Orientation twisted homotopy field theories and twisted unoriented Dijkgraaf-Witten theory

Given a finite $\mathbb{Z}_2$-graded group $\hat{\mathsf{G}}$ with ungraded subgroup $\mathsf{G}$ and a twisted cocycle $\hat{\lambda} \in Z^n(B \hat{\mathsf{G}}; \mathsf{U}(1)_{\pi})$ which restricts to $\lambda \in Z^n(B \mathsf{G}; \mathsf{U}(1))$, we construct a lift of $\lambda$-twisted $\mathsf{G}$-Dijkgraaf--Witten theory to an unoriented topological quantum field theory. Our construction uses a new class of homotopy field theories, which we call orientation twisted. We also introduce an orientation twisted variant of the orbifold procedure, which produces an unoriented topological field theory from an orientation twisted $\mathsf{G}$-equivariant topological field theory

Predation on the Pupae of Saturniidae (Lepidoptera) by Gray Squirrels in Wisconsin

(excerpt) Owing to their large body size, the larvae and pupae ofgiant silkworm moths (Saturniidae) are ideal food for many animals. Winter predation on the pupae of Hyalophora cecropia (L.) in Illinois by birds (Waldbauer and Sternburg, Ecology 48:312-315, 1967) is a well known example

The Rank One Mixed μ Problem and 'Kharitonov-Type' Analysis

The general mixed μ problem has been shown to be NP hard, so that the exact solution of the general problem is computationally intractable, except for small problems. In this paper we consider not the general problem, but a particular special case of this problem, the rank one mixed μ problem. We show that for this case the mixed μ problem is equivalent to its upper bound (which is convex), and it can in fact be computed easily (and exactly). This special case is shown to be equivalent to the so called "affine parameter variation" problem (for a polynomial with perturbed coefficients) which has been examined in detail in the literature, and for which several celebrated "Kharitonov-type" results have been proven

Parasitism of Female Neotibicen linnei (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) by Larvae of the Sarcophagid Fly Emblemasoma erro in Wisconsin

Herein it is reported an unusual case of parasitism of a female Neotibicen linnei (Smith and Grossbeck) by the sarcophagid Emblemasoma erro (Aldrich) in western Wisconsin. Sarcophagids typically attack male cicadas, locating them by the latter’s acoustical behavior. Some members of the dipteran family Sarcophagidae are parasitic on male cicadas (e.g. Soper et. al. 1976, Lakes-Harlan et. al. 2000, Faris et. al. 2008, Stucky 2015). Parasitoids such as Emblemasoma species are attracted to larviposit on male cicadas by responding to the latter’s acoustical signals (Tron et. al. 2016). Sarcophagids, therefore, are generally not attracted to mute female cicadas. In this brief communique, I report an unusual instance of a female of the cicada Neotibicen linnei being successfully parasitized by Emblemasoma erro in western Wisconsin

An evaluation of a job seeking skills programme for prison inmates : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in psychology at Massey University

This research is concerned with the evaluation of a Job Seeking Skills (JSS) programme at Manawatu Prison. Three groups of four JSS participants responded to questionnaire measures of self-esteem, social anxiety and fear of negative evaluation at pretest, posttest and at a six week follow-up. Self-esteem increased but no change occurred on measures of social anxiety and fear of negative evaluation. Subjects also took part in videotaped simulated job interviews at pretest and posttest. Subjects decreased their response latency, but no significant changes were noted on other behavioural measures. Despite this, subjects were rated as significantly more socially skilled and more employable at their posttest interviews. Improvements were also noted on ratings of appearance and question answering. Although subjects reported a decrease in anxiety in interview, ratings of anxiety by external raters did not indicate significant improvement

Molecular Gas and Star Formation in the SAURON Early-type Galaxies

We present the results of a survey of CO emission in 43 of the 48 representative E/S0 galaxies observed in the optical with the SAURON integral-field spectrograph. The CO detection rate is 12/43 or 28%. This is lower than previous studies of early-types but can probably be attributed to different sample selection criteria. As expected, earlier type, more luminous and massive galaxies have a relatively lower molecular gas content. We find that CO-rich galaxies tend to have higher H\beta but lower Fe5015 and Mgb absorption indices than CO-poor galaxies. Those trends appear primarily driven by the age of the stars, an hypothesis supported by the fact that the galaxies with the strongest evidence of star formation are also the most CO-rich. In fact, the early-type galaxies from the current sample appear to extend the well-known correlations between FIR luminosity, dust mass and molecular mass of other galaxy types. The star formation interpretation is also consistent with the SAURON galaxies' radio continuum and FIR flux ratios, and their inferred star formation efficiencies are similar to those in spiral galaxies. It thus appears that we have identified the material fueling (residual) star formation in early-type galaxies, and have demonstrated that it is actively being transformed. Nevertheless, the lack of strong correlations between the CO content and most stellar parameters is compatible with the idea that, in a significant number of sample galaxies, the molecular gas has been accreted from the outside and has properties rather independent from the old, pre-existing stellar component.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, accepted in MNRA

Are you a researcher as well as a medical illustrator?

When we list the areas of practice for medical illustrators we always include research, but how involved in research are we? The aim of this activity is to encourage your professional development not just as a medical illustrator but your involvement with research whether that is undertaking your own research, undertaking evidence based practice (1) , working as part of a research team, advising researchers on the value of medical illustration or supporting a student undertaking a research project for their degree or post-graduate qualification