508 research outputs found
Interview with Nathan Gagnon
Nathan Gagnon (he/him) was born in Berkeley, California in 2002 and was raised by his French-Canadian immigrant parents in Albany, California. He has always been creative: he was an aspiring animator from a young age, making videos with LEGO in his free time. In middle school he started learning piano, and he now plays guitar and sings as well. In 2019 he played his first open mic at The Octopus, a local music venue which has since closed permanently. In the spring of 2020, he had a socially distanced graduation from Albany High School after many months of remote learning. In the fall of 2020, he started his first semester at Columbia College Chicago in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, pursuing a major in Traditional Animation with a focus in Stop Motion. He continues his studies from his current residence on campus in Chicago, Illinois, and plans on graduating in 2024.https://digitalcommons.colum.edu/capturingquarantine/1025/thumbnail.jp
The mass-L_x relation for moderate luminosity X-ray clusters
We present measurements of the masses of a sample of 25 moderate X-ray
luminosity clusters of galaxies from the 160 square degree ROSAT survey. The
masses were obtained from a weak lensing analysis of deep F814W images obtained
using the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS). We present an accurate empirical
correction for the effect of charge transfer (in)efficiency on the shapes of
faint galaxies. A significant lensing signal is detected around most of the
clusters. The lensing mass correlates tightly with the cluster richness. We
measured the intrinsic scatter in the scaling relation between M_2500 and L_X
and find the best fit power law slope and normalisation to be alpha=0.68+-0.07
and M_X=(1.2+-0.12)10^14M_sun (for L_X=2x10^44 erg/s). These results agree well
with a number of recent studies, but the normalisation is lower compared to the
study of Rykoff et al. (2008b). One explanation for this difference may be the
fact that (sub)structures projected along the line-of-sight boost both the
galaxy counts and the lensing mass. Such superpositions lead to an increased
mass at a given L_X when clusters are binned by richness.Comment: accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal; 15 pages, 11
figure
Adolescent stealing treated with motivational interviewing and imaginal desensitization — Case report
Background:
Adolescent shoplifting occurs in an estimated 15% of the United States population. Although adolescent stealing is associated with significant psychosocial consequences there is limited research concerning efficacious treatments.
Case study:
A 17-year-old male with a history of compulsive stealing was treated using a six-session, individualized cognitive-behavioral therapy protocol which included motivational interviewing, psycho-education, behavioral modification, and an exposure script using imaginal desensitization. After the six-session therapy, the patient continued for eight further sessions of therapy to maintain treatment gains. His Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores dropped from a 22 pre-treatment to a 3 at the end of the 14 sessions of therapy and he remained abstinent from stealing.
Discussion:
This case reports on the successful use of an individualized, cognitive behavioral therapy on an adolescent with compulsive shoplifting and other antisocial behaviors. This treatment provides a promising step towards the treatment of a relatively common adolescent behavior
Empirical Scaling Laws of Rocket Exhaust Cratering
When launching or landing a space craft on the regolith of a terrestrial surface, special attention needs to be paid to the rocket exhaust cratering effects. If the effects are not controlled, the rocket cratering could damage the spacecraft or other surrounding hardware. The cratering effects of a rocket landing on a planet's surface are not understood well, especially for the lunar case with the plume expanding in vacuum. As a result, the blast effects cannot be estimated sufficiently using analytical theories. It is necessary to develop physics-based simulation tools in order to calculate mission-essential parameters. In this work we test out the scaling laws of the physics in regard to growth rate of the crater depth. This will provide the physical insight necessary to begin the physics-based modeling
Nanotopographic Cell Culture Substrate: Polymer-Demixed Nanotextured Films Under Cell Culture Conditions
Modulating physical cell culture environments via nanoscale substrate topographic modification has recently been of significant interest in regenerative medicine. Many studies have utilized a polymer-demixing technique to produce nanotextured films and showed that cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation could be regulated by the shape and scale of the polymer-demixed nanotopographies. However, little attention has been paid to the topographic fidelity of the polymer-demixed films when exposed to cell culture conditions. In this brief article, two polymer-demixing systems were employed to assess topographic changes in polymer-demixed films after fibronectin (FN) extracellular matrix protein adsorption and after incubation in phosphate-buffered saline at 37◦C. We showed that FN adsorption induced very small variations ( \u3c 2 nm) to the polystyrene/polybromostyrene (PS/PBrS)-demixed nanoisland textures, not substantially altering the nanotopographies given by the polymer demixing. In addition, poly(L-lactic acid)/PS (PLLA/PS)-demixed nanoisland topographies using PLLA with Mw = 50 x 103 did not show notable degradation up to day 24
Comparison of Countermovement and Squat Jumps Performance In Recreationally Trained Males
International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 462-472, 2021. The vertical jump has been shown to be an effective tool in assessing neuromuscular fatigue. The two most common iterations of the vertical jump are the countermovement and squat jumps. This investigation sought to identify if differences exist between the two jumping strategies with regard to electromyography (EMG) and kinetics in a group of recreationally trained males. Twenty-two participants completed one experimental session, where three countermovement (CMJ) and three squat jumps (SJ) were performed using a counterbalanced within-subject design. Jump performance was evaluated with data obtained using a force platform. Additionally, EMG was collected on the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), semitendinosus (ST) and medial gastrocnemius (MG). Greater EMG values were seen in the CMJ for ST as well as percentage of activation in the MG (p \u3c 0.05). Increased values of mean force and mean power were observed in the SJ, while the CMJ showed greater peak and mean velocity. Greater jump heights in the CMJ were present as well (p \u3c 0.05). These findings suggest that the increase in CMJ jump height due to the increase in propulsive velocity is not due to increases in knee extensors muscle activation
Two Clusters with Radio-quiet Cooling Cores
Radio lobes inflated by active galactic nuclei at the centers of clusters are
a promising candidate for halting condensation in clusters with short central
cooling times because they are common in such clusters. In order to test the
AGN-heating hypothesis, we obtained Chandra observations of two clusters with
short central cooling times yet no evidence for AGN activity: Abell 1650 and
Abell 2244. The cores of these clusters indeed appear systematically different
from cores with more prominent radio emission. They do not have significant
central temperature gradients, and their central entropy levels are markedly
higher than in clusters with stronger radio emission, corresponding to central
cooling times ~ 1 Gigayear. Also, there is no evidence for fossil X-ray
cavities produced by an earlier episode of AGN heating. We suggest that either
(1) the central gas has not yet cooled to the point at which feedback is
necessary to prevent it from condensing, possibly because it is conductively
stabilized, or (2) the gas experienced a major heating event Gyr in
the past and has not required feedback since then. The fact that these clusters
with no evident feedback have higher central entropy and therefore longer
central cooling times than clusters with obvious AGN feedback strongly suggests
that AGNs supply the feedback necessary to suppress condensation in clusters
with short central cooling times.Comment: ApJ Letter, in pres
Nebraska\u27s Economic Future
Nebraskans like where they live. Young and old, they like the
“sense of place” they feel here. They like being part of the legendary
work ethic. They like the fact that, for the most part, they
feel safe here. They like the fact that Nebraska agriculture helps
to feed and power the world.
But when people from other states ask them where they’re
from, they sound apologetic. The Strategic Discussions for
Nebraska team heard variations on that theme everywhere we
went. Caleb Pollard, Executive Director of the Ord Chamber of
Commerce said it best: “we need for Nebraskans to be proud.”
Nebraska is a conservative state, both politically and fiscally.
It is constitutionally required to balance the state budget. It is
also a state with only 1.7 million people, so there are few people
to share the property tax burden. Additionally, Nebraska doesn’t
have mineral resources that some states tax heavily, relieving the
property tax burden on individuals. However, Nebraska’s sales
and income taxes are about the same as its peer states, a fact that
is often overlooked when people share concerns about taxes.
One of the state’s main concerns is the declining work force,
particularly in greater Nebraska. This magazine contains several
stories that refer to the work force shortage and the challenges
faced by communities that desperately need workers.
Nebraska’s Strong Agricultural Base
Agriculture has changed in the last century, but it’s a booming
business and Nebraskans are knowledgeable about those
changes. They know the state is well-suited to growing highquality
crops and animals, and they know people in the rest of
the world want to buy them. They know the University of Nebraska’s
research has been important for Nebraska agriculture,
and they support the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Nebraska
Innovation Campus, which will be built in Lincoln on the site of
the Nebraska State Fair when the fair moves to Grand Island in
2010.
Nebraska exported nearly 3.6
billion in 2006 and $4.2 billion in 2007. According to Greg
Ibach, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture,
exports bring the state a steady flow of domestic and international
sales and allow the state to remain strong during financial
cycles that affect the U.S. and other countries. Nebraska
is fortunate to have not only the natural resources to produce
some of the best agricultural products – and can source
the needed parts and material for the manufactured products
– but also has the people with the needed background,
knowledge, experience and work ethic to produce the quality
products, Ibach said.
Importance of Education and Technology
There are no greater proponents of education than people in
greater Nebraska. The state’s education system is good and is
one of the drawing cards for businesses interested in locating
in the state.
Nebraskans know that jobs today and in the future will require
more knowledge of technology in all its forms. Whether
people work in information technology in Omaha, farm near
Cozad, ranch near Mullen, read x-rays in Ord, work on locomotives
in Alliance or conduct research in one of dozens of
locations in the state, they’ll have to know technology.
Technology requires consistent broadband access and
capacity that statewide, Nebraska just doesn’t have. A conversation
participant who lives outside North Platte told us
her satellite gives her access to the Internet “as long as it isn’t
cloudy.” That isn’t good enough for the needs of rural health
care, business development, education or for attracting young
people to smaller communities.
Infrastructure
If a state doesn’t have good infrastructure, it closes doors to
economic development and therefore, growth.
Infrastructure necessary for every viable community includes
water, sewer, electricity, roads and Internet access. Additional
infrastructure needs are schools, health care facilities,
power plants, transportation and communication.
It’s expensive to build these things and expensive to maintain
existing facilities. Dr. Doug Kristensen, Chancellor of the
University of Nebraska-Kearney, told us many of the state’s
school buildings were built about the same time – about 100
years ago – and are beginning to crumble, requiring extensive
and costly repairs or replacement.
Changing Nebraska’s Layout?
The Strategic Discussions for Nebraska team interviewed
a number of people who believe Nebraska should change its
county structure.
Ninety-three counties were needed when people had to use
a horse and buggy to get to the county seat, but some say the
state could save money if the counties were merged, creating
about 15 larger counties. Others say there would be few dollars
in savings and would widen the gap between greater Nebraska
and eastern Nebraska in accessibility to services.
Others suggest a “hub and spoke” regional layout, in which
one town would be the hub and about 10 or 12 smaller communities
would be the spokes. Trouble is, everybody wants to
be the hub.
What makes the most sense? Send your opinion to me at
[email protected]. We’ll post the results on the Strategic Discussions
for Nebraska website: www.unl.edu/sdn.
Leadership and Cooperation
People told us the state and communities need strong leaders
who are willing to partner with other organizations, communities,
states and countries for the good of Nebraska as a
whole. It also needs leaders who will consider the needs of the
entire state, regardless of money, power or special interests.
In this magazine, you will find a variety of perspectives on
Nebraska’s economy, including the opinions of state and community
leaders, academics, business owners and government
officials. Each opinion has value, based on the person’s experience,
education, location and economic condition
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