X-Ray Bursts from the Galactic X-Ray Transient Source GRS 1915+105

We have analyzed publicly available RXTE/PCAs archival data of GRS 1915+105 during its burst/flaring state. The burst cycle ranges from 30 to 1300 s. These bursts are different from the type I and type II classical bursts seen in Low Mass X-ray Binaries (LMXBs) in terms of their temporal and spectral properties. We have classified these bursts on the basis of properties observed during the quiescent (low flux) phase. The 2 - 10 Hz QPOs are present during the quiescent phase and disappear during the burst phase of all types of these X-ray bursts. The duration of the quiescent phase can be explained assuming an outflow from the post-shock regions and the catastrophic Compton cooling.Comment: 5 pages with two figures, 33rd COSPAR, Warsaw, Poland, July 16-22, 200

X-ray variability of GRS 1915+105 during the low-hard state observed with the Indian X-ray astronomy experiment (IXAE)

The galactic superluminal transient X-ray source GRS 1915+105 was observed with the pointed proportional counters (PPCs) onboard the Indian satellite IRS-P3 during 1996 July 23-27. We report here details of the behavior of this source during the relatively quiet and low luminosity state. Large intensity variations by a factor of 2 to 3, generally seen in black-hole candidates, are observed at a time scale of 100 ms to few seconds. No significant variation is detected over larger time scale of minute or more. The intensity variations are described as sum of shots in the light curve, and the number distribution of the shots are found to be exponential function of the fluence and duration of the shots. The cross correlation spectrum between 6-18 keV and 2-6 keV X-rays is found to have asymmetry signifying a delay of the hard X-rays by about 0.2 to 0.4 sec. This supports the idea of hard X-rays being generated by Compton up-scattering from high energy clouds near the source of soft X-rays. Very strong and narrow quasi periodic oscillations in the frequency range 0.62 to 0.82 Hz are observed. We discuss about a model which explains a gradual change in the QPO frequencies with corresponding changes in the mass accretion rate of the disk.Comment: 14 pages including 6 figures. To appear in Astronomy and Astrophysics Supplement Serie

Anomalous Cosmic Rays and their Ionization States

Ionization states of 16 individual anomalous cosmic ray events have been determined in the anuradha cosmic ray experiment conducted onboard Spacelab-3. The geomagnetic field was used as a rigidity filter for the energetic charged particles, and the upper limit on their ionization states is obtained by using the relation Z <= M.p.c/R/sub c/. Out of 16 events, 11 are found to be singly ionized and the other five events are consistent with their being in singly ionized states. The singly ionized nature of the anomalous cosmic ray particles suggests neutrals in the local interstellar space as their source

Development of new promising varieties of faba bean through traditional pedigree method for commercial cultivation in plain zone of India

A long term experiment was carried out in MAP Section, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding,  CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar from 2005-06 to 2018-19 on identification of elite genotypes from germplasm and their utilization in the development of high yielding variety through hybridization followed by traditional pedigree method to obtain desirable transgressive segregants in Faba bean. In the present investigation a number of germplasm lines were screened for seed yield and other related traits including national check Vikrant during 2005-06 under AICRN in augmented block design. As a result, ten elite genotypes identified i.e. EC117755, EC117799, EC248710, EC329675, HB123, HB180, HB430, HB204, HB 430, HB 502, HB 503 & one check variety, Vikrant. By using these elite genotypes, a number of F1 hybrids were made during 2005-06 and F2 to F6 generations were evaluated to identify the superior progenies during 2007-08 to 2011-12. After a long process of evaluation, rejection and selection, 20 superior transgressive segregant homozygous progenies were identified to make new entries. Later on, during 2012-2013, the superior entries (viz. HB12-1, HB12-5, HB12-8, HB12-9, HB12-11, HB12-12, HB12-13, HB12-14, HB12-15, HB12-26, HB12-28, HB12-29, HB12-30, HB12-31, HB12-34, HB12-36, HB12-37,HB12-38, HB12-39 and HB12-42) were evaluated at Hisar centre against Vikrant and found promising. Therefore, all these 20 genotypes were evaluated in SST during 2013-14, LST during 2014-15 and FYT during 2015-16. On the basis of above results, only five genotypes viz. HB12-8 (47.77q/ha), HB12-42 (47.70q/ha), HB12-15 (46.70q/ha), HB12-34 (46.14q/ha) and HB12-37 (45. 31q/ha) were found promising. These were further evaluated in multi-location trials at seven locations (i.e. Ambikpur, Delhi, Faizabad, Faridkot, Hisar, Ludhiana & Ranchi) for seed yield, quality and resistance against insect pest & disease in IVT and AVT during 2016-17 & 2017-18, respectively. Out of these, HB12-34 exhibited yield superiority over national checks,Vikrant and HFB-1 and free from insect pest and disease as well as low in vicine-covicine and high in protein content. Therefore, HB12-34 may be recommended for commercial cultivation in plain zone at national level

Networks for Future Services in a Smart City:Lessons Learned from the Connected OFCity Challenge 2017

The drive toward ubiquitous communications has long been encompassed by the concept of a connected or smart city. The idea that data transfer and real-time data analysis can enhance the quality of life for urban inhabitants is compelling, and one can easily envision the provision of exciting new services and applications that such an information-driven city could provide. The challenge in achieving a truly smart city stems largely from communications technologies-fixed line, wireless, backhaul, and fronthaul-and how these are combined to provide fast, reliable, and secure communications coverage. Here, we report on the key observations from the Connected OFCity Challenge competition, held at OFC 2017, which addressed the fixed and wireless access network requirements for smart cities. It is shown that from a technological perspective, future optical networks will be capable of securely supporting extremely low-latency and high-bandwidth applications. However, as shown by using Networked Music Performance as a particularly challenging example application, how readily this is achieved will depend on the interplay between wired and wireless access services. © 1979-2012 IEEE

Mandibular reconstruction with vascularised bone flaps: a systematic review over 25 years

To explore the techniques for mandibular reconstruction with composite free flaps and their outcomes, we systematically reviewed reports published between 1990 and 2015. A total of 9499 mandibular defects were reconstructed with 6178 fibular, 1380 iliac crest, 1127 composite radial, 709 scapular, 63 serratus anterior and rib, 32 metatarsal, and 10 lateral arm flaps including humerus. The failure rate was higher for the iliac crest (6.2%, 66/1059) than for fibular, radial, and scapular flaps combined (3.4%, 202/6018) (p<0.001). We evaluated rates of osteotomy, non-union, and fistulas. Implant-retained prostheses were used most often for rehabilitation after reconstruction with iliac crest (44%, 100/229 compared with 26%, 605/2295 if another flap was used) (p<0.001). There were no apparent changes in the choice of flap or in the complications reported. Although we were able to show some significant differences relating to the types of flap used, we were disappointed to find that fundamental outcomes such as the need for osteotomy, and rates of non-union and fistulas were under-reported. This review shows the need for more comprehensive and consistent reporting of outcomes to enable the comparison of different techniques for similar defects

Preparation, characterization and catalytic applications of ZrO2 supported on low cost SBA-15

This work presents some applications of ZrO2 supported over SBA-15 silica as promoter of sulfated zirconia and as support from CuO/CeO 2 catalytic system for preferential oxidation of CO to CO2 in hydrogen rich streams, used as feed for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Different amounts of ZrO2, from 10 to 30 wt.% were incorporated. These prepared materials were characterized by powder XRD, adsorption-desorption of N2 at 77 K, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) and X-rays photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The acidity was studied by thermo-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH 3-TPD). These materials were tested, after treatment with H 2SO4, by 2-propanol dehydration and 1-butene isomerization catalytic tests. The samples were found quite good catalyst with strong acid sites, the sample with 20 wt.% of ZrO2 being the better performing sample. Finally this material was successfully used as support for a CuO/CeO2 system, with 6 wt.% of Cu and 20 wt.% of Ce. The resulting catalyst was tested in the preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX) attaining conversions close to 100% and high selectivity to CO2

Genome-wide association and Mendelian randomisation analysis provide insights into the pathogenesis of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A small proportion of HF cases are attributable to monogenic cardiomyopathies and existing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have yielded only limited insights, leaving the observed heritability of HF largely unexplained. We report results from a GWAS meta-analysis of HF comprising 47,309 cases and 930,014 controls. Twelve independent variants at 11 genomic loci are associated with HF, all of which demonstrate one or more associations with coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation, or reduced left ventricular function, suggesting shared genetic aetiology. Functional analysis of non-CAD-associated loci implicate genes involved in cardiac development (MYOZ1, SYNPO2L), protein homoeostasis (BAG3), and cellular senescence (CDKN1A). Mendelian randomisation analysis supports causal roles for several HF risk factors, and demonstrates CAD-independent effects for atrial fibrillation, body mass index, and hypertension. These findings extend our knowledge of the pathways underlying HF and may inform new therapeutic strategies