M-Theory Reconstruction from (2,0) CFT and the Chiral Algebra Conjecture

We study various aspects of the M-theory uplift of the $A_{N-1}$ series of $(2,0)$ CFTs in 6d, which describe the worldvolume theory of $N$ M5 branes in flat space. We show how knowledge of OPE coefficients and scaling dimensions for this CFT can be directly translated into features of the momentum expansion of M-theory. In particular, we develop the expansion of the four-graviton S-matrix in M-theory via the flat space limit of four-point Mellin amplitudes. This includes correctly reproducing the known contribution of the $R^4$ term from 6d CFT data. Central to the calculation are the OPE coefficients for half-BPS operators not in the stress tensor multiplet, which we obtain for finite $N$ via the previously conjectured relation [arXiv:1404.1079] between the quantum ${\cal W}_N$ algebra and the $A_{N-1}$ $(2,0)$ CFT. We further explain how the $1/N$ expansion of ${\cal W}_N$ structure constants exhibits the structure of protected vertices in the M-theory action. Conversely, our results provide strong evidence for the chiral algebra conjecture.Comment: 30+18 pages. v2: added refs, fixed typos/notatio

Spectrochemical trade element analysis in steels and ferrous alloys

Imperial Users onl

Charter School Funding: Inequity’s Next Frontier

Of all the controversies swirling around the nation’s charter schools, none is more hotly contested than the debate over funding. Charter opponents charge that] these autonomous public schools are draining scarce resources from public school districts. Proponents, by contrast, complain that charter schools do not get their fair share of public education dollars

The Corporatization of Communication

Our next panel discusses the corporatization of communication

I. Nitrogen and Water Use Efficiency as Influenced by Maize Hybrid and Irrigation II. Predicting Pre-plant Nitrogen Applications to Maize Using Indicator Crop N-rich Reference Strips

Agriculture is an industry with continuous advancements in technology and strategies to increase production while improving efficiency. Hard red winter wheat is a staple crop for many producers in Oklahoma. However, a dramatic increase in the commodity price of maize at the beginning of 2011 resulted in a restored interest to raise maize in the less productive, semi-arid environment of Oklahoma. Provided in this dissertation are two projects that investigate the use of technology and nitrogen fertilizer management strategies to produce maize in Oklahoma. Seed companies have recently commercialized maize hybrids which are marketed as having improved drought tolerance. Both transgenic and non-transgenic approaches have been taken to exploit improved drought tolerance in maize. In chapter one, transgenic and non-transgenic maize hybrids are compared to less drought tolerant maize hybrids. Evaluation of these hybrids grown under irrigation and with different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates on grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency were investigated. Even with the presence of irrigation and above average rainfall, drought tolerant hybrids offer improved grain yield and WUE. The transgenic drought tolerant hybrid seemed better suited for hot and dry environments. Maize producers should consider incorporating transgenic drought tolerant maize hybrid technology into water stressed farming environments. In chapter two, winter wheat and spring barley indicator crops were used to estimate the N response of the subsequent maize crop. In-season response of the indicator crops was determined (RINDVI) and provided input values to calculate N fertilizer recommendations of the subsequent maize crop using the generalized algorithm. The agronomic optimum N rate (AONR) and response of N fertilizer at harvest (RIHarvest) were calculated from a maize N response trial. Strong correlations existed between the N fertilizer recommendation generated from the generalized algorithm and the AONR for the maize along with the RINDVI for wheat and barley and RIHarvest for the maize. The use of indicator crops to predict the response of a maize crop to N fertilizer is unprecedented and modifications to current maize N fertilizer recommendations could modernize N management strategies for all producers.Soil Science (PhD

Joint Detect and Avoid Flight Testing

This presentation gives insight into a joint flight testing effort that included participation from NASA, Honeywell, and General Atomics. The presentation includes roles and responsibilities, test flow, and encounter requirements and summary

A Life Cycle Comparison of Remote, Deployed Expeditionary Waste Management Scenarios

The current barrier to acquisition and utilization of viable waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies at remote or deployed expeditionary sites requires high capital and operation & maintenance costs. The impacts to environment and human health of differing expeditionary waste management strategies were compared using the Life Cycle Assessment software SimaPro 8.0. Emissions of individual waste management scenarios were compiled from peer-reviewed literature, converted to values compatible with SimaPro’s waste scenario inputs, and the calculated impacts compared using SimaPro’s pre-loaded methodologies. These calculated impacts and the economic impacts confirm that open-air burning of waste is not only dangerous to humans and the environment, but is also not cost-effective. Considering the economic effects and the mitigated human and environmental health impacts, WTE technologies may be a viable waste management strategy for the future

Parallel Processing of a Groundwater Contaminant Code

The U. S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) is conducting a field test of experimental enhanced bioremediation of trichoroethylene (TCE) contaminated groundwater. TCE is a chlorinated organic substance that was used as a solvent in the early years of the INEEL and disposed in some cases to the aquifer. There is an effort underway to enhance the natural bioremediation of TCE by adding a non-toxic substance that serves as a feed material for the bacteria that can biologically degrade the TCE

Effects of The Novel Endocannabinoid Uptake Inhibitor, LY2183240, on Fear-Potentiated Startle and Alcohol-Seeking Behaviors in Mice Selectively Bred for High Alcohol Preference

Rationale Alcohol-use disorders often occur together with anxiety disorders in humans which may be partly due to common inherited genetic factors. Evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of individuals with anxiety and/or alcohol-use disorders. Objectives The present study assessed the effects of a novel endocannabinoid uptake inhibitor, LY2183240, on anxiety- and alcohol-seeking behaviors in a unique animal model that may represent increased genetic risk to develop co-morbid anxiety and alcohol-use disorders in humans. Mice selectively bred for high alcohol preference (HAP) show greater fear-potentiated startle (FPS) than mice selectively bred for low alcohol preference (LAP). We examined the effects of LY2183240 on the expression of FPS in HAP and LAP mice and on alcohol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and limited-access alcohol drinking behavior in HAP mice. Results Repeated administration of LY2183240 (30 mg/kg) reduced the expression of FPS in HAP but not LAP mice when given prior to a second FPS test 48 hrs after fear conditioning. Both the 10 and 30 mg/kg doses of LY2183240 enhanced the expression of alcohol-induced CPP and this effect persisted in the absence of the drug. LY2183240 did not alter limited-access alcohol drinking behavior, unconditioned startle responding, or locomotor activity. Conclusions These findings suggest that ECS modulation influences both conditioned fear and conditioned alcohol reward behavior. LY2183240 may be an effective pharmacotherapy for individuals with anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, but may not be appropriate for individuals with co-morbid anxiety and alcohol-use disorders