Sedimentation of Prairie Wetlands

Many wetlands in the prairie pothole region are embedded within an agricultural landscape where they are subject to varying degrees of siltation. Cultivation of wetland catchment areas has exacerbated soil erosion; wetlands in agricultural fields receive more sediment from upland areas than wetlands in grassland landscapes and hence are subject to premature filling (i.e., they have shorter topographic lives). Associated impacts from increased turbidity, sediment deposition, and increased surface water input likely have impaired natural wetland functions. Although trapping of sediments by wetlands is often cited as a water quality benefit, sediment input from agricultural fields has potential to completely fill wetlands and shorten their effective life-span. Thus, the value placed on wetlands to trap sediments is in conflict with maximizing the effective topographic life of wetlands. Herein, we provide an overview of sedimentation, identify associated impacts on wetlands, and suggest remedial management strategies. We also highlight the need to evaluate the impact of agricultural practices on wetland functions from an interdisciplinary approach to facilitate development of best management practices that benefit both wetland and agricultural interests

Sedimentation of Prairie Wetlands

Many wetlands in the prairie pothole region are embedded within an agricultural landscape where they are subject to varying degrees of siltation. Cultivation of wetland catchment areas has exacerbated soil erosion; wetlands in agricultural fields receive more sediment from upland areas than wetlands in grassland landscapes and hence are subject to premature filling (i.e., they have shorter topographic lives). Associated impacts from increased turbidity, sediment deposition, and increased surface water input likely have impaired natural wetland functions. Although trapping of sediments by wetlands is often cited as a water quality benefit, sediment input from agricultural fields has potential to completely fill wetlands and shorten their effective life-span. Thus, the value placed on wetlands to trap sediments is in conflict with maximizing the effective topographic life of wetlands. Herein, we provide an overview of sedimentation, identify associated impacts on wetlands, and suggest remedial management strategies. We also highlight the need to evaluate the impact of agricultural practices on wetland functions from an interdisciplinary approach to facilitate development of best management practices that benefit both wetland and agricultural interests

Starting Up a Police Department: Learning Experiences of Setting Up the Police Department of Combine Texas

Examines and discusses the process of starting a new police department

A Feasibility Study Using TomoDirect for Craniospinal Irradiation

The feasibility of delivering craniospinal irradiation (CSI) with TomoDirect is investigated. A method is proposed to generate TomoDirect plans using standard three-dimensional (3D) beam arrangements on Tomotherapy with junctioning of these fields to minimize hot or cold spots at the cranial/spinal junction. These plans are evaluated and compared to a helical Tomotherapy and a three-dimensional conformal therapy (3D CRT) plan delivered on a conventional linear accelerator (linac) for CSI. The comparison shows that a TomoDirect plan with an overlap between the cranial and spinal fields might be preferable over Tomotherapy plans because of decreased low dose to large volumes of normal tissues outside of the planning target volume (PTV). Although the TomoDirect plans were not dosimetrically superior to a 3D CRT linac plan, the patient can be easily treated in the supine position, which is often more comfortable and efficient from an anesthesia standpoint. TomoDirect plans also have only one setup position which obviates the need for matching of fields and feathering of junctions, two issues encountered with conventional 3D CRT plans. TomoDirect plans can be delivered with comparable treatment times to conventional 3D plans and in shorter times than a Tomotherapy plan. In this paper, a method is proposed for creating TomoDirect craniospinal plans, and the dosimetric consequences for choosing different planning parameters are discussed

Using Community-Based Participatory Research to Investigate the Effectiveness of HIV/AIDS Risk Reduction Counseling in an Urban African-American Community

Introduction: Risk reduction counseling is an important component in HIV/AIDS prevention. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) was conducted to determine if a single counseling session was as effective as a two-session intervention in reducing risk behavior. Methods: Community and academic investigators jointly developed the study design. A convenience sample of 242 persons was randomized to receive either a two session intervention with Conventional HIV Testing (CHT) or a one session intervention with HIV Rapid Testing (HRT). Participants completed a risk assessment immediately preceding the test and a risk reduction plan after the test; CHT participants received a second risk reduction session. Results: Of 130 participants completing a one-month follow-up, 86.9% were African American and 72.3% were male. All participants demonstrated a significant decrease in risk behaviors regardless of procedure. Conclusions: Findings suggested that a brief client-centered risk reduction counseling intervention can be equally effective with either CHT or HRT. CBPR allowed the academic partner to answer study questions as the community agency received information to make informed decisions during a transition period from CHT to HRT

Reconceptualizing Mies\u27 Glass House

Our team used the glass house studio to explore class stratification, particularly using the glass as a reflection of class dichotomy in our society. The glass and Miesian design approach glorifies the clean cut, picture-perfect utopia only accessible to the wealthy few. But reality proves that there is more to this. As architects and engineers, we should strive to create environments that may uphold our values of equity and diversity and ultimately serve all sectors of society

The direct diagnosis of myocardial infarction by photoscanning after administration of cesium-131

1. 1. It is possible to visualize the left ventricular myocardium of the intact, living patient, without discomfort or danger to the patient, by photoscanning after the administration of cesium-131.2. 2. The normal left ventricular myocardium appears as a full, even density, with a smooth contour. Myocardial infarcts appear as "cold" areas of decreased uptake.3. 3. In 6 patients with unequivocal fresh myocardial infarcts, the scans were positive in 5 and doubtful in 1. In 2 patients who probably had suffered recent myocardial infarctions, the scan was positive in 1 and negative in 1. In 2 patients who had heart disease but who had probably not had recent myocardial infarctions, the scan was negative in 1 and doubtful in 1. The scan was negative in each of 3 patients with normal hearts.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/32170/1/0000225.pd

Theology, News and Notes - Vol. 03, No. 03

Theology News & Notes was a theological journal published by Fuller Theological Seminary from 1954 through 2014.https://digitalcommons.fuller.edu/tnn/1004/thumbnail.jp