Magellan/M2FS Spectroscopy of Galaxy Clusters: Stellar Population Model and Application to Abell 267

We report the results of a pilot program to use the Magellan/M2FS spectrograph to survey the galactic populations and internal kinematics of galaxy clusters. For this initial study, we present spectroscopic measurements for $223$ quiescent galaxies observed along the line of sight to the galaxy cluster Abell 267 ($z\sim0.23$). We develop a Bayesian method for modeling the integrated light from each galaxy as a simple stellar population, with free parameters that specify redshift ($v_\mathrm{los}/c$) and characteristic age, metallicity ($\mathrm{[Fe/H]}$), alpha-abundance ($[\alpha/\mathrm{Fe}]$), and internal velocity dispersion ($\sigma_\mathrm{int}$) for individual galaxies. Parameter estimates derived from our 1.5-hour observation of A267 have median random errors of $\sigma_{v_\mathrm{los}}=20\ \mathrm{km\ s^{-1}}$, $\sigma_{\mathrm{Age}}=1.2\ \mathrm{Gyr}$, $\sigma_{\mathrm{[Fe/H]}}=0.11\ \mathrm{dex}$,$\sigma_{[\alpha/\mathrm{Fe}]}=0.07\ \mathrm{dex}$, and$\sigma_{\sigma_\mathrm{int}}=20\ \mathrm{km\ s^{-1}}$. In a companion paper, we use these results to model the structure and internal kinematics of A267.Comment: 16 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journa

Overcoming Barriers to Wind Development in Appalachian Coal Country

This research project synthesizes existing data and communication from experts to assess barriers to wind development in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky, and makes recommendations where feasible to reduce or eliminate those barriers

The Efficacy of Using Blood Flow Restriction Training on Proximal Muscle and Joint Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Background: Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) when used with low-load exercise can improve muscular strength and recovery time in individuals attending rehab for distal extremity pathology. Current research suggests that BFRT when used proximally may elicit similar results. Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to analyze evidence regarding the efficacy for physical therapists to utilize BFRT for individuals attending therapy for proximal joint or trunk related injuries. Method(s): A literature review was conducted by five reviewers using CINAHL, Medline, EBSCO, and Academic Search Ultimate. Articles were examined using the search terms (BFR or Blood flow restriction or Blood flow restriction training) and (trunk or hip or shoulder or proximal). Exclusion criteria consisted of the following: PEDRO Score \u3c 3, publication date prior to 2010, systematic reviews or meta-analysis, and if the articles were not peer reviewed. Results: Of the 253 results produced in the search, 11were selected and considered to be eligible. Articles were examined using the PEDro Scale and Hierarchy of Evidence Scale from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. The 11 articles were then grouped into one of the following categories: BFR and the proximal UE, BFR and the proximal LE, BFR and the Trunk, or BFR and systemic effects of the UE, Trunk, or LE. Upon further evaluation we determined that BFRT when used proximally produced the following improvements: increased CSA/strength, tendon thickness, Hb transport, increased perfusion, functional capabilities, balance, endurance, and decreased pain, and positive responses to metabolic stress. Conclusions: When used in healthy and already active populations, BFRT is a safe and effective compliment when used with exercise. Further research is required in order to determine the efficacy of using BFRT in individuals who are potential candidates for physical therapy rehabilitation. We recommend research be conducted while implementing a standardized BFR protocol in order to more consistently produce results that might further determine the efficacy of using BFRT on the proximal UE/LE and trunk for the purpose of joint/muscle rehabilitation.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2021/1066/thumbnail.jp

An Investigation of Counterfactual Thinking in Individuals Diagnoses with Diabetes

Diabetes affects both the physical and emotional well-being of over 29 million Americans. Thus, it is important to investigate the psychological factors that can influence appropriate diabetes self-care. The present study investigates whether counterfactual thoughts might be related to how an individual copes with diabetes. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach consisting of a quantitative survey assessing psychosocial factors, and a qualitative interview with the participant. The interview includes questions about the participant’s thoughts and feelings with their experience of diabetes, noting when participants spontaneously generate counterfactual thoughts about how things might be different if they hadn’t been diagnosed with diabetes. Currently, 31 people have completed the protocol (11 males and 20 females). These preliminary results suggest that an increase in counterfactual thinking is marginally associated with higher levels of guilt (r(29) = .326, p = .085). Further, these higher levels of guilt are strongly associated with the maladaptive coping mechanisms of self-blame (r(29) = .671, p \u3c .001) and behavioral disengagement (r(29) = .541, p = .002). Notably, high levels of self-blame and behavioral disengagement were marginally associated with lower levels of diabetes self-efficacy (r(29) = -.303, p = .104, and r(29) = -.331, p =.074, respectively). Appropriate diabetes self-care is essential to the prevention of serious complications like blindness and amputation. This preliminary evidence suggests that certain types of counterfactual thoughts may undermine appropriate diabetes self-care. Further research on counterfactual thinking may assist in the design of educational initiatives to encourage successful diabetes self-care

Urea recycling in beef cattle fed prairie hay- based diets

Maximizing utilization of native rangeland is an important aspect of the cow/calf phase of beef production. Native rangeland is often of poor quality (less than 7% crude protein). Protein content of the rangeland is important because nitrogen is a key growth factor used by ruminal microbes. Without adequate nitrogen, the ruminal ecosystem will not operate at peak efficiency, which subsequently reduces the supply of nutrients to the animal. Historically, producers have provided supplemental nutrients to their cattle to achieve maximum performance. Both supplemental protein and energy have been provided to cattle consuming low-quality forage with varying levels of success. Typically, supplemental energy without adequate protein reduces fiber digestion by cattle. On the other hand, supplemental protein consistently improves overall performance

Manipulating multiple sequence alignments via MaM and WebMaM

MaM is a software tool that processes and manipulates multiple alignments of genomic sequence. MaM computes the exact location of common repeat elements, exons and unique regions within aligned genomics sequences using a variety of user identified programs, databases and/or tables. The program can extract subalignments, corresponding to these various regions of DNA to be analyzed independently or in conjunction with other elements of genomic DNA. Graphical displays further allow an assessment of sequence variation throughout these different regions of the aligned sequence, providing separate displays for their repeat, non-repeat and coding portions of genomic DNA. The program should facilitate the phylogenetic analysis and processing of different portions of genomic sequence as part of large-scale sequencing efforts. MaM source code is freely available for non-commercial use at ; and the web interface WebMaM is hosted at

Labour Market and Wider Impacts of Benefit Sanctions: A Scoping Review [Review Protocol]

The purpose of this protocol is to describe the rationale, aims, research questions and planned methodology of the scoping review. Broadly in line with Tricco et al. (2018) we have developed a detailed plan of action with a view to follow a clear, consistent and transparent process. The scoping review is envisaged as an exploratory exercise aimed at identifying and mapping existing national and international quantitative evidence on the intended and unintended impacts of benefit sanctions for people on unemployment and related benefits. This review is intended to identify the nature of the evidence base and key characteristics of studies which investigate the impacts of benefit sanctions. Furthermore, this review aims to investigate features of the research designs and methodological approaches adopted by the selected studies