Using SU(3) Relations to bound the CP Asymmetries in B→KKKB \to KKK decays

We consider three body $\Delta s = 1$ $B \to f$ decays with $f=KKK$. The deviations of $-\eta_f S_f$ from $S_{\psi K_S}$ and of $C_f$ from zero can be bounded using the approximate SU(3) flavor symmetry of the strong interactions and branching ratios of various $\Delta s = 0$ modes. We present the most promising SU(3) amplitude relations that can be used to obtain these bounds.Comment: 14 pages, revtex

Conservation of livestock genetic resources by targeted on-farm management: a case study of Hinterwälder Cattle in the Southern Black Forest

This report was presented at the UK Organic Research 2002 Conference. All EU countries are obliged to conserve livestock genetic resources (UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Rio, 1992). In-situ conservation is regarded as the most favourable approach. For rare and endangered livestock breeds extensive and organic farming systems seem appropriate. Council Regulation (EC) No 1804/1999 on organic farming recommends keeping indigenous breeds and strains that have adapted to local conditions. This project analyses the current situation and develops future scenarios for Hinterwälder farms. Aspects of farm structure, housing system, marketing concept, farm viability as well as environmental services and social factors were analysed in an interdisciplinary approach. Here, we summarise the analysis and concentrate on “Conversion to organic farming“ as one option. More than 30 % of Hinterwälder farms produce to EU organic standard, and a further 60 % could easily convert as they already fulfil the criteria for extensification grants. But most farms cannot achieve sufficient prices even for organic products. Moreover, investment in animal housing would be required to meet the organic standard. Enhancing farm viability is essential for conservation of Hinterwälder cattle, but many of the social and environmental services are beyond the reach of the market mechanism. Policy makers in particular are asked therefore to take a much wider interpretation of farming and the countryside

An ancient compound rediscovered: perspectives of aphid control in organic hop growing by the use of quassia products

In the first three decades of the 20th century, quassia extract was widely used in hop growing as a chemical agent to control Phorodon humuli and other insect pests. In the first years of the 21st century this compound was rediscovered by German organic hop growers. In nine efficacy trials conducted in five field seasons, quassia products proved to be effective control agents for P. humuli in organically grown aroma cultivars. As the best method of application a systemic variant was developed by painting a suspension of quassia extract to the bines. This method proved not only to be very effective but was also best from an environmental point of view as sprayed quassia extracts had side effects on non-target organisms. As an optimal systemic application rate 24 g/ha of the active ingredient quassine was determined

Relating leptogenesis parameters to light neutrino masses

We obtain model independent relations among neutrino masses and leptogenesis parameters. We find exact relations that involve the CP asymmetries $\epsilon_{N_\alpha}$, the washout parameters $\tilde m_\alpha$ and $\theta_{\alpha\beta}$, and the neutrino masses $m_i$ and $M_\alpha$, as well as powerful inequalities that involve just $\tilde m_\alpha$ and $m_i$. We prove that the Yukawa interactions of at least two of the heavy singlet neutrinos are in the strong washout region ($\tilde m_\alpha\gg10^{-3} eV$).Comment: 5 pages, 1 figur

Reducing Obesity: Policy Strategies From the Tobacco War

Outlines the impact of obesity on health, healthcare costs, and productivity. Reviews successful policy interventions to reduce tobacco use and considers whether excise or sales tax, labeling requirements, and advertising bans could lower obesity rates

Trehalose and the nitrogen fixing nodule symbiosis of legumes : studies on rhizobia deficient in the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene "ots"A

The non-reducing disaccharide trehalose (a-D-glucopyranosyl-1,1-a-D-glucopyranoside) is widespread in nature, but is normally not present in higher plants. With respect to plant-microbe interactions, it is interesting that trehalose is regularly found in plant roots interacting with antagonistic fungi, mycorrhizal fungi, and in nitrogen-fixing root nodules, probably as a microbial substance. The impact of trehalose on plant metabolism and its role in nitrogen fixing symbiosis is unclear. This work focuses on the nodule symbiosis. It represents a genetic approach to study the role of trehalose synthesis by the microsymbiont. One pathway for trehalose synthesis is the OtsA/B pathway. Trehalose is synthesized from UDP-glucose and glucose-6-phosphate in a two-step process by the action of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (OtsA) and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (OtsB). Homologues of the genes coding for these two enzymes in Escherichia coli, otsA and otsB, have been localized on the symbiotic plasmid of Rhizobium sp. NGR234 (pNGR234a). To study the significance of rhizobial trehalose synthesis in free living and symbiotic rhizobia, an Ω-cassette was inserted into the otsA homologue. Phenotypically, the deletion of the rhizobial otsA-homologue strongly reduced trehalose synthesis under microaerobic growth conditions. Thus, there are strong indications that the rhizobial trehalose synthesis induced under hypoxic conditions is directed by the symbiotic plasmid encoded otsA-homologue in conjunction with otsB. The functionality of otsA has therefore indirectly been demonstrated in Rhizobium sp. NGR234, which is the first time in aproteobacteria in general. In addition, the induction of otsA and its homologues by low oxygen conditions has not been previously reported. The natural environment inside nodules is characterized by low oxygen. In contrast, trehalose synthesis under salt stress was not influenced by the mutation of otsA. This indicates that Rhizobium sp. NGR234 exhibits a second trehalose pathway. Activities of maltooligosyltrehalose synthase and maltooligosyl trehalohydrolase (MOS – pathway) had been demonstrated in Rhizobium sp. NGR234 in previous work. To study the role of rhizobial otsA in symbiosis, various host plants were infected with Rhizobium sp. NGRWotsA. In a number of hosts, average nodule size was reduced, nodule number was increased (up to 30 %) and nitrogen fixation was reduced compared to control plants infected with the wildtype strain NGR234. Analysis of the carbohydrate content of these nodules revealed significant increases in the levels of sucrose, hexoses and starch. Thus the deletion of the potential rhizobial otsA-homologue has a severe impact on rhizobium-legume symbiosis, and a signal function of trehalose in carbohydrate partitioning and root nodule development is proposed

Kat & Lily: An Original Screenplay

In Kat & Lily, my screenplay focuses on the strained relationship between two sisters and their approach to love, life, and self-actualization. Kat, the older sister, is a wild child and Lily, the youngest, has a much more practical approach to life. Their parents divorced when they were young, thus causing both sisters to approach love in different ways. On one hand, Kat uses her sexuality to gain power over men, and on the other hand, Lily feels that her brain is more important than her body. My screenplay is very much a romantic comedy trope, however, I wanted to flip it on its head and give it more meaning. The context of my screenplay is deeply rooted in feminism and the idea of complex familial relationships and human vulnerability. Kat and Lily both represent two sides of feminism, while their relationships, both familial and romantic, remain incredibly complex. This screenplay is meant to challenge modern ideas of feminism and what makes a woman ultimately powerful. In a larger scope, it’s a direct criticism of human society--we are all flawed and vulnerable, and that’s what makes us human. I took inspiration from women in comedy like Lena Dunham and Amy Schumer, as well as writers like Woody Allen and Tennessee Williams. Schumer and Dunham represent new waves of feminism and Williams and Allen influenced my overarching themes of complex family and love lives