Iterative character constructions for algebra groups

We construct a family of orthogonal characters of an algebra group which decompose the supercharacters defined by Diaconis and Isaacs. Like supercharacters, these characters are given by nonnegative integer linear combinations of Kirillov functions and are induced from linear supercharacters of certain algebra subgroups. We derive a formula for these characters and give a condition for their irreducibility; generalizing a theorem of Otto, we also show that each such character has the same number of Kirillov functions and irreducible characters as constituents. In proving these results, we observe as an application how a recent computation by Evseev implies that every irreducible character of the unitriangular group \UT_n(q) of unipotent $n\times n$ upper triangular matrices over a finite field with $q$ elements is a Kirillov function if and only if $n\leq 12$. As a further application, we discuss some more general conditions showing that Kirillov functions are characters, and describe some results related to counting the irreducible constituents of supercharacters.Comment: 22 page

ANTI-MOSQUITO BEHAVIOR OF ADULT AND JUVENILE WHITE-FOOTED MICE (PEROMYSCUS LEUCOPUS) (TREEHOLE MOSQUITO, AEDES TRISERIATUS, EPIDEMIOLOGY)

Rodents seldom are identified as hosts for mosquitoes, based on serological analysis of bloodmeals. However, due to limited survey and lack of sensitivity in most bloodmeal analyses, host species can be misrepresented or undetected. Knowledge of behavior of a potential host species can complement results of bloodmeal analysis, because active vertebrates may prevent mosquito feeding and thus rarely serve as hosts. The objectives of this study were to characterize anti-mosquito behavior in the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis) and to examine effectiveness of such behavior in mice based on age, prior exposure to mosquitoes, and immediate environment. I used wild-stock Aedes triseriatus mosquitoes, reared in lab, in experiments with four groups of mice: (1) wild-caught adult males in a barren enclosure; (2) wild-caught adult males in an enclosure with seeds and nest material that could be manipulated, simulating natural activity; (3) adult males from a lab colony of P. leucopus; and (4) wild-stock, lab-reared juveniles with or without practice (prior exposure to mosquitoes). I used an electronic event recorder to monitor grooming, exploring, resting, and anti-mosquito actions. I observed each mouse without and then with mosquitoes. I then anesthetized each mouse to verify that lack of mosquito feeding success on the non-anesthetized (active) mouse was due to mouse behavior. Results indicated that the role of prior exposure to mosquitoes was minimal. Wild adult mice maintained defense while handling and eating seeds, implying that anti-mosquito behavior probably is an integral part of their activity in nature. Certain actions, such as ear-flick, occurred almost exclusively when mosquitoes were present. Juveniles usually caught, killed, and ate more mosquitoes than did adults. Individuality of mouse behavior affected the outcome of mouse-mosquito interactions. All mice, except one, had highly effective defense against mosquitoes. Therefore, P. leucopus probably rarely serves as host for mosquitoes in nature and, thus, as host or reservoir for mosquito-borne diseases

Integrating form and meaning in L2 pronunciation instruction

One of the central challenges of ESL teaching is striking the right balance between form and meaning. In pronunciation pedagogy, this challenge is compounded because repetitive practice, which has been shown to enhance phonological acquisition and promote fluency, is widely viewed as being incompatible with communicative principles. This article provides a brief historical background for modern pronunciation pedagogy (from World War II to the present) as part of a backdrop for understanding the current disjuncture between pronunciation and communicative language teaching. A discussion on form-focused instruction, its applicability for pronunciation pedagogy, and challenges in implementation follows with reference to a recent article that presents evidence for the appropriateness of a communicative instructional framework for teaching L2 pronunciation (Trofimovich & Gatbonton, 2006). Finally, a communicative activity that encourages repetitive practice while integrating pronunciation with other components of language use is proposed

Federal Employees’ Retirement System: Summary of Recent Trends

This report describes recent trends in the characteristics of annuitants and current employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) as well as the financial status of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF)

Retirement Benefits for Members of Congress

Prior to 1984, neither federal civil service employees nor Members of Congress paid Social Security taxes, nor were they eligible for Social Security benefits. Members of Congress and other federal employees were instead covered by a separate pension plan called the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). The 1983 amendments to the Social Security Act (P.L. 98-21) required federal employees first hired after 1983 to participate in Social Security. These amendments also required all Members of Congress to participate in Social Security as of January 1, 1984, regardless of when they first entered Congress. Because CSRS was not designed to coordinate with Social Security, Congress directed the development of a new retirement plan for federal workers. The result was the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986 (P.L. 99- 335). Members of Congress first elected in 1984 or later are covered automatically under the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS). All Senators and those Representatives serving as Members prior to September 30, 2003, may decline this coverage. Representatives entering office on or after September 30, 2003, cannot elect to be excluded from such coverage. Members who were already in Congress when Social Security coverage went into effect could either remain in CSRS or change their coverage to FERS. Members are now covered under one of four different retirement arrangements: CSRS and Social Security; The “CSRS Offset” plan, which includes both CSRS and Social Security, but with CSRS contributions and benefits reduced by Social Security contributions and benefits; FERS and Social Security; or Social Security alone. Congressional pensions, like those of other federal employees, are financed through a combination of employee and employer contributions. All Members pay Social Security payroll taxes equal to 6.2% of the Social Security taxable wage base ($117,000 in 2014). Members first covered by FERS prior to 2013 also pay 1.3$117,000 of salary, and 8.0% of salary above this amount, into the CSRDF. Under both CSRS and FERS, Members of Congress are eligible for a pension at the age of 62 if they have completed at least five years of service. Members are eligible for a pension at age 50 if they have completed 20 years of service, or at any age after completing 25 years of service. The amount of the pension depends on years of service and the average of the highest three years of salary. By law, the starting amount of a Member’s retirement annuity may not exceed 80% of his or her final salary. There were 527 retired Members of Congress receiving federal pensions based fully or in part on their congressional service as of October 1, 2012. Of this number, 312 had retired under CSRS and were receiving an average annual pension of $71,472. A total of 215 Members had retired with service under FERS and were receiving an average annual pension of$40,560 in 2012. with service under FERS and were receiving an average annual pension of $40,560 in 2012

Unemployment Insurance: Consequences of Changes in State Unemployment Compensation Laws

[Excerpt] This report analyzes several types of recent changes to state Unemployment Compensation (UC) programs. Three categories of UC state law issues are considered: (1) changes in the duration of state UC unemployment benefits; (2) changes in the UC weekly benefit amount; and (3) the enactment into state law of two trigger options for the Extended Benefit (EB) program

Unemployment Insurance: Consequences of Changes in State Unemployment Compensation Laws

[Excerpt] This report analyzes recent changes to state Unemployment Compensation (UC) programs. Two categories of UC state law issues are considered: (1) changes in the duration of state UC unemployment benefits, and (2) changes in the UC weekly benefit amount