Aims Human alterations of the environment are combining in unprecedented ways, making predictions of alterations to natural communities a difficult and pressing challenge. Estuarine systems have been subject to a high degree of modification, including increased nitrogen (N) inputs and altered salinity, factors important in shaping estuarine plant communities. As human populations increase and the climate changes, both N and salinity levels are likely to increase in these coastal marshes. Our objective was to evaluate the interactive effects of N and salinity on US West Coast salt marsh species; in particular, the performance of the dominant species Sarcocornia pacifica (pickleweed) alone and in mixed species assemblages. We expected increased salinity to favor S. pacifica but that N enrichment could help maintain greater species richness through use of N in salinity tolerance mechanisms. Methods We crossed treatments of N (added or not) and salinity (salt added or not) in a field experiment at a salt marsh in the San Francisco Estuary, California, USA, in each of three habitats: (i) monotypic pickleweed on the marsh plain, (ii) monotypic pickleweed along channels and (iii) mixed assemblages along channels. In a greenhouse experiment, we crossed treatments of N (added or not) and salinity (at three levels to simulate brackish to saline conditions) in (i) pots of pickleweed only and (ii) the same species mix as in the field. Important Findings N addition doubled S. pacifica biomass and branching in both channel and marsh plain habitats regardless of salinity and greatly increased its dominance over Distichlis spicata and Jaumea carnosa in mixed assemblages along channels. In the greenhouse, S. pacifica biomass increased 6-to 10-fold with N addition over the range of salinities, while D. spicata and J. carnosa biomass increased with N addition only at lower salinity levels. Thus, while localized management could influence outcomes, expected overall increases in both N and salinity with human population growth and climate change are likely to enhance the production of S. pacifica in US West Coast marshes while reducing the diversity of mixed species assemblages. This decline in diversity may have implications for the resilience of marshes already subject to multiple stressors as the climate changes.

Many tidal wetland restoration projects have focused on changes in vegetation or avian communities to determine whether restoration efforts have been successful. However, a functioning restored ecosystem relies on complex interactions among organisms on every level of the food web. In 2008, more than 223 hectares (ha) of former dairy ranch were restored to tidal wetland in Tomales Bay, California. To evaluate changes, we monitored zooplankton, benthic invertebrate, and fish communities before and after restoration in the Project Area and several natural marshes. Zooplankton and benthic invertebrate communities differed from natural marshes prior to restoration, but began to converge with natural marshes after restoration in terms of species composition, richness, and diversity. Fish communities in the Project Area remained distinct from those of natural marshes after restoration, although abundance of non-native species decreased. In past studies, fish communities have changed more quickly than invertebrate ones. The divergent evolutionary path taken by this system may stem from differences in restoration approach. This project did not involve extensive excavation or fill with dredge spoil material, and this minimalistic approach may promote more rapid colonization by invertebrates, especially if source populations exist nearby. While convergence with natural marshes was an objective, rapid colonization may not be beneficial in this instance as natural marshes have turned out to be dominated by nonnative, opportunistic invertebrate species. Ultimately, success of restoration projects may be determined by factors extrinsic to the project itself such as climatic variability and prevalence of invasive species within watersheds.

Child life specialists working with law enforcement are valuable in providing direct support and timely intervention in the community. This chapter discusses the implementation of a child life specialist in the role of a victim services provider including practical applications of interventions and opportunities for further consideration. With additional training on law enforcement basics and criminal justice processes, child life specialists have the expertise necessary to bridge the gap between law enforcement and victims of crime. This chapter also introduces the positive impact of employing Certified Child Life Specialists in the police athletic league setting. It illustrates the importance of the role of child life working in the urban community setting with youth and police officers to help normalize the environment, encourage positive coping techniques, and support and advocate for youth and families' psychosocial needs.

The rapid, minimally-invasive detection of diverse analytes in vivo remains a goal for the diagnosis of cancer and related diseases. Toward this end, we are designing nanosensors based on the optical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) for use both in patients and at the bedside. SWCNT fluorescence is in the near-infrared window for biological imaging, is stable upon laser excitation, and responds rapidly to changes in its local environment. We are approaching the design of multiplexed implantable biomarker sensors through several routes, including developing novel bioconjugate chemistry approaches to antibodies and other molecular recognition elements to improve sensitivity of the sensors. We are also evaluating molecular tools to screen non-specific interactions within the local environment, improving the selectivity of these sensors. In parallel, we are using aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) methods to allow for separation of single-chirality SWCNT prior to bioconjugate chemistry approaches, allowing for specific detection of multiple analytes at once. Finally, we are exploring various hydrogel systems to allow for their immobilization upon injection into living systems and repeated monitoring of local biomarker concentrations. We expect these approaches to further bridge the translation of sensor devices toward clinical diagnostic tools. We hope to deploy SWCNT-based sensors to detect disease at early stages, evaluate disease response to treatment, and monitor disease progression. These aims will allow physicians to make rapid, informed decisions on patient prognosis and treatment.