We present evidence for D{sup 0}-{bar D}{sup 0} mixing in D{sup 0} {yields} K{sup +}{pi}{sup -} decays from 384 fb{sup -1} of e{sup +}e{sup -} colliding-beam data recorded near {radical}s = 10.6GeV with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II storage rings at SLAC. We find the mixing parameters x{prime}{sup 2} = [-0.22 {+-} 0.30 (stat.) {+-} 0.21 (syst.)] x 10{sup -3} and y{prime} = [9.7 {+-} 4.4(stat.) {+-} 3.1(syst.)] x 10{sup -3}, and a correlation between them of -0.94. This result is inconsistent with the no-mixing hypothesis with a significance of 3.9 standard deviations. We measure R{sub D}, the ratio of doubly Cabibbo-suppressed to Cabibbo-favored decay rates, to be [0.303 {+-} 0.016 (stat.) {+-} 0.010 (syst.)]%. We find no evidence for CP violation.

We present the first observation of the decay B{sup +} {yields} {rho}{sup +}K{sup 0}, using a data sample of 348 fb{sup -1} collected at the {Upsilon}(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector. The branching fraction and charge asymmetry are measured to be (8.0{sub -1.3}{sup +1.4} {+-} 0.5) x 10{sup -6} and (-12.2 {+-} 16.6 {+-} 2.0)%, respectively, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The significance of the observed branching fraction, including systematic uncertainties, is 7.9 standard deviations.

The authors present measurements of the time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in B{sup 0} {yields} K{sub S}{sup 0}K{sub S}{sup 0}K{sub S}{sup 0} decays based on 384 million {Upsilon}(4S) {yields} B{bar B} decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. They obtain the CP asymmetry parameters C = 0.02 {+-} 0.21 {+-} 0.05 and S = -0.71 {+-} 0.24 {+-} 0.04, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. These results are consistent with standard model expectations.

We report a measurement of CP-violating asymmetries in B{sup 0} {yields} ({rho}{pi}){sup 0} {yields} {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup 0} decays using a time-dependent Dalitz plot analysis. The results are obtained from a data sample of 375 million {Upsilon}(4S) {yields} B{bar B} decays, collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We measure 26 coefficients of the bilinear form-factor terms occurring in the time-dependent decay rate of the B{sup 0} meson. We derive the physically relevant quantities from these coefficients. In particular, we measure a constraint on the angle {alpha} of the Unitarity Triangle.

We report the results of a CP violation analysis of the decay B{sup {+-}} {yields} D{sub {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup 0}}K{sup {+-}}, where D{sub {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup 0}} indicates a neutral D meson detected in the final state {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup 0}, excluding K{sub S}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}. The analysis makes use of 324 million e{sup +}e{sup -} {yields} B{bar B} events recorded by the BABAR experiment at the PEP-II e{sup +}e{sup -} storage ring. By analyzing the {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup 0} Dalitz plot distribution and the B{sup {+-}} {yields} D{sub {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup 0}} K{sup {+-}} branching fraction and decay rate asymmetry, we calculate parameters related to the phase {gamma} of the CKM unitarity triangle. We also measure the magnitudes and phases of the components of the D{sup 0} {yields} {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup 0} decay amplitude.

We determine the relative branching fractions of semileptonic B decays to charmed final states. The measurement is performed on the recoil from a fully reconstructed B meson in a sample of 362 million B{bar B} pairs collected at the {Upsilon}(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector. A simultaneous fit to a set of discriminating variables is performed on a sample of {bar B} {yields} DX{ell}{sup -}{bar {nu}}{sub {ell}} decays to determine the contributions from the different channels.

The authors report a measurement of the time-dependent CP-asymmetry parameters S and C in color-suppressed B{sup 0} {yields} D{sup (*)0}h{sup 0} decays, where h{sup 0} is a {pi}{sup 0}, {eta}, or {omega} meson, and the D{sup 0} decays to one of the CP eigenstates K{sup +}K{sup -}, K{sub S}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}, or K{sub S}{sup 0}{omega}. The data sample consists of 383 x 10{sup 6} {Upsilon}(4S) {yields} B{bar B} decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B-factory at SLAC. The results are S = -0.56 {+-} 0.23 {+-} 0.05 and C = -0.23 {+-} 0.16 {+-} 0.04, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic.

The authors report observations of CP violation in the decays B{sup 0} {yields} K{sup +}{pi}{sup -} and B{sup 0} {yields} {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -} in a sample of 383 million {Upsilon}(4S) {yields} B{bar B} events. They find 4372 {+-} 82 B{sup 0} {yields} K{sup +}{pi}{sup -} decays and measure the direct Cp-violating charge asymmetry {Alpha}{sub K{pi}} = -0.107 {+-} 0.018(stat){sub -0.004}{sup +0.007}(syst), which excludes the CP-conserving hypothesis with a significance of 5.5 standard deviations. In the same sample they find 1139 {+-} 49 B{sup 0} {yields} {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -} decays and measure the CP-violating asymmetries S{sub {pi}{pi}} = -0.60 {+-} 0.11(stat) {+-} 0.03(syst) and C{sub {pi}{pi}} = -0.21 {+-} 0.09(stat) {+-} 0.02(syst). CP conservation in B{sup 0} {yields} {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -} (S{sub {pi}{pi}} = C{sub {pi}{pi}} = 0) is excluded at a confidence level 1-C.L. = 8 x 10{sup -8}, corresponding to 5.4 standard deviations.

We present an analysis of inclusive {Omega}{sub c}{sup 0} baryon production and decays in 230.5 fb{sup -1} of data recorded with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e{sup +}e{sup -} collider at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. {Omega}{sub c}{sup 0} baryons are reconstructed in four final states ({Omega}{sup -}{pi}{sup +}, {Omega}{sup -}{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup 0}, {Omega}{sup -}{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}, {Xi}{sup -}K{sup -}{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup +}) and the ratios of branching fractions for these final states are measured. We also measure the momentum spectrum of the {Omega}{sub c}{sup 0} baryons in the e{sup +}e{sup -} center-of-mass frame. From the spectrum, they observe {Omega}{sub c}{sup 0} production from B decays and in c{bar c} events, and extract the two rates of production.

Using 385 fb{sup -1} of e{sup +}e{sup -} collision data collected at center-of-mass energies around 10.6 GeV, we search for time-integrated CP violation in the Cabibbo-suppressed decays D{sup 0}/{bar D}{sup 0} {yields} {pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup 0} and D{sup 0}/{bar D}{sup 0} {yields} K{sup -}K{sup +}{pi}{sup 0} with both model-independent and model-dependent methods. Measurements of the asymmetries in amplitudes of flavor states and CP eigenstates provide constraints on theories beyond the Standard Model, some of which predict CP violation in amplitudes at the 1% level or higher. We find no evidence of CP violation and hence no conflict with the Standard Model.

The authors have performed a search for the flavor-changing neutral-current decays B {yields} {pi}{ell}{sup +}{ell}{sup -}, where {ell}{sup +}{ell}{sup -} is either e{sup +}e{sup -} or {mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup -}, using a sample of 230 million {Upsilon}(4S) {yields} B{bar B} decays collected with the BABAR detector. They observe no evidence of a signal and measure the upper limit on the isospin-averaged branching fraction to be {Beta}(B {yields} {pi}{ell}{sup +}{ell}{sup -}) < 9.1 x 10{sup -8} at 90% confidence level. They also search for the lepton-flavor-violating decays B {yields} {pi}e{sup {+-}} {mu}{sup {-+}} and measure an upper limit on the isospin-averaged branching fraction of {Beta}(B {yields} {pi}e{sup {+-}} {mu}{sup {-+}}) < 9.2 x 10{sup -8} at 90% confidence level.

With a sample of approximately 89 million B{bar B} pairs collected with the BABAR detector, they measure branching fractions, determine the degree of longitudinal polarization, and search for direct CP violation in the decays B{sup 0} {yields} {phi}K*{sup 0} and B{sup +} {yields} {phi}K*{sup +}. They perform a search for other charmless vector-vector B decays involving {rho} and K*(892) resonances and observe the decays B{sup +} {yields} {rho}{sup 0} K*{sup +} and B{sup +} {yields} {rho}{sup 0}{rho}{sup +}. The branching fractions are measured to be {Beta}({phi}K*{sup 0}) = (11.1{sub -1.2}{sup +1.3} {+-} 1.1) x 10{sup -6}, {Beta}({phi}K*{sup +}) = (12.1{sub -1.9}{sup +2.1} {+-} 1.5) x 10{sup -6}, {Beta}({rho}{sup 0} K*{sup +}) = (7.7{sub -2.0}{sup +2.1} {+-} 1.4) x 10{sup -6}, and {Beta}({rho}{sup 0}{rho}{sup +}) = (9.9{sub -2.5}{sup +2.6} {+-} 2.5) x 10{sup -6}. The longitudinal polarization fractions are measured to be {Lambda}{sub L}/{Lambda}({phi}K*{sup 0}) = 0.65 {+-} 0.07 {+-} 0.04 and {Lambda}{sub L}/{Lambda}({phi}K*{sup +}) = 0.46 {+-} 0.12 {+-} 0.05. They measure the charge asymmetries: {Alpha}{sub CP}({phi}K*{sup 0}) = +0.04 {+-} 0.12 {+-} 0.02 and {Alpha}{sub CP}({phi}K*{sup +}) = +0.16 {+-} 0.17 {+-} 0.04.

The {tau}{sup -} {yields} {eta}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{nu}{sub {tau}} decay with the {eta} {yields} {gamma}{gamma} mode is studied using 384 fb{sup -1} of data collected by the BABAR detector. The branching fraction is measured to be (1.60 {+-} 0.05 {+-} 0.11) x 10{sup -4}. It is found that {tau}{sup -} {yields} f{sub 1}(1285){pi}{sup -} {nu}{sub {tau}} {yields} {eta}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{nu}{sub {tau}} is the dominant decay mode with a branching fraction of (1.11 {+-} 0.06 {+-} 0.05) x 10{sup -4}. The first error on the branching fractions is statistical and the second systematic. In addition, a 90% confidence level upper limit on the branching fraction of the {tau}{sup -} {yields} {eta}{prime}(958){pi}{sup -}{nu}{sub {tau}} decay is measured to be 7.2 x 10{sup -6}. This last decay proceeds through a second-class current and is expected to be forbidden in the limit of isospin symmetry.

We measure rate asymmetries for the rare decays B {yields} K{sup (*)}{ell}{sup +}{ell}{sup -}, where {ell}{sup +}{ell}{sup -} is either e{sup +}e{sup -} or {mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup -}, using a sample of 384 million B{bar B} events collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e{sup +}e{sup -} collider. We find no evidence for direct CP or lepton-flavor asymmetries. For dilepton masses below the J/{psi} resonance, we find evidence for unexpectedly large isospin asymmetries in both B {yields} K{ell}{sup +}{ell}{sup -} and B {yields} K*{ell}{sup +}{ell}{sup -} which differ respectively by 3.2{sigma} and 2.7{sigma}, including systematic uncertainties, from the Standard Model expectations.

The properties of the {Xi}(1530) resonance are investigated in the {Lambda}{sub c}{sup +} {yields} {Xi}{sup -}{pi}{sup +}K{sup +} decay process. The data sample was collected with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy e{sup +}e{sup -} collider operating at center of mass energies 10.58 and 10.54 GeV. The corresponding integrated luminosity is approximately 230 fb{sup -1}. The spin of the {Xi}(1530) is established to be 3/2. The existence of an S-wave amplitude in the {Xi}{sup -}{pi}{sup +} system is inferred, and its interference with the {Xi}(1530)0 amplitude provides the first clear demonstration of the Breit-Wigner phase motion expected for the {Xi}(1530). The P{sub 1}(cos {theta}{sub {Xi}{sup -}}) Legendre polynomial moment indicates the presence of a significant S-wave amplitude for {Xi}{sup -}{pi}{sup +} mass values above 1.6 GeV/c{sup 2}, and a dip in the mass distribution at approximately 1.7 GeV/c{sup 2} is interpreted as due to coherent addition of a {Xi}(1690){sup 0} contribution to this amplitude. This would imply J{sup P} = 1/2{sup -} for the {Xi}(1690). Attempts at fitting the {Xi}(1530){sup 0} lineshape yield unsatisfactory results, and this failure is attributed to interference effects associated with the amplitudes describing the K{sup +}{pi}{sup +} and/or {Xi}{sup -}K{sup +} systems.

The authors describe searches for B meson decays to the charmless vector-vector final states {omega}K* and {omega}{rho} in 89 million B{bar B} pairs produced in e{sup +}e{sup -} annihilation at {radical}s = 10.58 GeV.

Mixed-phase arctic stratus clouds are the predominant cloud type in the Arctic (Curry et al. 2000) and through various feedback mechanisms exert a strong influence on the Arctic climate. Perhaps one of the most intriguing of their features is that they tend to have liquid tops that precipitate ice. Despite the fact that this situation is colloidally unstable, these cloud systems are quite long lived - from a few days to over a couple of weeks. It has been hypothesized that mixed-phase clouds are maintained through a balance between liquid water condensation resulting from the cloud-top radiative cooling and ice removal by precipitation (Pinto 1998; Harrington et al. 1999). In their modeling study Harrington et al. (1999) found that the maintenance of this balance depends strongly on the ambient concentration of ice forming nucleus (IFN). In a follow-up study, Jiang et al. (2002), using only 30% of IFN concentration predicted by Meyers et al. (1992) IFN parameterization were able to obtain results similar to the observations reported by Pinto (1998). The IFN concentration measurements collected during the Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment (M-PACE), conducted in October 2004 over the North Slope of Alaska and the Beaufort Sea (Verlinde et al. 2005), …

We propose and analyze a new tool to help solve sparse linear least-squares problems min{sub x} {parallel}Ax-b{parallel}{sub 2}. Our method is based on a sparse QR factorization of a low-rank perturbation {cflx A} of A. More precisely, we show that the R factor of {cflx A} is an effective preconditioner for the least-squares problem min{sub x} {parallel}Ax-b{parallel}{sub 2}, when solved using LSQR. We propose applications for the new technique. When A is rank deficient we can add rows to ensure that the preconditioner is well-conditioned without column pivoting. When A is sparse except for a few dense rows we can drop these dense rows from A to obtain {cflx A}. Another application is solving an updated or downdated problem. If R is a good preconditioner for the original problem A, it is a good preconditioner for the updated/downdated problem {cflx A}. We can also solve what-if scenarios, where we want to find the solution if a column of the original matrix is changed/removed. We present a spectral theory that analyzes the generalized spectrum of the pencil (A*A,R*R) and analyze the applications.

The KDP crystals present in the final optics assembly at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) are used for conversion of infrared laser light beam into ultraviolet. The conversion is highest for a certain incident angle, the alignment of which is determined from the position of the back reflection beam, which exhibits a distinct characteristics shape. When a phase plate device is introduced before the final assembly to increase the uniformity of the beam, the back reflection pattern changes drastically. The algorithm which is best for tracking the special shaped beam is no longer suitable to track the phase modified beam. The work presented here discusses our detection schemes for both the situations. In particular, we demonstrate how the algorithm senses the modified beam using a newly proposed criterion of ''correlation peak pedestal area'' and execute an alternate algorithm in real time without operator intervention. This new algorithm continuously tracks the beam pattern to guarantee reliable and repeatable sensing. Results from simulation and real world implementation of the algorithm at the NIF facility are presented.

We investigate the local electronic structure in aqueous NiCl{sub 2} electrolytes by Ni L edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy. The experimental findings are interpreted in conjunction with multiplet calculations of the electronic structure and the resulting spectral shape. In contrast to the situation in the solid, the electronic structure in the electrolyte reflects the absence of direct contact Ni-Cl ion pairs. We observe a systematic change of the intensity ratio of singlet and triplet-related spectral features as a function of electrolyte concentration. These changes can be described theoretically by a changed weight of transition matrix contributions with different symmetry. We interpret these findings as being due to progressive distortions of the local symmetry induced by solvent-shared ion pairs.

Until recently, most thermal infrared measurements of natural scenes have been made at disparate scales, typically 10{sup {minus}3}-10{sup {minus}2} m (spectra) and 10{sup 2}-10{sup 3} m (satellite images), with occasional airborne images (10{sup 1} m) filling the gap. Temperature and emissivity fields are spatially heterogeneous over a similar range of scales, depending on scene composition. A common problem for the land surface, therefore, has been relating field spectral and temperature measurements to satellite data, yet in many cases this is necessary if satellite data are to be interpreted to yield meaningful information about the land surface. Recently, three new satellites with thermal imaging capability at the 10{sup 1}-10{sup 2} m scale have been launched: MTI, TERRA, and Landsat 7. MTI acquires multispectral images in the mid-infrared (3-5{micro}m) and longwave infrared (8-10{micro}m) with 20m resolution. ASTER and MODIS aboard TERRA acquire multispectral longwave images at 90m and 500-1000m, respectively, and MODIS also acquires multispectral mid-infrared images. Landsat 7 acquires broadband longwave images at 60m. As part of an experiment to validate the temperature and thermal emissivity values calculated from MTI and ASTER images, we have targeted the summit region of Mauna Loa for field characterization and near-simultaneous satellite imaging, both on …

US infrastructures provide essential services that support the economic prosperity and quality of life. Today, the latest threat to these infrastructures is the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of the system. On balance, added connectivity will improve economic efficiency; however, increased coupling could also result in situations where a disturbance in an isolated infrastructure unexpectedly cascades across diverse infrastructures. An understanding of the behavior of complex systems can be critical to understanding and predicting infrastructure responses to unexpected perturbation. Sandia National Laboratories has developed an agent-based model of critical US infrastructures using time-dependent Monte Carlo methods and a genetic algorithm learning classifier system to control decision making. The model is currently under development and contains agents that represent the several areas within the interconnected infrastructures, including electric power and fuel supply. Previous work shows that agent-based simulations models have the potential to improve the accuracy of complex system forecasting and to provide new insights into the factors that are the primary drivers of emergent behaviors in interdependent systems. Simulation results can be examined both computationally and analytically, offering new ways of theorizing about the impact of perturbations to an infrastructure network.

Bis(cyclopentadienyl)magnesium (MgCp2) is used commonly as a source for doping nitride materials with magnesium. Increased oxygen incorporation known to accompany the use of MgCp2 makes the purity of this precursor an important consideration in nitride CVD. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GCMS) methods have now been developed for the identification of volatile impurities in MgCp2. Diethylether, an oxygen containing organic compound (CH{sub 3}CH{sub 2}OCH{sub 2}CH{sub 3}), and additional organic impurities were found in the MgCp2 supplied by three manufacturers. Subsequent refinements in the synthetic processes by these companies have resulted in the availability of MgCp2 free of ether and other organic impurities as determined by GCMS.

Control of workplace exposure to beryllium is a growing issue in the United States and other nations. As the health risks associated with low-level exposure to beryllium are better understood, the need increases for improved analytical techniques both in the laboratory and in the field. These techniques also require a greater degree of standardization to permit reliable comparison of data obtained from different locations and at different times. Analysis of low-level beryllium samples, in the form of air filters or surface wipes, is frequently required for workplace monitoring or to provide data to support decision-making on implementation of exposure controls. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the current permissible exposure level is 2 {micro}g/m{sup 3} (air), and the United States Department of Energy has implemented an action level of 0.2 {micro}g/m{sup 3} (air) and 0.2 {micro}g/100 cm{sup 2} (surface). These low-level samples present a number of analytical challenges, including (1) a lack of suitable standard reference materials, (2) unknown robustness of sample preparation techniques, (3) interferences during analysis, (4) sensitivity (sufficiently low detection limits), (5) specificity (beryllium speciation), and (6) data comparability among laboratories. Additionally, there is a need for portable, real-time (or near real-time) equipment for beryllium …