Union contracts provide innovative immigrant worker protections and mediate the implementation of federal immigration policy

As Congress has failed to reform its dated immigration policies, we have seen a trend of local actors taking autonomous action on this contentious issue. Virginia Parks argues that labor unions have emerged as key actors in shaping the implementation of federal immigration policy at the local level by negotiating immigration provisions in their collective bargaining agreements. She writes that the workplace immigration enforcement demonstrates the clash of illegality and legal rights for undocumented workers, which gives unions a compelling claim to the local bargaining process of the implementation of immigration policy

Homeward Bound: Food-Related Transportation Strategies for Low Income and Transit Dependent Communities

Food access, transportation policy, and innovative transportation programs highlighted in this groundbreaking report

The Membership and Distance of the Open Cluster Collinder 419

The young open cluster Collinder 419 surrounds the massive O star, HD 193322, that is itself a remarkable multiple star system containing at least four components. Here we present a discussion of the cluster distance based upon new spectral classifications of the brighter members, UBV photometry, and an analysis of astrometric and photometric data from the UCAC3 and 2MASS catalogs. We determine an average cluster reddening of E(B-V)=0.37 +- 0.05 mag and a cluster distance of 741 +- 36 pc. The cluster probably contains some very young stars that may include a reddened M3 III star, IRAS~20161+4035

Diverse sediment microbiota shape methane emission temperature sensitivity in Arctic lakes

Northern post-glacial lakes are significant, increasing sources of atmospheric carbon through ebullition (bubbling) of microbially-produced methane (CH4) from sediments. Ebullitive CH4 flux correlates strongly with temperature, reflecting that solar radiation drives emissions. However, here we show that the slope of the temperature-CH4 flux relationship differs spatially across two post-glacial lakes in Sweden. We compared these CH4 emission patterns with sediment microbial (metagenomic and amplicon), isotopic, and geochemical data. The temperature-associated increase in CH4 emissions was greater in lake middles—where methanogens were more abundant—than edges, and sediment communities were distinct between edges and middles. Microbial abundances, including those of CH4-cycling microorganisms and syntrophs, were predictive of porewater CH4 concentrations. Results suggest that deeper lake regions, which currently emit less CH4 than shallower edges, could add substantially to CH4 emissions in a warmer Arctic and that CH4 emission predictions may be improved by accounting for spatial variations in sediment microbiota

Fit‐for‐Purpose Biometric Monitoring Technologies: Leveraging the Laboratory Biomarker Experience

Biometric Monitoring Technologies (BioMeTs) are becoming increasingly common to aid data collection in clinical trials and practice. The state of BioMeTs, and associated digitally measured biomarkers, is highly reminiscent of the field of laboratory biomarkers two decades ago. In this review, we have summarized and leveraged historical perspectives, and lessons learned from laboratory biomarkers as they apply to BioMeTs. Both categories share common features, including goals and roles in biomedical research, definitions, and many elements of the biomarker qualification framework. They can also be classified based on the underlying technology, each with distinct features and performance characteristics, which require bench and human experimentation testing phases. In contrast to laboratory biomarkers, digitally measured biomarkers require prospective data collection for purposes of analytical validation in human subjects, lack well-established and widely accepted performance characteristics, require human factor testing and, for many applications, access to raw (sample-level) data. Novel methods to handle large volumes of data, as well as security and data rights requirements add to the complexity of this emerging field. Our review highlights the need for a common framework with appropriate vocabulary and standardized approaches to evaluate digitally measured biomarkers, including defining performance characteristics and acceptance criteria. Additionally, the need for human factor testing drives early patient engagement during technology development. Finally, the use of BioMeTs requires a relatively high degree of technology literacy among both study participants and healthcare professionals. Transparency of data generation and the need for novel analytical and statistical tools creates opportunities for precompetitive collaborations

Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

Ten Years On: Engaging the Public Through the Archaeology Roadshow

Public engagement is a critical part of archaeologists’ tool kit for encouraging people to look beyond the glittering but superficial appeal of “artifacts” to appreciate and respect the peoples and cultures that made them. Engagement takes many forms—from museum exhibits, archaeological site tours, K–12 curriculum, and social media to heritage tourism, documentary films, and more. Whatever the medium or approach, a common goal is to increase the public’s understanding of the broader values archaeology strives to promote (e.g., scientific literacy, cultural diversity, civic engagement, critical thinking) and to open the door for discussion of the ethical and moral issues surrounding the destruction of the archaeological record. At a practical level, most archaeology conducted in the U.S. is publicly funded in accordance with federal and state legislation. However, the products of this work remain largely invisible to the public, and the potential public benefit of archaeology is often under- or un-realized. Finding ways to share what we learn from these expenditures, to communicate why cultural heritage matters, is critical to gaining and sustaining public support for heritage projects. One successful engagement model involves creating an “Archaeology Day,” a multi-hour fair-like experience, where professional and avocational archaeologists and heritage specialists share temporary exhibits and hands-on activities designed to educate adults and children about a range of cultural heritage topics. Inspired by this model, Portland State University (PSU) faculty and students launched the first Archaeology Roadshow in 2012. Now an annual event, we invite community members from Tribes, federal and state agencies, private companies, and avocational organizations to develop interactive interpretive experiences for visitors. Such exhibits showcase findings from recent cultural resources management (CRM) projects; explain how we create chronologies; provide hands-on experience in faunal analysis, stone tool making, fire making, and spear throwing; or illustrate how archival records or oral traditions can teach us about the past. Many show how our current lives are shaped by the past or what connects us all—past and present. Visitors meet real archaeologists and heritage specialists and learn, often for the first time, about the range and diversity of public and private entities engaged in cultural heritage activities