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This article surveys the Pacific Mail Steamship Company’s transpacific steamship business during the six decades after its inauguration in 1867. The company played a crucial role in facilitating transpacific movements to and from the United States in a period leading up to U.S. colonization of the Philippines and other insular territories in the Pacific. By examining the company and government records, contemporary press coverage and pictorial images, and first-hand accounts of steamship travelers, I argue that the Pacific Mail Steamship Company’s operation of the transpacific ocean liners revealed the inherent tension within U.S. society’s dealings with the Pacific Ocean and a global empire. In the steamships’ physical space and cultural images, the elitist desires for transpacific commerce collided with popular demands against transpacific migration. The formal acquisition of colonial possessions across the Pacific and immigrant restrictions at the turn of the twentieth century would eventually domesticate, to a degree, the tension within the transpacific connections and redirect the company's business to enrich and exploit the new imperial connections.

Textured platens are often used to improve the transfer of shear stresses from the platens to the soil specimen during direct simple shear (DSS) tests. However, constant-volume DSS tests when textured platens are used can be affected by inadequate engagement of the soil at the platen-soil interface, leading to large reductions in the vertical stress at the start of shearing. The application of a preconditioning sequence involving small-strain drained cycles prior to constant-volume shearing can improve engagement at the platen-soil interface, but when excessively implemented, it can also have adverse effects on the measured soil behavior (e.g., strength, stiffness). A series of constant-volume cyclic DSS tests preceded by different preconditioning sequences was performed to evaluate the effect of preconditioning on the engagement of sand specimens at the platen-soil interface and the stress-strain response of these specimens. Results showed that textured platens that are properly engaged with sand specimens can reduce slippage at the platen-soil interface. This engagement can be achieved by applying a limited number of small-strain drained cycles at a low vertical stress while still obtaining representative soil behavior during the subsequent equivalent undrained constantvolume cyclic loading. Although the preconditioning protocol presented herein is specific to the testing equipment and materials considered, similar procedures may be adopted to develop preconditioning protocols for other soils, platens, and testing devices.

Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is an environmentally conscious ground-improvement method that can enhance the engineering properties of granular soils through the precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) on soil particle surfaces and contacts. Although numerous studies have shown the ability of biocementation to improve the liquefaction resistance of loose sands, the effects of light cementation levels on undrained cyclic behaviors have remained relatively unexplored. A series of undrained monotonic and cyclic direct simple shear tests were performed to examine the effect of light biocementation (ΔVs

Online controlled experiments (OCEs), also known as A/B tests, have become ubiquitous in evaluating the impact of changes made to software products and services. While the concept of online controlled experiments is simple, there are many practical challenges in running OCEs at scale. To understand the top practical challenges in running OCEs at scale and encourage further academic and industrial exploration, representatives with experience in large-scale experimentation from thirteen different organizations (Airbnb, Amazon, Booking.com, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Lyft, Microsoft, Netflix, Twitter, Uber, Yandex, and Stanford University) were invited to the first Practical Online Controlled Experiments Summit. All thirteen organizations sent representatives. Together these organizations have tested more than one hundred thousand experiment treatments last year. Thirty-four experts from these organizations participated in the summit in Sunnyvale, CA, USA on December 13-14, 2018. While there are papers from individual organizations on some of the challenges and pitfalls in running OCEs at scale, this is the first paper to provide the top challenges faced across the industry for running OCEs at scale and some common solutions.

This study explored residential (housing and town) satisfaction of rural older adults aging in place, relating to demographic and housing characteristics. We conducted a structured, face-to-face survey with 149 rural older adults. Regression results revealed that housing satisfaction for rural older adults were significantly related to demographic and housing characteristics, including personal health status, healthy home status, and structure size. Bivariate analysis revealed that satisfaction with a town feature, shopping location, was the most frequently related to demographic and housing variables, followed by cost of living in town; and that health status was most frequently associated with town feature satisfaction. The study results can enhance programs and/or services for older adults aging in rural communities. USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Evans-Allen project [1016492] The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Evans-Allen project [1016492]. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a ground improvement technique that uses ureolytic bacteria to biocement soils by precipitating calcium carbonate on soil contacts and su...

Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), or bio-cementation, is a promising bio-mediated technology that can improve the engineering properties of soils through the precipitation of calcium carbonate. Despite significant advances in the technology, concerns regarding the fate of produced NH4+ by-products have remained largely unaddressed. In this study, five 3.7-meter long soil columns each containing one of three different soils were improved using ureolytic bio-cementation, and post-treatment NH4+ by-product removal was investigated during the application of 525 L of a high pH and high ionic strength rinse solution. During rinsing, reductions in aqueous NH4+ were observed in all columns from initial concentrations between ≈100 mM to 500 mM to final values between ≈0.3 mM and 20 mM with higher NH4+ concentrations observed at distances furthest from the injection well. In addition, soil Vs measurements completed during rinse injections suggested that no significant changes in cementation integrity occurred during NH4+ removal. After rinsing and a 12 hour stop flow period, all column solutions achieved cumulative NH4+ removals exceeding 97.9%. Soil samples collected following rinsing, however, contained significant sorbed NH4+ masses that appeared to have a near linear relationship with surrounding aqueous NH4+ concentrations. While these results suggest that NH4+ can be successfully removed from bio-cemented soils, acceptable limits for NH4+ aqueous concentrations and sorbed NH4+ masses will likely be governed by site-specific requirements and may require further investigation and refinement of the developed techniques.

This study addresses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for designing internally heat-integrated pressure-swing distillation (HIPSD) with improved energy efficiency in azeotropic distillation. An extended concept of pinch pressure is applied to determine the operating pressure of the HIPSD in a double annular column configuration for the circumvention of a distillation boundary and adequate heat transfer. For the separation of a highly azeotropic ternary mixture of butyl acetate, butanol, and water, the combination of a single unit of HIPSD and a decanter is employed. This azeotropic mixture is separated in different design alternatives for the given initial feed compositions. In each sequence, the heat transfer rate inside the HIPSD was calculated by the CFD method, and the total utility consumption accordingly decreased by 9.72% and 15.44%. The reboiler and condenser duty in the HIPSD were reduced by up to 48.65%. The separation efficiency in the condenser of the high-pressure column was improved enough to reach a zero reflux by the internal heat integration.

This chapter describes how novice international faculty and scholars in American universities may face formidable challenges related to their new responsibilities and the cultural demands as they begin their tenure-track careers in the academe. Upon completion of the doctorate programs, some find themselves in organizations that have unfamiliar cultures and expectations. Regardless of their background, nationality or experience, they are expected to maintain the trademarks of teaching, scholarship, advisement, and community service in order to survive the rigor of academe. Unfortunately, the reality is often more overwhelming for international faculty and scholars because of multifaceted acculturation issues that are related to their new country and organization. Mentors can serve as facilitators for novice faculty. Through teamwork, mentors and novice faculty members can construct knowledge and create a culture of collaboration. It is envisioned that cross- culturally sensitive mentoring can help to ease the challenges of the new faculty as they navigate their unfamiliar environment in the academe.

This study attempted to provide meaningful information on the prevention of obesity and obesity-related complications. Specifically, the study attempted to verify the effectiveness of a 12-week combined aerobic and resistance training exercise program by identifying its impact on the HOMA-IR, HOMA, β-cell and the atherogenic-index (AI) among sedentary obese university students. The subjects were randomly assigned to the exercise and control groups. During a 12-week intervention, the subjects in the combined exercise group were trained 3 days per week for 80 min per day. All variables were measured 2 day before the pre- and post- of the study. Blood variables measurements included for insulin, TC, HDL-C, TG, LDL-C and glucose. Also, HOMA-IR, HOMA β-cell, A1, A2 and A3 were assessed. Two-way repeated ANOVA was performed. Interaction effects (time × group) on body fat (p = 0.017), insulin (p = 0.001), HOMA-IR (p = 0.003), HOMA β-cell (p < 0.001) and TG (p = 0.036) were observed. We conclude that 12-week of supervised combined exercise positively-affected the body fat, insulin HOMA-IR and HOMA β-cell. However, there was no significant effect on the blood lipids, TG and atherosclerosis index in our sample of Korean obese female college students.

Introduction Various phenotypes have been identified for MYH7 gene mutation-related myopathy. Here, we describe a patient with severe muscular weakness and skeletal deformity with de novo heterozygous MYH7 gene mutation. Patient concerns A 33-year-old woman presented with early onset of muscular weakness, with delayed motor development during infancy. At age 8 years, she was unable to walk, with signs of skeletal deformity, including the progression of kyphoscoliosis. At age 31 years, she developed dyspnea. Diagnosis She diagnosed with esophageal hiatal hernia with abdominal CT. In electromyography, short duration, small amplitude motor unit action potential (MUAP), and early recruitment patterns were observed in the involved proximal muscles, suggesting myopathy. Muscle histopathology showed fiber-type disproportion. Interventions Next-generation sequencing study revealed a heterozygous in-frame deletion variation in the exon 14 of the MYH7 gene (c.1498_1500del/p.Glu500del), which is a novel variation confirmed by conventional Sanger sequencing. Compared with the parental test, this variant was concluded as de novo. Outcomes She received laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair and Nissen fundoplication for esophageal hiatal hernia. After surgery, her postural dyspnea improved. As there is no fundamental treatment for MYH7-related myopathies, she continued conservative treatment for her symptoms. Conclusion Here, we presented a rare case of de novo mutation of the myosin head domain in the MYH7 gene. This report broadens both the phenotypic and genotypic spectra of MYH7-related myopathies.

As the league prepares for its 20th season, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has experienced some highs and some lows. The purpose of this study was to understand spectator motivation and to assess new strategies that the league could use to better improve the overall product of the game itself. How can the WNBA expand its fan base to help generate enough revenue that can ensure the league can support itself financially? In order to better understand people's attitudes towards the WNBA, we conducted an online survey that we then submitted on social media for people to express their thoughts on what they liked about the league and what they would like to see implemented in the future. The results from our surveys (N=93) showed that the majority of our participants were satisfied with the overall product the WNBA has to offer (affordability and family-oriented atmosphere), yet, it still lacked a certain "excitement" factor that would make the participant want to personally watch or attend a game. We concluded that in order for the league to truly flourish and gain the recognition and financial success it deserves, league executives should consider incorporating new, innovative ideas that can breathe new life into the league for the next 20 years.

This study aimed to examine the association between sleep and health in order to provide useful information to manage the health of obese women in the future. One hundred fifty-five Korean women aged 40–60 years without a previous diagnosis of abnormal glucose metabolism or other health problems and with body fat percentages greater than 30 percent were classified into two groups: a non-obese group and an obese group. Sleep hours exhibited a significant positive correlation with weight, body mass index, muscle mass, and glucose levels in the obese group. Significant differences were found for the body composition except the muscle mass. For physical fitness, all factors were significantly different between two groups. Additionally, there were correlations between sleep hours and weight, body mass index, muscle mass, and glucose level in the obese group. However, sleep hours did not exhibit these correlations in the non-obese group.

IntroductionThe Korean Peninsula remains a hot spot in international security. A puzzling North Korea has turned its back on the world by its incessant pursuit of nuclear weapons, and despite recent reconciliatory developments, tension remains between the two Koreas that may erupt into military conflict at any time. One area with the greatest potential for conflict is in the West Sea near the Northern Limit Line (NLL).2 South Korea is blaming North Korea for sinking one of its navy ships in the waters near the NLL in March 2010. More recently, South and North Korea exchanged artillery fire soon after North Korea fired on Yeonpyeongdo Island, near the NLL, in November 2010. The causes of these military conflicts remain a riddle. Though the NLL is considered a major factor, it alone is not sufficient to explain what brought the two Koreas into conflict.One interpretation posits that North Korea's provocative posture is attributable to South Korea's punitive policy against North Korea. The current Lee Myung-bak government has taken a hard-line policy toward North Korea, making its North Korea policy distinguishable from the unilateral engagement policy of the Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun governments. The current government has emphasized reciprocity and thus has showed little tolerance against North Korea's provocations. With this shift in policy toward North Korea, fears of a new conflict with North Korea are growing. As a consequence, some critics now speak about the need to ease military tension in the Korean Peninsula by reintroducing a peace and reconciliation policy with North Korea.3 Then, it is relevant to ask whether the unilateral engagement policies of the Kim Dae-j ung and the Roh Moo-hyun governments have reduced North Korea's provocations in the West Sea.4With these concerns in mind, this paper challenges the widespread belief that "conflicts of interest are reduced by interdependence, and that cooperation alone holds the answer to world problems."5 The main argument here is that North Korea's NLL violations do not rise and fall based on South Korea's engagement or containment policy toward North Korea, but rather on North Korea's need to catch more marine products. In order to support the argument of this paper, the second section evaluates the inter-Korean reconciliation process and its impact on North Korea's NLL violations. The third section analyzes why North Korea's economic crisis in the 1990s was conducive to a rise in North Korea's NLL violations. A summary and some policy implications are given in the final section.The Inter-Korean Reconciliation Process and North Korea's NLL ProvocationsThe 1953 Armistice Agreement to end the Korean War included only the landbased military demarcation line (MDL), leaving a maritime border as an unsettled question among the concerned parties, including the U.S.-led United Nations, North Korea, and China. The United Nations military forces, with superior naval and air power, felt urged to control their operations in the West and East Sea, and thus the NLL was set up in 1953 by a unilateral measure of the U.S.-led United Nations military forces. From then on, the NLL became the de facto maritime border between the two Koreas, but the cease-fire did not end military conflicts on the Korean Peninsula and in its surrounding waters.6 Arguing for the need to redraw the maritime border, North Korea has instigated numerous provocations around the waters near the NLL by kidnapping or sinking South Korean fishing boats and navy vessels.As the Cold War drew to a close in the 1980s, a turning point was reached in the relations between the two Koreas. In 1991, South and North Korea signed the "InterKorean Basic Agreement"-the Agreement on Reconciliation, Non-Aggression and Exchanges and Cooperation between the South and North-opening a new era of inter-Korean economic cooperation. As for the NLL, the agreement provides that "until the decision on the maritime demarcation line is final, the nonaggression areas of the sea shall be those that have been followed by each side until the present time. …

Nitrogen dispersed amorphous aluminum powders were synthesized by high energy grinding using a planetary ball mill under N2 atmosphere at room temperature. The modes of amorphization and recrystallization during the grinding were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The grinding process can be classified into three stages, i.e. agglomeration, disintegration and homogenization. During the disintegration stage, an amorphous phase was formed and N2 was supposed to diffuse into the aluminum. Recrystallization of N2 dispersed amorphous aluminum powders was also studied. By annealing the final ground product in air and in vacuum at 1373 K for 3600 s, the particles were recrystallized to AIN/AI2O3 and AIN/Al composite, respectively.