Modeling autohydrogenotrophic treatment of perchlorate-contaminated water in the presence of nitrate

textPerchlorate contamination is widespread. Perchlorate, a water contaminant, disrupts iodide uptake to the thyroid, inhibiting growth and mental development. Recent studies have demonstrated autohydrogenotrophic perchlorate reduction to chloride. Hydrogen gas can be produced in-situ via the corrosion of zero-valent iron (ZVI), thereby avoiding problems related to the low aqueous solubility of hydrogen gas. The presence of nitrate has been shown inhibit autohydrogenotrophic perchlorate reduction. However, no studies have modeled the effects of nitrate on autohydrogenotrophic perchlorate biokinetics or developed a model to function as a design tool to predict long-term performance of ZVI/biotic perchlorate treatment systems in the presence of nitrate. Batch experiments demonstrated the presence of nitrate significantly inhibited perchlorate degradation by an autohydrogenotrophic microbial consortium. However, the consortium was capable of significant perchlorate reduction while the bulk of the nitrate was still present. A modified competitive inhibition model successfully predicted autohydrogenotrophic perchlorate degradation in the presence of nitrate. The model describes perchlorate degradation as a function of the biomass, perchlorate, hydrogen, and nitrate concentrations, as well as the single-component perchlorate, hydrogen, and nitrate half-saturation coefficients and perchlorate maximum substrate utilization rate. To obtain the single-component parameters, a series of batch experiments were performed under perchlorate-, nitrate-, and hydrogen-limiting conditions. The single-component biokinetic parameters and model predictions indicate the consortium could treat perchlorate-contaminated water with concentrations in the low hundreds of μg/L and in states with perchlorate treatment goals in the low μg/L range. The consortium biokinetic parameters and modified competitive inhibition model were used in the development of an AQUASIM based biofilm model. The model also integrated physical parameters, ZVI hydrogen production, and abiotic nitrate reduction. The model was calibrated using the long-term performance results of a laboratory-scale ZVI/biotic column. Both laboratory and modeling results showed when the column becomes hydrogen-limited, the presence of nitrate decreases perchlorate removal efficiency. Full-scale simulations demonstrated the model could prove useful as a predictive design tool. Simulations suggest that a permeable reactive barrier that includes 10% ZVI and additional media capable of pH buffering could remove typical contaminated ground water concentrations of perchlorate in the presence of typical oxygen and nitrate concentrations.Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineerin

Functional Connectivity of the Raphe Nuclei: Link to Tobacco Withdrawal in Smokers.

BackgroundAlthough nicotine alters serotonergic neurochemistry, clinical trials of serotonergic medications for smoking cessation have provided mixed results. Understanding the role of serotonergic dysfunction in tobacco use disorder may advance development of novel pharmacotherapies.MethodsFunctional magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure resting-state functional connectivity of the raphe nuclei as an indicator of serotonergic function. Connectivity of the dorsal and median raphe nuclei was compared between 18 young smokers (briefly abstinent, ~40 minutes post-smoking) and 19 young nonsmokers (16-21 years old); connectivity was also examined in a separate sample of overnight-abstinent smokers (18-25 years old), before and after smoking the first cigarette of the day. Relationships between connectivity of the raphe nuclei with psychological withdrawal and craving were tested in smokers.ResultsConnectivity of the median raphe nucleus with the right hippocampal complex was weaker in smokers than in nonsmokers and was negatively correlated with psychological withdrawal in smokers. In overnight-abstinent smokers, smoking increased connectivity of the median raphe nucleus with the right hippocampal complex, and the increase was positively correlated with the decrease in psychological withdrawal.ConclusionsRelief of withdrawal due to smoking is potentially linked to the serotonergic pathway that includes the median raphe nucleus and hippocampal complex. These results suggest that serotonergic medications may be especially beneficial for smokers who endorse strong psychological withdrawal during abstinence from smoking

How Proposed HUSKY Cuts Will Harm Low-Income Families

An analysis of proposed Medicaid changes in Connecticut was conducted by our health policy experts. Using research literature and the recent experience of other states, we estimated the number of persons who would be left uninsured if the proposal is implemented, and discussed effects on access to care for parents, pregnant women, and children

Health Care Payment Reform: Options and Recommendations

This report evaluates a variety of strategies, from short-term actions to comprehensive reforms, and issues recommendations New Hampshire can choose from to contain health care costs while maintaining access and quality. View a video of the report being presented at a public forum hosted by the New Hampshire Insurance Department

Examining Long‐Term Effects Of An Infant Mental Health Home‐Based Early Head Start Program On Family Strengths And Resilience

Infant Mental Health based interventions aim to promote the healthy development of infants and toddlers through promoting healthy family functioning to foster supportive relationships between the young child and his or her important caregivers. This study examined impacts of an Infant Mental Health home‐based Early Head Start (IMH‐HB EHS) program on family functioning. The sample includes 152 low‐income families in the Midwestern United States, expectant or parenting a child younger than 1 year of age, who were randomly assigned to receive IMH‐HB EHS services (n = 75) or to a comparison condition (n = 77). Mothers who received IMH‐HB EHS services reported healthier psychological and family functioning, outcomes that are consistent with the IMH focus, when their children were between the ages of 3 and 7 years of age. Specifically, mothers in the IMH‐HB EHS group reported healthier family functioning and relationships, better coping skills needed to advocate for their families, and less stress in the parenting role versus those in the comparison condition. The study also examined support seeking coping, some of which changed differently over time based on program group assignment. Overall, findings suggest that the gains families achieve from participating in IMH‐HB EHS services are maintained after services cease.RESUMENLa meta de las intervenciones con base en la salud mental infantil es promover el desarrollo sano de infantes y bebés por medio de promover un funcionamiento familiar sano para adoptar relaciones de apoyo entre el pequeño niño y sus importantes cuidadores. Este estudio examinó el impacto que sobre el funcionamiento familiar tiene un programa “Early Head Start” de salud mental infantil con base en casa (IMH‐HB EHS). El grupo muestra lo componen 152 familias de bajos recursos del Medio Oeste de Estados Unidos, en espera de o ya criando a un niño menor de un año de edad, que fueron asignadas al azar para recibir los servicios de IMH‐HB EHS (n=75) o a una condición comparativa (n=77). Las madres que recibieron los servicios de IMH‐HB EHS reportaron un funcionamiento sicológico y familiar más saludable, resultados que son consistentes con el enfoque de IMH, cuando sus niños tenían entre 3 y 7 años de edad. Específicamente, las madres en el grupo IMH‐HB EHS reportaron un funcionamiento y relaciones familiares más saludables, mejores habilidades para arreglárselas que eran necesarias para abogar por sus familias, así como menos estrés en el papel de crianza al ser comparadas con aquellas madres en la condición comparativa. El estudio también examinó la manera de arreglárselas buscando apoyo, algunas de las cuales cambiaron diferentemente a través del tiempo con base en las asignaciones de grupo del programa. En general, los resultados sugieren que los aspectos positivos que las familias alcanzan como resultado de participar en los servicios de IMH‐HB EHS se mantienen después que los servicios terminan.RÉSUMÉLes interventions fondées sur la santé mentale ont pour but de promouvoir le développement sain des nourrissons et des jeunes enfants en promouvant le fonctionnement saind'une famille afin de favoriser des relations de soutien entre le jeune enfant et ceux qui s'occupent d'elle ou de lui. Cette étude a examiné les impacts d'un programme américain de Early Head Start focalisé sur la santé mentale du nourrisson (abrégé IMH‐HB EHS) sur le fonctionnement de la famille. L’échantillon a compris 152 familles de milieu défavorisé de la région centre des Etats‐Unis, attendant un enfant ou s'occupant d'un enfant de moins d'un an, a qui on a assigné au hasard les services IMH‐HB EHS (n=75) ou une condition de comparaison (n=77). Les mères ayant reçu les services IMH‐HB EHS ont fait état d'un meilleur fonctionnement psychologique et familial, des résultats qui correspondent à l'objectif de santé mentale du nourrisson, lorsque leurs enfants avaient entre 3 et 7 ans. Plus spécifiquement, les mères du groupe IMH‐HB EHS ont fait état d'un meilleur fonctionnement familial et de meilleurs relations familiales, de meilleures capacités à s'adapter nécessaires afin de se porter les avocates de leurs familles, et de moins de stress de parentage comparé à celles du groupe de comparaison. L’étude a aussi examiné l'adaptation liée à la quête de soutien, qui a en partie changé différemment au fil du temps, en fonction du groupe de placement. Au bout du compte les résultats suggèrent que les gains obtenus par les familles comme résultat de la participation aux services du IMH‐HB EHS se maintiennent après que les services cessent.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGInterventionen, die auf der mentalen Gesundheit von Säuglingen basieren, zielen darauf ab, die gesunde Entwicklung von Säuglingen und Kleinkindern zu verbessern, indem ein gesundes familiäres Funktionieren gefördert wird, um unterstützende Beziehungen zwischen dem Kleinkind und ihren/seinen wichtigsten Bezugspersonen zu begünstigen. Diese Studie untersuchte die Effekte eines Early Head Start‐Hausbesuchs‐Programms (IMH‐HB EHS) auf das familiäre Funktionieren. Die Stichprobe umfasst 152 Familien mit niedrigem Einkommen aus dem Mittleren Westen der USA. Es handelt sich bei der Stichprobe um werdende Eltern oder Eltern mit einem Kind unter einem Jahr, die randomisiert einer Dienstleistung zugewiesen wurden: zum IMH‐HB EHS‐Programm (n = 75) oder zu einer Vergleichsbedingung (n = 77). Mütter, die das IMH‐HB EHS‐Programm erhielten, berichteten von gesünderem psychologischem und familiärem Funktionieren, wenn ihre Kinder im Alter zwischen 3 und 7 Jahren waren. Dies sind Ergebnisse, die mit dem IMH Fokus übereinstimmen. Im Speziellen berichteten Mütter, die in der IMH‐HB EHS‐Gruppe waren, von gesünderem familiären Funktionieren und familiären Beziehungen, besseren Bewältigungsstrategien, um für ihre Familien einzustehen und von weniger Stress in der Elternrolle verglichen mit den Müttern der Vergleichsbedingung. Die Studie untersuchte auch unterstützungssuchende Bewältigungsstrategien, von denen sich einige basierend auf der Gruppenzugehörigkeit im Laufe der Zeit in unterschiedlicher Weise veränderten. Insgesamt deuten die Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass die Gewinne, die die Familien infolge der Teilnahme am IMH‐HB EHS‐Programm erzielten, nach Ende des Programms aufrechterhalten werden.抄録乳幼児精神保健に基づく介入は、幼い子どもとその重要な養育者との間の支持的な関係性を育てるという健康な家族機能の促進を通して、乳幼児の健康な発達を促進することを目的としている。この研究は、乳幼児精神保健在宅早期ヘッドスタートInfant Mental Health home‐based Early Head Start (IMH‐HB EHS)プログラムが、家族機能に与える影響を調査した。対象はアメリカ合衆国中西部の妊娠中か1歳以下の子どもを育てている152の低所得家族で、IMH‐HB EHSサービスを受ける(n=75)か、比較の条件か(n=77)に、ランダムに割り当てられた。IMH‐HB EHSサービスを受けた母親は、子どもが3歳から7歳の間に、より健康的な心理機能および家族機能を報告した。これはIMHの焦点と一致している結果だった。特に、IMH‐HB EHS群の母親は、比較条件の母親と比べ、より健康な家族機能と関係性、家族を擁護するのに必要なよりよい対処機能、そして親役割にストレスが少ないことを報告した。研究はまた、支援を求める対処についても調査した。その一部はプログラム群への割り当てに基づいて時間経過により異なって変化していた。全体として、IMH‐HB EHSサービスに参加した結果として家族が達成し獲得したものは、サービスが終了した後も、維持されている。摘要以幼兒心理健康為基礎的介入旨在通過健康的家庭運作去培養小童與其重要看護者間的支持性關係, 以此促進幼兒和學步兒的健康發展。本文探討一個幼兒心理健康家訪早期搶步計畫 (IMH‐HB‐EHS) 對家庭運作的影響。樣本包括一百五十二個在美國中西部低入息的家庭。這些家庭正待產或在養育一個少於一歲的小孩。參與家庭被隨機分派到接受IMH‐HB‐EHS服務 (n=75) 或一個比較環境 (n=77)。有接受IMH‐HB‐EHS服務的母親報告在孩兒三至七歲間有較健康的心理和家庭運作, 這結果與IMH的焦點相附合。具體來說, 在IMH‐HB‐EHS組的母親較在比較環境組的母親報告有健康些的家庭運作和關係, 有好些的因應技巧為家庭作鼓吹, 及在親職角色中有少些壓力。本文亦探討尋求支持的因應, 發現這會根據組別分派而有不同的隨時間改變。總體而言, 探討結果顯示家庭從參與IMH‐HB‐EHS服務所得的收益在服務停止後仍會維持。Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/112230/1/imhj21518.pd

Motor traffic on urban minor and major roads: impacts on pedestrian and cyclist injuries

This article compares per-mile risks posed by motor traffic to pedestrians and cyclists on urban major and minor roads. Carrying out new analysis of police injury data from 2005-15, the paper finds that per billion vehicle miles, motor vehicles on minor roads create more pedestrian casualties than motor vehicles on major roads. Specifically, for KSI (killed or seriously injured) injuries the rate per billion motor vehicle miles is 17% higher on minor roads (47 versus 40 KSIs per billion vehicle miles), while for slight injuries it is 66% higher (188 vs. 123 slight injuries per billion vehicle miles). Examining the costs of injuries sustained, these are 7.4% higher for pedestrians per motor vehicle mile travelled on urban minor roads, compared to major roads. For cyclists, injury costs are slightly higher (4.2%) on major roads per mile driven, compared to minor roads. These results suggest that re-routing motor traffic to major roads in urban areas may reduce pedestrian casualties. However, if cyclist safety on major roads is not improved, shifting motor traffic from minor to major roads may result in unintended negative injury consequences for cyclists

Vortex Structure in Charged Condensate

We study magnetic fields in the charged condensate that we have previously argued should be present in helium-core white dwarf stars. We show that below a certain critical value the magnetic field is entirely expelled from the condensate, while for larger values it penetrates the condensate within flux-tubes that are similar to Abrikosov vortex lines; yet higher fields lead to the disruption of the condensate. We find the solution for the vortex lines in both relativistic and nonrelativistic theories that exhibit the charged condensation. We calculate the energy density of the vortex solution and the values of the critical magnetic fields. The minimum magnetic field required for vortices to penetrate the helium white dwarf cores ranges from roughly 10^7 to 10^9 Gauss. Fields of this strength have been observed in white dwarfs. We also calculate the London magnetic field due to the rotation of a dwarf star and show that its value is rather small.Comment: 23 page

Information Requirements under the Essential-Use Concept: PFAS Case Studies

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of substances for which there are widespread concerns about their extreme persistence in combination with toxic effects. It has been argued that PFAS should only be employed in those uses that are necessary for health or safety or are critical for the functioning of society and where no alternatives are available (“essential-use concept”). Implementing the essential-use concept requires a sufficient understanding of the current uses of PFAS and of the availability, suitability, and hazardous properties of alternatives. To illustrate the information requirements under the essential-use concept, we investigate seven different PFAS uses, three in consumer products and four industrial applications. We investigate how much information is available on the types and functions of PFAS in these uses, how much information is available on alternatives, their performance and hazardous properties and, finally, whether this information is sufficient as a basis for deciding on the essentiality of a PFAS use. The results show (i) the uses of PFAS are highly diverse and information on alternatives is often limited or lacking; (ii) PFAS in consumer products often are relatively easy to replace; (iii) PFAS uses in industrial processes can be highly complex and a thorough evaluation of the technical function of each PFAS and of the suitability of alternatives is needed; (iv) more coordination among PFAS manufacturers, manufacturers of alternatives to PFAS, users of these materials, government authorities, and other stakeholders is needed to make the process of phasing out PFAS more transparent and coherent

Cyclists in shared bus lanes: could there be unrecognised impacts on bus journey times?

This paper contributes to debates around improving the modelling of cycles, through an exploratory case study of bus–cycle interactions in London. This case study examines undocumented delays to buses caused by high volumes of cyclists in bus lanes. It has generally been assumed that cyclists do not noticeably delay buses in shared lanes. However, in many contexts where cyclists routinely share bus lanes, cyclist numbers have historically been low. In some such places, bus lanes are now seeing very high volumes of cyclists, far above those previously studied. This may have implications for bus – and cycle – journey times, but traditionally traffic modelling has not represented the effects of such interactions well. With some manipulation of parameters taken from models of other cities, the model described here demonstrates that cycles can cause significant delays to buses in shared lanes, at high cycling volumes. These delays are likely to become substantially larger if London's cycling demographic becomes more diverse, because cyclist speeds will decline. Hence bus journey time benefits may derive from separating cycles from buses, where cycle flows are high. The project also suggests that microsimulation modelling software, as typically used, remains problematic for representing cyclists