Colored Jones polynomials without tails

We exhibit an infinite family of knots with the property that the first coefficient of the n-colored Jones polynomial grows linearly with n. This shows that the concept of stability and tail seen in the colored Jones polynomials of alternating knots does not generalize naively.Comment: 5 pages, 1 ca

Quantum Goos-H\"{a}nchen shift and tunneling transmission at a curved step potential

We study the quantum Goos-H\"{a}nchen (GH) shift and the tunneling transmission at a curved step potential by investigating the time evolution of a wave packet. An initial wave packet is expanded in terms of the eigenmodes of a circular step potential. Its time evolution is then given by the interference of their simple eigenmode oscillations. We show that the GH shift along the step boundary can be explained by the energy-dependent phase loss upon reflection, which is defined by modifying the one-dimensional (1D) effective potential derived from the 2D circular system. We also demonstrate that the tunneling transmission of the wave packet is characterized by a free-space image distant from the boundary. The tunneling transmission exhibits a rather wide angle divergence and the direction of maximum tunneling is slightly rotated from the tangent at the incident point, which is consistent with the time delay of the tunneling wave packet computed in the 1D modified effective potential

Analysis of scintillation pulse shapes for stilbene using neutron and gamma-ray excitation

In experimental nuclear physics it is often desirable to detect neutrons in the presence of a heavy gemna-ray background. This situation presents a problem since neutron counters also respond to gamma radiation. However, recently it has been shown that the scintillation counter employing an organic crystal scintillator and pulse-shape discrimination may well furnish the solution to this problem

An exploration of the accreditation self-study process from the perspectives of organizational effectiveness

A total of 22 sanctions were issued in 2009 for noncompliance of the accreditation standards by the Junior College Division of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The most common reason for these sanctions is not conducting program reviews. Another major cause is for not integrating organizational planning or using assessment results, and not correcting institutional deficiencies with governing boards. Yet, despite these warnings, many institutions continue to receive such sanctions. Models for organizational effectiveness could help institutions of higher education prepare for and become compliant with accreditation standards. This case study involved the development of an assessment matrix that incorporated three popular organizational effectiveness models (Baldrige, Competing Values Framework, and Goal) thought to be helpful in assisting an institution in its preparedness for an accreditation visit. The final matrix included four sections which specified factors for institutional effectiveness, student learning, resources and leadership and governance. To assess the matrix, substantial evidence from departments or councils involved in ensuring accreditation guidelines were met from one college was reviewed. Also, three presidents from other organizations were interviewed regarding their perceptions regarding the value of using the matrix for accreditation preparation. Findings revealed there was a correlation with the effectiveness models and the institution\u27s actual preparedness. Baldrige criteria (50%) and the Goal model (43%) weighed heavily in the Institutional Effectiveness factors as well as with the Student Learning factors (Goal model, 48%; Baldrige 40%). The Resources criteria utilized both the Competing Values Framework (41%) and the Baldrige model (41%) equally. The Leadership and Governance criteria largely utilized the Goal model (53%) due to the straightforward mandate for specific deliverables. Conclusions were that the accreditation matrix is a helpful tool to help prepare an institution for an accreditation visit and that the Baldrige model added the most value to the process. Also, it was concluded that the matrix was an effective tool for stimulating dialogue among staff and faculty about the standards for accreditation and could positively impact the preparation process. Recommendations included the need for redesigning the matrix to focus more on the elements or factors of the organizational effectiveness models studied

A Biosystematic Study Of Taenidia and Pseudotaenidia (Umbelliferae)

The primary research objectives of this work are to investigate and to evaluate the phylogenetic relationship between two genera of the Umbelliferae and, by means of the study of these genera, to evaluate in general the principal characteristics that are used to classify the Umbelliferae along phylogenetic lines

The Role of Organic Matter in the Fate and Transport of Antibiotic Resistance, Metals, and Nutrients in the Karst of Northwest Arkansas

Organic matter (OM) in the environment acts as a nutrient, but may also act as a transport vector for harmful chemical compounds and bacteria. Acetate is a labile form of OM produced during fermentation in anaerobic lagoons used to store animal fecal-waste from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Dry and liquid fertilizers from CAFOs pose a threat to groundwater by introducing excessive amounts of nutrients (e.g. OM, nitrate and ammonia), metals, and antibiotic compounds. In the epikarst of Northern Arkansas in the Buffalo River watershed additional input of labile dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from liquid CAFO waste-fertilizers was hypothesized to increase microbial activity along groundwater flowpaths. In addition, high metal and antibiotic concentrations associated with increasing concentrations of DOC were hypothesized to be detrimental to microbial processes, with exception given to resistant bacteria species. Laboratory microcosm experiments were conducted to characterize microbial DIC production and denitrification. The microcosms were treated with acetate, nitrate, phosphate, and/or various metal species to characterize concentration effects on microbial activity. Field studies were used to calibrate laboratory conditions, and to compare biomass production and composition. Isotopes of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13C-DIC), nitrate (δ15N-NO3), and dissolved oxygen (DO) were used to assess microbial responses to increasing DOC concentrations. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis was used to characterize biomass produced during the experiments. Conversion of DOC-DIC and decreasing NO3 concentrations were observed in the microcosms. Microbial productivity was greatest when DOC concentrations were 10 times greater than NO3 concentrations. When metals were added to the microcosms, microbial activity was inhibited with exception being microcosms containing metal concentrations below 10 µg/L. FAME biomarkers indicated gram-negative bacteria were present in biomass samples from the spring orifice and metal-treated microcosms, but microcosms amended with nutrients and DOC displayed indicators of predominantly gram-positive bacteria. Critical findings of this study were: bacteria species transported in spring discharge were resistant to antibiotics and metals, high concentrations of DOC and nitrate increase biological productivity in epikarst and metal exposure inhibits nitrate removal and causes ecological shifts in biofilms selecting for resistant bacteria strains

ELaNa - Educational Launch of Nanosatellite Providing Routine RideShare Opportunities

Since the creation of the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative (NCSLI), the need for CubeSat rideshares has dramatically increased. After only three releases of the initiative, a total of 66 CubeSats now await launch opportunities. So, how is this challenge being resolved? NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) has studied how to integrate PPODs on Athena, Atlas V, and Delta IV launch vehicles and has been instrumental in developing several carrier systems to support CubeSats as rideshares on NASA missions. In support of the first two ELaNa missions the Poly-Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD) was adapted for use on a Taurus XL (ELaNa I) and a Delta n (ELaNa III). Four P-PODs, which contained a total eight CubeSats, were used on these first ELaNa missions. Next up is ELaNa VI, which will launch on an Atlas V in August 2012. The four ELaNa VI CubeSats, in three P-PODs, are awaiting launch, having been integrated in the NPSCuLite. To increase rideshare capabilities, the Launch Services Program (LSP) is working to integrate P-PODs on Falcon 9 missions. The proposed Falcon 9 manifest will provide greater opportunities for the CubeSat community. For years, the standard CubeSat size was 1 U to 3U. As the desire to include more science in each cube grows, so does the standard CubeSat size. No longer is a 1 U, 1.5U, 2U or 3U CubeSat the only option available; the new CubeSat standard will include 6U and possibly even 12U. With each increase in CubeSat size, the CubeSat community is pushing the capability of the current P-POD design. Not only is the carrier system affected, but integration to the Launch Vehicle is also a concern. The development of a system to accommodate not only the 3U P-POD but also carriers for larger CubeSats is ongoing. LSP considers payloads in the lkg to 180 kg range rideshare or small/secondary payloads. As new and emerging small payloads are developed, rideshare opportunities and carrier systems need to be identified and secured. The development of a rideshare carrier system is not always cost effective. Sometimes a launch vehicle with an excellent performance record appears to be a great rideshare candidate however, after completing a feasibility study, LSP may determine that the cost of the rideshare carrier system is too great and, due to budget constraints, the development cannot go forward. With the current budget environment, one cost effective way to secure rideshare opportunities is to look for synergy with other government organizations that share the same interest