Distribution and genetic structure of pocket gophers (Genus Geomys) in Kansas

The development of informed management practices and insightful research depends not only on an understanding of species natural history and ecology, but information regarding the distributions of these species and how they interact with adjacent taxa. The study of a species distribution can become complicated if the geographic variation within the species is not understood. Pocket gophers, including those in the genus Geomys, display morphological and chromosomal variation across their range, even within the same species. Genetic techniques, including Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), have clarified population relationships and characterized zones of contact. Previous studies have suggested 2 species and up to 5 subspecies of Geomys in Kansas. Researchers have documented 1 contact zone in Osborne County between a population with small body size and lighter pelage in the west and a population that is larger and darker in the east. However, there has been little consensus over the taxonomic status of these 2 populations. Also, there has not been sufficient research that documents the presence and distribution of other distinct Geomys populations in Kansas. For my study, 143 pocket gophers were captured from throughout Kansas. Tissue samples of these specimens, including 1 additional sample from Lincoln County, Nebraska, were analyzed with AFLP by using 6 primer pair combinations. These data were then evaluated by using Principle Coordinate Analysis, the program STRUCTURE, and an unrooted phylogram generated by using distance values to determine the presence of genetically distinct taxa, their distributions in Kansas, and any level of genetic admixture among populations. Results were considered following the genetic species concept. Consensus among all 3 analyses suggested the presence of 4 genetically cohesive populations in Kansas with each having different degrees of genetic isolation. My research suggested that the northwestern taxonomic group, Geomys halli, was isolated genetically and was functioning as a species. Other taxa in Kansas were suggested to include, G. bursarius majusculus (eastern), G. b. industrius or major (south central), and G. jugossicularis (southwestern). The northwestern population was likely in secondary contact with the southwestern and eastern populations, suggested by a zone of sympatry, 1 hybrid, and little admixture. Determination of taxonomic rank was limited because the interactions among these taxa are unknown outside of Kansas

Legal Marriage, Civil Unions, Registered Domestic Partnership and Well-being among Same-Sex Couples

This dissertation used a quantitative method of analysis to explore well-being among couples with different types of legal unions: legal marriage, civil unions, registered domestic partnership. Specifically, this study examined individual, relational, social, and familial components of well-being. Individuals in legally recognized same-sex relationships were recruited for this study. Participants were asked to complete an internet-based survey. Social constructionism provided the theoretical framework for this study. Results show differences among individuals in legally married unions compared to individuals in all other forms of legal unions on measures of satisfaction with life, psychological and physical well-being. Additionally, the results show strong effects for legal marriage on individual well-being when considering couple satisfaction and social support from families and friends. Conclusions for this study suggest that legal marriage may offer a higher level of individual well-being in comparison to other forms of legal unions, while relationship well-being is consistent across all three forms of legal unions

The Relationships between Perfectionism, Stress, Coping Resources, and Burnout among Sign Language Interpreters

The multidimensional construct of perfectionism is well studied as it relates to coping with stress and burnout (Flett & Hewitt, 2002). Bontempo and Napier (2011) identify the personality trait of conscientiousness, which includes perfectionistic traits, as beneficial to an interpreter’s job performance. In contrast, several studies suggest that constructs related to maladaptive perfectionistic traits play a role in the development of burnout among interpreters, although perfectionism has not been explicitly identified or used as a research variable (Qin, Marshall, Mozrall, & Marschark, 2008). These studies identify key components of both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism in the assessment of stress-related outcomes, thereby laying the groundwork for a more focused study on the particular role of perfectionism among interpreters who experience burnout. The multidimensional construct of perfectionism is well studied as it relates to coping with stress and burnout (Flett & Hewitt, 2002). Bontempo and Napier (2011) identify the personality trait of conscientiousness, which includes perfectionistic traits, as beneficial to an interpreter’s job performance. In contrast, several studies suggest that constructs related to maladaptive perfectionistic traits play a role in the development of burnout among interpreters, although perfectionism has not been explicitly identified or used as a research variable (Qin, Marshall, Mozrall, & Marschark, 2008). These studies identify key components of both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism in the assessment of stress-related outcomes, thereby laying the groundwork for a more focused study on the particular role of perfectionism among interpreters who experience burnout. The current study evaluated the relationship between perfectionism, stress, coping resources and burnout in a sample of sign language interpreters. The results provided support for the mediating role of stress in the association of maladaptive perfectionism and burnout within a sign language interpreting sample. Coping resources did not serve as a moderator between perfectionism variables and burnout or a moderated mediator between perfectionism variables and perceived stress. The implications of these findings for sign language interpreters are discussed. The current study evaluated the relationship between perfectionism, stress, coping resources and burnout in a sample of sign language interpreters. The results provided support for the mediating role of stress in the association of maladaptive perfectionism and burnout within a sign language interpreting sample. Coping resources did not serve as a moderator between perfectionism variables and burnout or a moderated mediator between perfectionism variables and perceived stress. The implications of these findings for sign language interpreters are discussed

INVESTIGATING POWER OF ANALYSIS OF COVARIANCE METHODS

Analysis of covariance is a well-utilized statistical methodology. The procedure involves a series of statistical tests to first construct a most significant analysis model to characterize the effect of the covariate on response. Pairwise comparisons among treatments are then based on the finalized model. For traditional Normal error assumptions, each step of the process is based on exact statistical tests. However, the series of statistical tests defines a conditional probability scheme with possible multiplicity issues. The question then becomes if the analysis of covariance methodology considered in entirety is able to maintain a nominal level of significance with good power. Several procedures have been proposed in the literature suggesting different sequences of tests and understandings of analysis of covariance. This simulation study is being conducted to compare among a number of these analysis strategies. The initial goal was to investigate power of detecting treatment differences using the various analysis of covariance strategies. But, before power can be considered, the ability of the methodology to maintain a nominal level of significance must be investigated

The Planetary Mass Companion 2MASS1207-3932 B: Temperature, Mass and Evidence for an Edge-On Disk

We present J-band imaging and H+K-band low-resolution spectroscopy of 2MASS1207-3932 AB, obtained with VLT NACO. For the putative planetary mass secondary, we find J = 20.0+/-0.2 mag. The HK spectra of both components imply low gravity, and a dusty atmosphere for the secondary. Comparisons to synthetic spectra yield Teff_A ~ 2550+/-150K, and Teff_B ~ 1600+/-100K, consistent with their late-M and mid-to-late L types. For these Teff, and an age of 5-10 Myrs, evolutionary models imply M_A ~ 24+/-6 M_Jup and M_B ~ 8+/-2 M_Jup. Independent comparisons of these models to the observed colors, spanning ~I to L', also yield the same masses and temperatures. Our primary mass agrees with other recent analyses; however, our secondary mass, while still in the planetary regime, is 2-3 times larger than claimed previously. This discrepancy can be traced to the luminosities: while the absolute photometry and Mbol of the primary agree with theoretical predictions, the secondary is ~ 2.5+/-0.5 mag fainter than expected in all bands from I to L' and in Mbol. This accounts for the much lower secondary mass (and temperature) derived earlier. We argue that this effect is highly unlikely to result from a variety of model-related problems, and is instead real. This conclusion is bolstered by the absence of any luminosity problems in either the primary, or in AB Pic B which we also analyse. We therefore suggest grey extinction in 2M1207B, due to occlusion by an edge-on circum-secondary disk. This is consistent with the observed properties of edge-on disks around T Tauri stars, and with the known presence of a high-inclination evolved disk around the primary. Finally, the system's implied mass ratio of ~0.3 suggests a binary-like formation scenario. (abridged)Comment: Accepted by The Astrophysical Journal, 43 pages text + 16 figs + 1 tabl

Computing Highly Accurate Spectroscopic Line Lists for Characterization of Planetary Atmospheres: CO2 and SO2 Line Lists Needed for Modeling Venus

Over the last decade, it has become apparent that the most effective approach for determining highly accurate rotational and rovibrational line lists for molecules of interest in planetary atmospheres and other astrophysical environments is through a combination of highresolution laboratory experiments coupled with state-of-the art ab initio quantum chemistry methods. The approach involves computing the most accurate potential energy surface (PES) possible using state-of-the art electronic structure methods, followed by computing rotational and rovibrational energy levels using an exact variational method to solve the nuclear Schrdinger equation. Then, reliable experimental data from high-resolution experiments is used to refine the ab initio PES in order to improve the accuracy of the computed energy levels and transition energies. From the refinement step, we have been able to achieve an accuracy of approximately 0.015 cm-1 for rovibrational transition energies, and even better for purely rotational transitions. This combined "experiment / theory" approach allows for determination of essentially a complete line list, with hundreds of millions of transitions, and having the transition energies and intensities be highly accurate. Our group has successfully applied this approach to determine highly accurate line lists for NH3, CO2 and isotopologues, and SO2 and isotopologues. Here I will report our latest results for CO2 and SO2 including all isotopologues. Comparisons to the available data in HITRAN2012 and other available databases will be shown, though we note that our line lists for SO2 are significantly more complete than any other databases. Since it is important to span a large temperature range in order to model the spectral signature of Venus as well as exoplanets, we will demonstrate how the spectra change on going from low temperatures (100 K) to higher temperatures (500 K to 1500 K)

Inertia compensation while scanning screw threads on coordinate-measuring machines

Usage of scanning coordinate-measuring machines for inspection of screw threads has become a common practice nowadays. Compared to touch trigger probing, scanning capabilities allow to speed up measuring process while still maintaining high accuracy. However, in some cases accuracy drasticaly depends on the scanning speed. In this paper a compensation method is proposed allowing to reduce the influence of some dynamic effects while scanning screw threads on coordinate-measuring machines

A high accuracy computed water line list

A computed list of H$_{2}$$^{16}$O infra-red transition frequencies and intensities is presented. The list, BT2, was produced using a discrete variable representation two-step approach for solving the rotation-vibration nuclear motions. It is the most complete water line list in existence, comprising over 500 million transitions (65% more than any other list) and it is also the most accurate (over 90% of all known experimental energy levels are within 0.3 cm$^{-1}$ of the BT2 values). Its accuracy has been confirmed by extensive testing against astronomical and laboratory data. The line list has been used to identify individual water lines in a variety of objects including: comets, sunspots, a brown dwarf and the nova-like object V838 Mon. Comparison of the observed intensities with those generated by BT2 enables physical values to be derived for these objects. The line list can also be used to provide an opacity for models of the atmospheres of M-dwarf stars and assign previously unknown water lines in laboratory spectra.Comment: 8 Pages, zero figures. Submitted to MNRAS. On line data at: ftp://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/cats/VI/11

Solar neutrino-electron scattering as background limitation for double beta decay

The background on double beta decay searches due to elastic electron scattering of solar neutrinos of all double beta emitters with Q-value larger than 2 MeV is calculated, taking into account survival probability and flux uncertainties of solar neutrinos. This work determines the background level to be [1-2]E-7 counts /keV/kg/yr, depending on the precise Q-value of the double beta emitter. It is also shown that the background level increases dramatically if going to lower Q-values. Furthermore, studies are done for various detector systems under consideration for next generation experiments. It was found that experiments based on loaded liquid scintillator have to expect a higher background. Within the given nuclear matrix element uncertainties any approach exploring the normal hierarchy has to face this irreducible background, which is a limitation on the minimal achievable background for purely calorimetric approaches. Large scale liquid scintillator experiments might encounter this problem already while exploring the inverted hierarchy. Potential caveats by using more sophisticated experimental setups are also discussed

Expectancy effects in the EEG during joint and spontaneous word-by-word sentence production in German

Our aim in the present study is to measure neural correlates during spontaneous interactive sentence production. We present a novel approach using the word-by-word technique from improvisational theatre, in which two speakers jointly produce one sentence. This paradigm allows the assessment of behavioural aspects, such as turn-times, and electrophysiological responses, such as event-related-potentials (ERPs). Twenty-five participants constructed a cued but spontaneous four-word German sentence together with a confederate, taking turns for each word of the sentence. In 30% of the trials, the confederate uttered an unexpected gender-marked article. To complete the sentence in a meaningful way, the participant had to detect the violation and retrieve and utter a new fitting response. We found significant increases in response times after unexpected words and – despite allowing unscripted language production and naturally varying speech material – successfully detected significant N400 and P600 ERP effects for the unexpected word. The N400 EEG activity further significantly predicted the response time of the subsequent turn. Our results show that combining behavioural and neuroscientific measures of verbal interactions while retaining sufficient experimental control is possible, and that this combination provides promising insights into the mechanisms of spontaneous spoken dialogue