Mercury content in the fur of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from the Commander Islands.

The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a keystone species in the ecosystem which is currently in depression in Russia. The objectives of this study were to: (1) establish if the sea otters from the Commander Islands have hazardous levels of mercury (Hg) in their fur; (2) assess Hg pollution in sea otters during a period of high abundance and population depression; (3) identify the age and sex differences in sea otters by Hg content. The sea otters were classified from no to low risk for Hg health effects.

Effect of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membrane Production Conditions on Its Structure and Performance Characteristics.

Poly (vinylidene fluoride) membranes were prepared by freeze-casting. The effects of PVDF concentration, and freezing temperature on the morphology, crystallization, and performance of prepared membranes were examined. Polymer concentration was varied from 10 to 25 wt%.

Structural Features and Properties' Characterization of Polylactic Acid/Natural Rubber Blends with Epoxidized Soybean Oil.

Because of the effort to preserve petroleum resources and promote the development of eco-friendly materials, bio-based polymers produced from sustainable resources have attracted great attention. Among them, polylactide (PLA) and natural rubber (NR) present prominent polymers with unique barrier and mechanical features. A series of samples with improved phase compatibility were obtained by blending PLA and NR using a double-rotor mixer.

Short-term recovery of physical activity and knee function after an acute knee injury.

Objectives: To describe self-reported knee function, participation in physical activity and the number of knee surgeries at 3 and 6 months following acute knee injury.

Methods: Prospective cohort study. Participants, aged 15-40 years with an acute knee injury sustained no more than 6 weeks prior to inclusion, were recruited.

Effect of adsorption, radioactive decay and fractal structure of matrix on solute transport in fracture.

Reservoir contamination by various contaminants including radioactive elements is an actual environmental problem for all developed countries. Analysis of mass transport in a complex environment shows that the conventional diffusion equation based on Fick's Law fails to model the anomalous character of the diffusive mass transport observed in the field and laboratory experiments. These complex processes can be modelled by non-local advection-diffusion equations with temporal and spatial fractional derivatives.