The origin and causes for the existence of two distinct steady‐state modes of soil moisture probability distribution (pdf) have been attributed to several processes, such as land‐atmosphere feedbacks or shifts in climatic conditions within seasons. Here we argue that the interaction between saturated and unsaturated zones in soils with shallow water tables might represent a possible mechanism leading to such bimodality. This conclusion is achieved by analyzing soil water content measurements in vegetated soil columns artificially constructed in a laboratory. We used these observations to develop a stochastic model for the daily soil water balance, which shows how the interplay between the water table and the unsaturated zone is able to induce soil moisture bimodality.

A large-scale column study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia, to test the performance of stormwater biofilters for the removal of sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus. The aim of the study was to provide guidance on the optimal design for reliable treatment performance. A variety of factors were tested, using 125 large columns: plant species, filter media, filter depth, filter area and pollutant inflow concentration. The results demonstrate that vegetation selection is critical to performance for nitrogen removal (e.g. Carex appressa and Melaleuca ericifolia performed significantly better than other tested species). Whilst phosphorus removal was consistently very high (typically around 85%), biofilter soil media with added organic matter reduced the phosphorus treatment effectiveness. Biofilters built according to observed 'optimal specifications' can reliably remove both nutrients (up to 70% for nitrogen and 85% for phosphorus) and suspended solids (consistently over 95%). The optimally designed biofilter is at least 2% of its catchment area and possesses a sandy loam filter media, planted with C. appressa or M. ericifolia. Further trials will be required to test a wider range of vegetation, and to examine performance over the longer term. Future work will also examine biofilter effectiveness for treatment of heavy metals and pathogens.

Nutrients can cause eutrophication of natural water bodies. Thus, urban stormwater which is an important nutrient source has to be treated in order to reduce its nutrient loads. Biofilters which us ...

Nutrients can cause eutrophication of natural water bodies. Thus, urban stormwater which is an important nutrient source in urbanised areas has to be treated in order to reduce its nutrient loads. Biofilters which use soil filter media, biofilms and plants, are a good treatment option for nutrients. This paper presents the results of a biofilter column study in cold temperatures (+2 degrees C, +8 degrees C, control at +20 degrees C) which may cause special problems regarding biofilter performance. It was shown that particle-bound pollutants as TSS and a high fraction of phosphorus were reduced well without being negatively influenced by cold temperatures. Nitrogen, however, was not reduced; especially NO(x) was produced in the columns. This behaviour can be explained with both insufficient denitrification and high leaching from the columns.

This report documents emerging posttraumatic obsessive–compulsive disorder in 13 Israeli military veterans diagnosed with both obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for whom the onset of OCD was clearly associated with the trauma. Data presented include four detailed case reports that delineate relations between symptomatology in the two disorders. Clinical and theoretical implications of these data are discussed.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a maladaptive, pathological response to a traumatic event which is currently underdiagnosed and undertreated. This results in part from a lack of awareness regarding the prevalence of the disorder. It has been estimated that at least one third of the general population will be exposed to severe trauma throughout their lifetime, out of which approximately 10 % to 20 % develop PTSD. A prevalence of 3 % to 6 % of PTSD in the general population, found in several studies, corresponds well with these figures. Both the type of trauma and the personal characteristics of the individual involved are associated with the probability of developing PTSD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed (DSM-IV) gives four diagnostic criteria: (i) exposure and emotional response to a traumatic event; (ii) reexperiencing; (iii) avoidance; and (iv) increased physiological arousal, along with severe impairment in occupational, social, and interpersonal functioning. The rate of comorbidity with other mental disorders is high, particularly for major depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. Different types of psychological intervention, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and a host of pharmacological interventions, have been tried. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the most widely researched agents with consistent, though modest, therapeutic effects. Other compounds, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) have also been found to be effective, although their use is limited due to side effects. PTSD is a psychobiological phenomenon in response to psychological trauma, which represents maladaptive neurobiological deregulation and psychological dysfunction, and awaits further recognition and research.

Hip synovitis plays a part in many rheumatic diseases. In the young adult acute arthritis may be due to reaction to trauma, infection or gout. Although transient synovitis of the hip is a well-known phenomena in children the condition is not well-documented in adults. We present 10 young adults with idiopathic transient synovitis of hip who had attended the Soroka Medical Centre between 1986 and 1990.