Search for a Higgs Portal Scalar Decaying to Electron-Positron Pairs in the MicroBooNE Detector.

We present a search for the decays of a neutral scalar boson produced by kaons decaying at rest, in the context of the Higgs portal model, using the MicroBooNE detector. We analyze data triggered in time with the Fermilab NuMI neutrino beam spill, with an exposure of 1.93×10^{20} protons on target. We look for monoenergetic scalars that come from the direction of the NuMI hadron absorber, at a distance of 100 m from the detector, and decay to electron-positron pairs. We observe one candidate event, with a standard model background prediction of 1.9±0.8. We set an upper limit on the scalar-Higgs mixing angle of θ<(3.3-4.6)×10^{-4} at the 95% confidence level for scalar boson masses in the range (100-200) MeV/c^{2}. We exclude, at the 95% confidence level, the remaining model parameters required to explain the central value of a possible excess of K_{L}^{0}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] decays reported by the KOTO collaboration. We also provide a model-independent limit on a new boson X produced in K→πX decays and decaying to e^{+}e^{-}.

First Measurement of Differential Charged Current Quasielasticlike ν_{µ}-Argon Scattering Cross Sections with the MicroBooNE Detector.

We report on the first measurement of flux-integrated single differential cross sections for charged-current (CC) muon neutrino (ν_{µ}) scattering on argon with a muon and a proton in the final state, ^{40}Ar (ν_{µ},µp)X. The measurement was carried out using the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber detector with an exposure of 4.59×10^{19} protons on target. Events are selected to enhance the contribution of CC quasielastic (CCQE) interactions. The data are reported in terms of a total cross section as well as single differential cross sections in final state muon and proton kinematics. We measure the integrated per-nucleus CCQE-like cross section (i.e., for interactions leading to a muon, one proton, and no pions above detection threshold) of (4.93±0.76_{stat}±1.29_{sys})×10^{-38} cm^{2}, in good agreement with theoretical calculations. The single differential cross sections are also in overall good agreement with theoretical predictions, except at very forward muon scattering angles that correspond to low-momentum-transfer events.

First Measurement of Inclusive Muon Neutrino Charged Current Differential Cross Sections on Argon at E_{ν}∼0.8 GeV with the MicroBooNE Detector.

We report the first measurement of the double-differential and total muon neutrino charged current inclusive cross sections on argon at a mean neutrino energy of 0.8 GeV. Data were collected using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber located in the Fermilab Booster neutrino beam and correspond to 1.6×10^{20} protons on target of exposure. The measured differential cross sections are presented as a function of muon momentum, using multiple Coulomb scattering as a momentum measurement technique, and the muon angle with respect to the beam direction. We compare the measured cross sections to multiple neutrino event generators and find better agreement with those containing more complete treatment of quasielastic scattering processes at low Q^{2}. The total flux integrated cross section is measured to be 0.693±0.010(stat)±0.165(syst)×10^{-38} cm^{2}.

Field-scale monitoring of pharmaceutical compounds applied to active golf courses by recycled water.

The scarcity of potable water in arid and semiarid environments has led to the wider use of recycled water for irrigating agricultural fields, parks, golf courses, and other areas. One concern using recycled water as a source of irrigation has been the presence, fate, and transport of pharmaceutical compounds in water that percolates below the root zone of plants; however, very few multiyear field studies have been reported in the peer-reviewed literature. Here, we assessed compound mass flux of 13 pharmaceuticals in the fairways of four golf courses in the southwestern United States during a 2-yr field study. The sites varied by climate and soil type but were similar regarding turfgrass management. The results showed the presence of at least one pharmaceutical compound in nearly all samples collected, although concentrations were substantially lower after transport through the soil. Percent reduction in compound mass fluxes in drainage water was effectively 100% in 22 of 52 cases, 98 to 100% in 27 of 52 cases, and 73 to 94% in 3 of 52 cases (a case is defined as a specific compound measured at a specific site). Mass fluxes migrating below the root zone were calculated as <250 × 10 g ha for all compounds and >100 × 10 g ha in only two cases. For cases where the majority of the analyses were reportable, all fluxes were <8.80 × 10 g ha. Carbamazepine, meprobamate, and sulfamethoxazole were most commonly found in drainage water, representing nearly 80% of all reportable detections. This research demonstrates the potential of turfgrass/soil systems to reduce contaminant loading below the root zone and potentially toward groundwater.

Fate of selenium in a small urban watershed.

A field study was conducted on a small urban watershed (residential and golf course dominated) in southern Nevada to assess the concentration and speciation of selenium (Se) in a series of drain lines and monitoring wells and to quantify the mass discharge of Se from the drain system. Water samples were collected on a monthly basis and analyzed for total Se, selenate (SeO4 (=)) and selenite (SeO3 (=)). In addition, where possible, flow was assessed as was, temperature, redox potential, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) along with all major cations and anions. The data were then modeled with PhreeqC to identify selenium speciation. Results revealed a SeO4 (=) dominated system with SeO4 (=) concentrations ranging from 13 to 62 ppb. In the monitoring wells, 66 % of the variation in the total Se concentration could be described based on depth to groundwater, temperature and sulfate concentrations (P < 0.001). In particular, higher total Se concentrations were predicted for shallower depth to groundwater, suggesting the solubilization of Se evapo-concentrates near the surface could be reduced by lowering water tables. The highest of all correlations was found between SeO4 (=) concentrations (↑) and the sodium (↑) and DO (↑) concentrations in the monitoring wells (R (2) = 0.77, P < 0.001). An excellent curvilinear relationship was found between total Se and the electrical conductivity in the water (R (2) = 0.73, P < 0.001). Based on the Se data and time line identified in this study, high concentrations of Se could be expected to drain from this area for many years to come, with salinity acting as a good proxy for Se concentration. In the drain lines, Se concentrations were found to be invariant to flow (P > 0.05). Flow discharge from the main drain system to the Las Vegas Wash was estimated at 559 acre feet during the 1 year study period. This flow was estimated to carry 4,203 Mg of salts 6.71 Mg of nitrate-N and 27.1 kg of total Se.

Amitriptyline selectively disrupts verbal recall from secondary memory of the normal aged.

Amitriptyline, a frequently prescribed tricyclic antidepressant, is reported to produce an age-related impairment in anterograde memory. However, the locus of this adverse effect has never been described within the context of contemporary learning and memory theory. Fifteen normal elderly subjects were treated with 50 mg amitriptyline and placebo in a cross-over study. A computerized stage analysis of memory revealed that sensory and primary memory were not affected while verbal recall from secondary memory was markedly disrupted by amitriptyline. Further examination of secondary memory revealed that amitriptyline impaired recall, but not recognition. The profile of anterograde memory impairments observed with amitriptyline is similar to that previously reported for the antimuscarinic, scopolamine. Since amitriptyline at the dose employed in this study would be expected to exert marked central antimuscarinic effects, it appears likely that it is the pharmacologic blockade of central muscarinic receptors in the aged that results in the selective disruption of verbal recall in secondary memory.

Recall and recognition as diagnostic indices of Malignant Memory Loss in Senile Dementia: a Bayesian analysis.

The Benign Senescent Forgetfulness of normal aging and the Malignant Memory Loss of Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (SDAT) each have a distinct symptomatology, course, and prognosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the discriminative validity and relative predictive values of recall and recognition as diagnostic screening tests for the Malignant Memory Loss of SDAT. Thirty-six patients with mild to moderate SDAT and 40 normal aged controls were studied. Both recall and recognition showed good discriminative validity. However, analysis of recall and recognition by Bayes's Theorem revealed the relative predictive values as diagnostic screening instruments were 11% and 100% respectively. Thus, it was concluded that while both recall and recognition have discriminative validity under experimental conditions, a test of recognition is the preferred diagnostic instrument when screening for the Malignant Memory Loss of SDAT.