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Supernova (SN) 2009ig was discovered 17 hr alter explosion by the Lick Observatory Supernova Search, promptly classified as a normal Type Ia SN (SN Ia), peaked at V = 13.5 mag, and was equatorial, making it one of the foremost SNe for intensive study in the last decade. Here, we present ultraviolet (UV) and optical observations of SN 2009ig, starting about 1 day after explosion until around maximum brightness. Our data include excellent UV and optical light curves, 25 premaximum optical spectra, and 8 UV spectra, including the earliest UV spectrum ever obtained of an SN Ia. SN 2009ig is a relatively normal SN Ia, but does display high-velocity ejecta--the ejecta velocity measured in our earliest spectra (v ≈ -23,000 km s-1 for Si II λ6355) is the highest yet measured in an SN Ia. The spectral evolution is very dramatic at times earlier than 12 days before maximum brightness, but slows after that time. The early-time data provide a precise measurement of 17.13 ± 0.07 days for the SN rise time. The optical color curves and early-time spectra are significantly different from template light curves and spectra used for light-curve fitting and K-corrections, indicating that the template light curves and spectra do not properly represent all SNe Ia at very early times. In the age of wide-angle sky surveys, SNe like SN 2009ig that ate nearby, bright, well positioned, and promptly discovered will still be rare. As shown with SN 2009ig, detailed studies of single events can provide significantly more information for testing systematic uncertainties related to SN Ia distance estimates and constraining progenitor and explosion models than large samples of more distant SNe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first systematic comparison of the detailed properties, including internal kinematics, chemical abundances, sizes, and dark matter masses, of Milky Way and M 31 dSphs as a part of the SPLASH Survey (Spectroscopic and Photometric Landscape of Andromeda's Stellar Halo). Through Keck/DEIMOS spectroscopy of several hundred individual red giants in a half dozen M 31 galaxies, our results indicate both similarities and differences between the family of dSphs in the Milky Way and M 31. For example, we find that the luminosity-metallicity relation of dSphs in the two hosts is very similar between L = 105 and 107 Lʘ, the size distribution of M 31 dSphs extends to larger values at the same luminosity compared to Milky Way counterparts (especially at the bright end), and that the dark matter masses of M 31 dSphs are slightly smaller than similar luminosity Milky Way galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological model of disaster management provides a framework to guide occupational health nurses who are developing disaster management programs. This ecological model assumes that disaster planning, preparedness, response, and recovery occur at various levels of the organization. These nested, increasingly complex organizational levels include individual and family, workplace, community, state, tribal, federal, and global levels. The ecological model hypothesizes that these levels interact and these dynamic interactions determine disaster planning, preparedness, response, and recovery outcomes. In addition to the features of the hazard or disaster, it is also assumed that parallel disaster planning, preparedness, and response elements, logistical challenges, and flexibility, sustainability, and rehabilitation elements occur at each level of the ecological model. Finally, the model assumes that evaluation of response and recovery efforts should inform future planning and preparedness efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The goals of this investigation were to document the prevalence of, and the risk factors for, neck, back, and shoulder [NBS] muscle pain in urban firefighters.Methods: A sample of employed urban firefighters [N = 382] completed surveys documenting the frequency of their NBS pain complaints [past week] and their health habits.Results: Nearly 80 percent of the firefighter respondents reported at least one NBS pain complaint. Reported frequency of aerobic exercise was significantly and negatively correlated with the respondents' NBS pain complaints.Conclusions: Urban firefighters, who have high rates of injury and elevated risk of regional body pain symptoms, may benefit from regular aerobic exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a new apparatus to measure the air content of fresh concrete in situ. The apparatus is basically a hollow tube which is open at one end and contains an electric heater at its cen-ter. The tube is pushed down into the concrete and the heater turned on for about 30 sec. The rise in temperature expands the en-trained air which, in turn, raises the pressure in the confined space. The air content of the fresh concrete seems to be a direct function of the rise in pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new apparatus is described which determines the potential strength of fresh concrete in 5 hr after it has been placed in special cylinders. Over 330 tests comprising 6600 cylinders were performed, and the results indicated that the 28-day strength is linearly related to the 5-hr accelerated strength, and this relationship is independent of mix proportions, type of cement, and inclusion of admixtures. The accuracy of prediction of the 28-day strength was ± 13 percent for all the data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]