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Afterword for the Special Forum on American Territorialities

This paper analyzes the heavy rainfall on 16–20 May 2021 across southeastern Texas and southern Louisiana. In Louisiana, five fatalities were attributed to the event and > $1 billion in losses. The rainfall was caused by two slow-moving, mesoscale convective vortices that concentrated precipitation south of Port Arthur, TX, Lake Charles, LA, and Baton Rouge, LA, in 6 to 12-hour periods. Using calibrated radar data, the Storm Precipitation Analysis System estimated 6-h rainfall totals of 254–362 mm south of Lake Charles, surpassing 200–500-year average recurrence intervals (ARI) for those locations, with an isolated area receiving 367.5 mm, equating to a > 800-year ARI. In East Baton Rouge Parish, LA, 203–268 mm was estimated in 6-h (200–500-year ARI), with an isolated area receiving 274 mm, equivalent to a 750-year ARI. A comparison of the May 2021 and August 2016 events, which both affected southern Louisiana, is made using a depth-area-duration analysis. While the forcing mechanisms differed, 1–6 h rainfall depths were similar at 1 –25,900 km2. The May 2021 event exceeded rainfall depths produced by the August 2016 event for 2–6 h durations for area sizes of 1–388 km2, highlighting the precipitation intensity produced by the May 2021 event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical cyclones (TCs), often characterized by high wind speeds and heavy rainfall, cause widespread devastation, affecting millions of people and leading to economic losses worldwide. TC-specific research in Georgia is scarce, likely due to the minimal geographical extent of its coast and the infrequency of direct landfalls. Research on Georgia TCs does not account for storms that make landfall in other southeastern states (e.g., Florida) and continue north, northeast, or northwest into Georgia. This study used the North Atlantic Basin hurricane database (HURDAT2) to quantify the spatiotemporal patterns of direct and indirect landfalling of Georgia tropical cyclones (>16 ms−1) from 1851 to 2021. TC-induced rainfall was also quantified using rainfall data (nClimGrid-Daily and nClimGrid) from 1951 to 2021 to estimate the proportion of Georgia's total annual and monthly rainfall attributed to TCs. A multi-methodological approach, incorporating statistics and mapping, is employed to assess the trends of Georgia's tropical cyclones and the associated rainfall. The study analyzed 113 TCs and found that, on average, less than one TC annually ( x ¯ = 0.66) traverses the state. September averaged the highest percentage (25%) of TC-induced rainfall, followed by October (14%), and August (13%). This pattern aligns with the TC season, with the highest frequency of TCs occurring in September (n = 35), followed by August (n = 25), and October (n = 18). We found that 10% of tropical storms make landfall on the coastline, while the remaining 91% enter Georgia by making landfall in Florida (92%), Louisiana (7%), or South Carolina (1%) first. A threat of TCs during the peak of the season emphasizes the importance of heightened awareness, increased planning practices, and resource allocation during these periods to protect Georgia's history and natural beauty, and its residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) extended one‐generation reproduction test (MEOGRT) (Test Guideline 890.2200) is a Tier 2 test within the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program of the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). A modified MEOGRT was used to evaluate multigenerational effects of 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate (2‐EHHB) under flow‐through conditions starting with adults (parent generation, F0) through a 3‐week reproductive phase of the second generation (F2). Fish were exposed to one of five 2‐EHHB test concentrations or a dechlorinated tap water control. Fecundity was affected at the lowest exposure (5.32 μg/L) and greater sensitivity occurred in the F1 and F2 generations. Percent fertility was also diminished from no effect level observed in the F0 generation to 101 and 48.8 μg/L in the F1 and F2 generations, respectively. Growth indices were decreased for F0 adult females and F1 subadults and adults at 48.8 μg/L 2‐EHHB. Histopathologic examination of gonads, liver, kidney, and thyroid yielded possible delayed reproductive tract development in F1 subadult males, masculinization of the renal phenotype in F1 adult females (renal tubular eosinophilia) and reduced hepatic energy storage (liver glycogen vacuoles) in F1 (11.3 and 48.8 μg/L) and F2 (48.8 and 101 μg/L) males and females, respectively. Endocrine‐related findings included a decrease in anal fin papillae in F2 adult males at 101 μg/L. Results of this study demonstrate effects on growth, development, and reproduction that may be mediated by endocrine (weak estrogenic) and nonendocrine mechanisms. Duration of the MEOGRT should not be routinely extended beyond the OCSPP 890 guideline study design. A modified Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) extended one‐generation reproduction test (MEOGRT) (OCSPP Test Guideline 890.2200) was used to evaluate multigenerational effects of 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate (2‐EHHB). Fecundity was the most sensitive endpoint tested. Results of this study demonstrate effects on growth, development, and reproduction that may be mediated by endocrine (weak estrogenic) and nonendocrine mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the experiences of four researchers who successfully gained access to organizations. (RS)

This is the first in a series of articles on confirming research during complex humanitarian emergencies. The United Nations (UN) defines a complex humanitarian emergency (CHE) as 'a humanitarian crisis [...]

Death rates exceeded emergency thresholds at 4 sites during epidemics of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Burundi (2000-2001) and in Ethiopia (2003-2004). Deaths likely from malaria ranged from 1,000 to 8,900, [...]

A rapid epidemiological assessment of mortality and nutritional status at 3 sites in South Darfur for relief efforts is done. The results of the assessment provide epidemiological evidence of the high rates of mortality and malnutrition among the displaced population in South Darfur.