Heavy Meson Physics: What have we learned in Twenty Years?

I give a personal account of the development of the field of heavy quarks. After reviewing the experimental discovery of charm and bottom quarks, I describe how the field's focus shifted towards determination of CKM elements and how this has matured into a precision science.Comment: This talk was presented during the ceremony awarding the Medalla 2003 of the Division of Particles and Fields of The Mexican Phsyical Society, at the IX Mexican Workshop on Particles and Fields; submitted for proceedings; 9 pages, 9 figures; replacement: fix multiple typo

An analysis of pilot error-related aircraft accidents

A multidisciplinary team approach to pilot error-related U.S. air carrier jet aircraft accident investigation records successfully reclaimed hidden human error information not shown in statistical studies. New analytic techniques were developed and applied to the data to discover and identify multiple elements of commonality and shared characteristics within this group of accidents. Three techniques of analysis were used: Critical element analysis, which demonstrated the importance of a subjective qualitative approach to raw accident data and surfaced information heretofore unavailable. Cluster analysis, which was an exploratory research tool that will lead to increased understanding and improved organization of facts, the discovery of new meaning in large data sets, and the generation of explanatory hypotheses. Pattern recognition, by which accidents can be categorized by pattern conformity after critical element identification by cluster analysis

Field Dependent Phase Diagram of the Quantum Spin Chain (CH3)2NH2CuCl3

Although (CH3)2NH2CuCl3 (MCCL) was first examined in the 1930's [1], there are open questions regarding the magnetic dimensionality and nature of the magnetic properties. MCCL is proposed to be a S=1/2 alternating ferromagnetic antiferromagnetic spin chain alternating along the crystalline a-axis [2,3]. Proposed ferromagnetic (JFM =1.3 meV) and antiferromagnetic (JAFM =1.1 meV) exchange constants make this system particularly interesting for experimental study. Because JFM and JAFM are nearly identical, the system should show competing behavior between S=1/2 (AFM) and S=1(FM) effects. We report low temperature magnetic field dependent susceptibility, chi(H), and specific heat, Cp, of MCCL. These provide an initial magnetic-field versus temperature phase diagram. A zero-field phase transition consistent with long range magnetic order is observed at T=0.9 K. The transition temperature can be reduced via application of a magnetic field. We also present comparisons to a FM/AFM dimer model that accounts for chi(T,H=0) and Cp(H,T).Comment: 2 pages, 1 figure included in text. Submitted to proceedings of 24th International Conference on Low Temperature Physics, August 200

E-Cigarette Use Among Undergraduate Liberal Arts and Health Sciences Students: A Study Protocol

Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery operated devices that deliver nicotine as an inhaled vapor. Use of e-cigarettes has gained in popularity since 2007, and their use is often promoted as a safer alternative to tobacco smoking. A concern among public health experts is whether e-cigarettes can be used as an alternative method for tobacco cessation or whether they lead to nicotine dependence and use of other tobacco products. Several studies have shown a higher prevalence of use of e-cigarettes among young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, but varying results on the association between their use and perceptions of harm. For the present survey, this age group was selected because, in this group, addiction to tobacco and the likelihood for adverse effects would be lower. Thus, for this group, the chances of not starting or consideration for quitting would be higher. The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about using tobacco products, smoking, and e-cigarettes among undergraduate students on liberal arts and health sciences campuses of a university. Methods: Participants will be invited via email and directed to a secure website where the survey can be completed anonymously. To assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs, the survey will include validated questions based on recommendations by the World Health Organization ((2000) appendix A)). Anticipated Results: We anticipate that the results will show an improvement in the behavioral aspect among undergraduates at the liberal arts and health sciences campuses. We also expect that results will show an improvement in knowledge among liberal arts students but less improvement in knowledge for health sciences students. Finally, we predict an overall improvement in attitudes about tobacco use and e-cigarette use