BES Results on Charmonium Decays and Transitions

Results are reported based on samples of 58 million $J/\psi$ and 14 million $\psi(2S)$ decays obtained by the BESII experiment. Improved branching fraction measurements are determined, including branching fractions for $J/\psi\to\pi^+\pi^-\pi^0$, $\psi(2S)\to \pi^0 J/\psi$, $\eta J/\psi$, $\pi^0 \pi^0 J/\psi$, anything $J/\psi$, and \psi(2S)\to\gamma\chi_{c1},\gamma\chi_{c2}\to\gamma\gamma\jpsi. Using 14 million $\psi(2S)$ events, $f_0(980)f_0(980)$ production in $\chi_{c0}$ decays and $K^*(892)^0\bar K^*(892)^0$ production in $\chi_{cJ}~(J=0,1,2)$ decays are observed for the first time, and branching ratios are determined.Comment: Parallel Talk presented at ICHEP04. 4 pages and 6 figure

One Body, Washed

(excerpt) So much that adults do and say makes little sense in the minds of children. I can’t imagine that I was the only small child of Christian parents who ever puzzled over the oddity of a day that came once a year, just before Easter. It was Monday Thursday, a day that was somehow two days of the week at once. Like the official lyrics of several hymns I’d memorized by hearing them sung repeatedly, the name of this peculiar Thursday got straightened out, at least partially, when I learned to read. Even though “Maundy” made no sense, it made better sense than Monday Thursday

Omnipresent Chemicals: TSCA Preemption in the Wake of PFAS Contamination

Over the past few decades, studies addressing the harms of PFAS have gradually progressed, and now scientists believe increased exposure could lead to reproductive defects and a higher risk of cancer. Given the amplified concern surrounding these pervasive chemicals, states are proactively filing lawsuits on behalf of their citizens and enacting legislation to combat this nation-wide contamination epidemic. However, given the 2016 Amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, states looking to regulate the manufacturing or looking to ratify a state- wide ban on the manufacturing of such chemicals may face preemption under actions taken by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This Note focuses on the possible loss of state autonomy with regards to PFAS regulation. It addresses the issues states might face given the restrictive nature of the newly enacted preemption provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act, while also examining the Act’s possible deficiencies. Ultimately, recognizing a need for creative solutions outside the scope of manufacturing regulations may provide the best solutions for states to combat these ubiquitous chemicals