The interpretation of particle size, shape, and carbon flux of marine particle images is strongly affected by the choice of particle detection algorithm

In situ imaging of particles in the ocean are rapidly establishing themselves as powerful tools to investigate the ocean carbon cycle, including the role of sinking particles for carbon sequestration via the biological carbon pump. A big challenge when analysing particles in camera images is determining the size of the particle, which is required to calculate carbon content, sinking velocity and flux. A key image processing decision is the algorithm used to decide which part of the image forms the particle and which is the background. However, this critical analysis step is often unmentioned and its effect rarely explored. Here we show that final flux estimates can easily vary by an order of magnitude when selecting different algorithms for a single dataset. We applied a range of static threshold values and 11 different algorithms (seven threshold and four edge detection algorithms) to particle profiles collected by the LISST-Holo system in two contrasting environments. Our results demonstrate that the particle detection method does not only affect estimated particle size but also particle shape. Uncertainties are likely exacerbated when different particle detection methods are mixed, e.g., when datasets from different studies or devices are merged. We conclude that there is a clear need for more transparent method descriptions and justification for particle detection algorithms, as well as for a calibration standard that allows intercomparison between different devices

Draining the Swamp: Micro Virtual Machines as Solid Foundation for Language Development

Many of today\u27s programming languages are broken. Poor performance, lack of features and hard-to-reason-about semantics can cost dearly in software maintenance and inefficient execution. The problem is only getting worse with programming languages proliferating and hardware becoming more complicated. An important reason for this brokenness is that much of language design is implementation-driven. The difficulties in implementation and insufficient understanding of concepts bake bad designs into the language itself. Concurrency, architectural details and garbage collection are three fundamental concerns that contribute much to the complexities of implementing managed languages. We propose the micro virtual machine, a thin abstraction designed specifically to relieve implementers of managed languages of the most fundamental implementation challenges that currently impede good design. The micro virtual machine targets abstractions over memory (garbage collection), architecture (compiler backend), and concurrency. We motivate the micro virtual machine and give an account of the design and initial experience of a concrete instance, which we call Mu, built over a two year period. Our goal is to remove an important barrier to performant and semantically sound managed language design and implementation

Systemic reduction in glutathione levels occurs in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE. To assess the level of plasma glutathione in patients with untreated primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS. Twenty-one patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma and 34 age- and gender-matched control subjects were subjected to a blood analysis to detect the level of circulating glutathione in its reduced and oxidized forms. The effect of age, gender, and systemic blood pressure on circulating glutathione levels was also analyzed. RESULTS. Age had a negative effect on the level of both reduced and total glutathione (P = 0.002, r = -0.52 and P = 0.002, r = -0.52, respectively) in control subjects but not in patients with glaucoma (P > 0.05, r = 0.27, and P > 0.05, r = 0.22, respectively). In the control group, men demonstrated higher levels of both reduced and total glutathione than did women (P = 0.024 and P = 0.032, respectively). After correction for age and gender influences on blood glutathione levels, patients with glaucoma exhibited significantly lower levels of reduced and total glutathione than did control subjects (P = 0.010, F = 7.24 and P = 0.006, F = 8.38, respectively). No differences between study groups were observed in either oxidized glutathione levels or redox index (P > 0.05, F = 0.50; and P > 0.05, F = 0.30, respectively). CONCLUSIONS. Patients with glaucoma exhibit low levels of circulating glutathione, suggesting a general compromise of the antioxidative defense. Copyright © Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Deep seam and minesoil carbon sequestration potential of the South Wales Coalfield, UK

Combustion of coal for energy generation has been a significant contributor to increased concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is of interest to evaluate the potential of former coalfields for mitigating these increases by carbon sequestration and to compare different options to achieving this end. Here, carbon sequestration in residual coal seams and through reclamation of spoil tips is compared, and their carbon dioxide storage potential in the South Wales Coalfield estimated. Coal seam sequestration estimates come from an established methodology and consider the total unmined coal resource below 500 m deep with potential for carbon sequestration. The most likely effective deep seam storage capacity is 104.9 Mt carbon dioxide, taking account of reservoir conditions and engineering factors. Whilst many spoil tips in South Wales have been reclaimed, the focus has not been on carbon sequestration potential. Estimates of minesoil restoration sequestration capacity were based on a survey of restored minesoil and vegetation carbon stocks, mainly on sites 20–30 years after restoration; data from this survey were then extrapolated to the coalfield as a whole. Minesoil storage is estimated at 1.5 or 2.5 Mt (+2.2 Mt in tree biomass) carbon dioxide based on average grassland or woodland measurements, respectively; modelled data predicted equilibrium values of 2.9 and 2.6 Mt carbon dioxide respectively in grassland or woodland minesoils. If all sites achieved close to the maximum capacity in their land use class, minesoil storage capacity would increase to 2.1 or 3.9 Mt carbon dioxide, respectively. Combining the best woodland minesoil and standing biomass values, sequestration capacity increases to 7.2 Mt carbon dioxide. The wider social, economic, environmental and regulatory constraints to achieving this sequestration for each approach are discussed. Coal seam sequestration has a much higher capacity but sequestration in mine sites is less costly and has fewer regulatory constraints. Findings indicate a significant combined potential for carbon sequestration in the South Wales Coalfield and highlight challenges in achieving this potential. On a global scale, ex-coalfield sequestration could contribute to broader efforts to mitigate emissions