Springs of Florida

bulletin which documented the major and important springs in the state (Ferguson et al., 1947). This publication was revised in 1977, with many previously undocumented springs and many new water-quality analyses being added (Rosenau et al., 1977). The Florida Geological Survey's report on first magnitude springs (Scott et al., 2002) was the initial step in once again updating and revising the Springs of Florida bulletin. The new bulletin includes the spring descriptions and water-quality analyses from Scott et al. (2002). Nearly 300 springs were described in 1977. As of 2004, more than 700 springs have been recognized in the state and more are reported each year. To date, 33 first magnitude springs (with a flow greater than 100 cubic feet per second or approximately 64.6 million gallons of water per day) have been recognized in Florida, more than any other state or country (Rosenau et al., 1977). Our springs are a unique and invaluable natural resource. A comprehensive understanding of the spring systems will provide the basis for their protection and wise use. (Document pdf contains 677 pages

Reliability of functional outcome measures in adults with neurofibromatosis 1

Objectives: To determine intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of functional outcome measures in adults with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and to ascertain how closely objective and subjective measures align. Methods: Forty-nine ambulant adults with NF1 aged 16 years and over were included in this observational study. Median age 31 years (range 16-66), 29 females, 20 males. Participants were video-recorded or photographed performing four functional outcome measures. Four raters from the Neurofibromatosis centre multi-disciplinary team independently scored the measures to determine inter-rater reliability. One rater scored the measures a second time on a separate occasion to determine intra-rater reliability. The measures evaluated were the functional reach, timed up and go, ten metre walk and a modified nine-hole peg tests. Participants also completed a disease specific quality of life questionnaire (INF1-QOL). Results: Inter-rater reliability and intra-rater reliability scores (intra-class coefficient, ICC) were similar for each outcome measure. Excellent rater agreement (ICC r ≥ 0.9) was found for the functional reach, timed up and go and the 10 metre walk tests. Rater agreement was good for the modified 9-hole peg test; ICC r= 0.75 for intra-rater reliability and 0.76 for inter-rater reliability. The timed up and go and the 10 metre walk tests correlated highly with perceived mobility challenges in the quality of life questionnaire (INF1-QOL). Conclusions: The functional reach, timed up and go and 10 metre walk tests are potentially useful outcome measures for monitoring NF1 treatment and will be assessed for validity and reliability in future multi-centre studies

Keratoacanthoma management: results of a survey of UK dermatologists and surgeons.

Distinction of keratoacanthoma (KA) from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is challenging. Management is controversial, with some advocating prompt surgical excision and others monitoring to allow for spontaneous resolution(1) . The controversy is compounded by rare reports of metastasis(2) . And yet the benign natural history of KA is supported by various studies, including a systematic review of 455 cases with no cases of metastasis or death(1) , and observational studies confirming spontaneous resolution(1)

Seroprevalence of Schmallenberg virus in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland: 2011-2013

Since its identification in late 2011, Schmallenberg virus (SBV) spread rapidly across Europe. Using archived samples from domestic ruminants collected between October 2011 and June 2013, the seroprevalence in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (IE) was estimated using a serum neutralisation test. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in seroprevalence between sheep and cows suggesting that neither species is significantly more at risk of SBV infection in the UK. A single 2011 sample tested positive; the sample was taken in November from a cow in Wiltshire. There was a steady increase in overall seroprevalence during the first three quarters of 2012, which then more than doubled in quarter 4 (October–December), which may reflect a peak of vector activity. By the end of June 2013, overall seroprevalence was around 72%. However, although seroprevalence was over 50% in Wales and southern and central counties of England, it was below 50% in all other areas of the UK and IE. This suggests that there were still substantial numbers of animals at risk of infection in the latter half of 2013

Goserelin, as an ovarian protector during (neo)adjuvant breast cancer chemotherapy, prevents long term altered bone turnover

Background: The Ovarian Protection Trial In Premenopausal Breast Cancer Patients “OPTION” trial (NCT00427245) was a prospective, multicenter, randomised, open label study evaluating the frequency of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) at 12 months in women randomised to 6–8 cycles of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) þ/ goserelin (G). Here we report the results of a secondary endpoint analysis of the effects of CTþ/-G on markers of bone turnover. Methods: Serum for bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and urine for N-terminal telopeptide (NTX) were collected at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. Changes in median levels of bone turnover markers were evaluated for the overall population, according to age stratification at randomisation (r40 vs 440 years) and with exploratory analysis according to POI rates at 12 months. Results: In the overall population, there was a significant increase in NTX at 6 months compared to baseline in patients treated with CTþG (40.81 vs 57.82 p¼0.0074) with normalisation of levels thereafter. BALP was significantly increased compared to baseline at 6 months and 12 months in those receiving CTþG, but normalised thereafter. BALP remained significantly higher compared to baseline at 12, 24 and 36 months in patients receiving CT, resulting in a significant difference between treatment groups at 36 months (CTþG 5.845 vs CT 8.5 p¼0.0006). These changes were predominantly seen in women 440 years. Women with POI at 12 months showed altered bone formation compared to baseline levels for a longer duration than women who maintained menses. Conclusion: Addition of G to CT increases bone turnover during treatment with normalisation after cessation of treatment suggesting G may offer sufficient ovarian protection against CT induced POI to negate longstanding altered bone turnover associated with POI

Superconductivity in striped and multi-Fermi-surface Hubbard models: From the cuprates to the pnictides

Single- and multi-band Hubbard models have been found to describe many of the complex phenomena that are observed in the cuprate and iron-based high-temperature superconductors. Simulations of these models therefore provide an ideal framework to study and understand the superconducting properties of these systems and the mechanisms responsible for them. Here we review recent dynamic cluster quantum Monte Carlo simulations of these models, which provide an unbiased view of the leading correlations in the system. In particular, we discuss what these simulations tell us about superconductivity in the homogeneous 2D single-orbital Hubbard model, and how charge stripes affect this behavior. We then describe recent simulations of a bilayer Hubbard model, which provides a simple model to study the type and nature of pairing in systems with multiple Fermi surfaces such as the iron-based superconductors.Comment: Published as part of Superstripes 2011 (Rome) conference proceeding

Novel Synthesis and High Pressure Behavior of Na0.3CoO2 x 1.3 H2O and Related Phases

We have prepared powder samples of NaxCoO2 x yH2O using a new synthesis route. Superconductivity was observed in Na0.3CoO2 x 1.3H2O between 4 and 5K as indicated by the magnetic susceptibility. The bulk compressibilities of Na0.3CoO2 x 1.3H2O, Na0.3CoO2 x 0.6H2O and Na0.3CoO2 were determined using a diamond anvil cell and synchrotron powder diffraction. Chemical changes occurring under pressure when using different pressure transmitting media are discussed and further transport measurements are advocated.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, PRrapid submitte

Fluid-membrane tethers: minimal surfaces and elastic boundary layers

Thin cylindrical tethers are common lipid bilayer membrane structures, arising in situations ranging from micromanipulation experiments on artificial vesicles to the dynamic structure of the Golgi apparatus. We study the shape and formation of a tether in terms of the classical soap-film problem, which is applied to the case of a membrane disk under tension subject to a point force. A tether forms from the elastic boundary layer near the point of application of the force, for sufficiently large displacement. Analytic results for various aspects of the membrane shape are given.Comment: 12 page

Microscopic theory of atom-molecule oscillations in a Bose-Einstein condensate

In a recent experiment at JILA [E.A. Donley et al., Nature (London) 417, 529 (2002)] an initially pure condensate of Rb-85 atoms was exposed to a specially designed time dependent magnetic field pulse in the vicinity of a Feshbach resonance. The production of new components of the gas as well as their oscillatory behavior have been reported. We apply a microscopic theory of the gas to identify these components and determine their physical properties. Our time dependent studies allow us to explain the observed dynamic evolution of all fractions, and to identify the physical relevance of the pulse shape. Based on ab initio predictions, our theory strongly supports the view that the experiments have produced a molecular condensate.Comment: 18 pages, 20 figure