Class Transitions and Two Component Accretion Flow in GRS 1915+105

The light curve of the galactic micro-quasar GRS 1915+105 changes in at least thirteen different ways which are called classes. We present examples of the transitions from one class to another as observed by the IXAE instrument aboard the Indian Satellite IRS-P3. We find that the transitions are associated with changes in photon counts over a time-scale of only a few hours and they take place through unknown classes. Assuming that the transitions are caused by variation of the accretion rates, this implies that a significant fraction of the matter must be nearly freely falling in order to have such dramatic changes in such a short time.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, Astronomy and Astrophys. (in press

Effects of T-tabs and large deflections in DCB specimen tests

A simple strength of materials analysis was developed for a double-cantilever beam (DCB) specimen to account for geometric nonlinearity effects due to large deflections and T-tabs. A new DCB data analysis procedure was developed to include the effects of these nonlinearities. The results of the analysis were evaluated by DCB tests performed for materials having a wide range of toughnesses. The materials used in the present study were T300/5208, IM7/8551-7, and AS4/PEEK. Based on the present analysis, for a typical deflection/crack length ratio of 0.3 (for AS4/PEEK), T-tabs and large deflections cause a 15 percent and 3 percent error, respectively, in the computer Mode 1 strain energy release rate. Design guidelines for DCB specimen thickness and T-tab height were also developed in order to keep errors due to these nonlinearities within 2 percent. Based on the test results, for both hinged and tabbed specimens, the effects of large deflection on the Mode 1 fracture toughness (G sub Ic) were almost negligible (less than 1 percent) in the case of T300/5208 and IM7/8551-7; however, AS4/PEEK showed a 2 to 3 percent effect. The effects of T-tabs G sub Ic were more significant for all the materials with T300/5208 showing a 5 percent error, IM7/8551-7 a 15 percent error, and, AS4/PEEK a 20 percent error

Evidence of Class Transitions in GRS 1915+105 from IXAE Data

GRS 1915+105 shows at least twelve distinct classes of light curves. By analysing the data obtained from Indian X-ray Astronomy Experiment (IXAE) instrument aboard IRS-P3 satellite, we show that in at least two days, transitions between one class to another were observed. In these days the so-called $\kappa$ class went to $\rho$ class and $\chi$ class went to $\rho$ class. In the frequency-time plane such transitions exhibited change in quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) frequency. We could detect that low-frequency QPOs can occur in anticipation of a class transition several hundred minutes before the actual transitionComment: 14 pages, 3 figures, Astrophysical Journa

Estimation of Columbia River Virgin Flow: 1879 to 1928

The Columbia River has historically been a major source of economic activity for the Pacific Northwest, and is one of the more heavily modified rivers in the United States today. Understanding human and climate-induced changes in its hydrologic properties is, therefore, a topic of considerable interest. Long streamflow records are essential to determining how runoff has changed over time. Daily streamflow records of the Columbia River at The Dalles dates back to June 1978. However, the observed daily flow does not alone provide enough information to understand or separate anthropogenic and climate effects. It is necessary also to have an estimate of virgin flow of the river to provide a historical perspective of water resources development, separate anthropogenic and climate effects, and compare present water use scenarios with those of the past decades. The United State Geological Survey (USGS) has calculated a monthly averaged adjusted river flow at The Dalles for 1879-1999 that accounts for the effects of flow regulation. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has estimated the monthly averaged virgin (or naturalized) flow at The Dalles, i.e., the flow in the absence of both flow regulation and irrigation depletion for 1929-89. We have estimated the monthly virgin flow of the Columbia River at The Dalles from records of irrigated area for the missing years, i.e., for the period 1879-1928. In addition, a filtered version of the daily observed flows were combined with monthly virgin flow corrections to obtain estimates of daily virgin flows with realistic higher moments and spectral properties. Examination of the virgin flow record shows that climate change since late 19th century has caused a decrease of \u3e7% in its annual average flow volume. The decrease in flow due to irrigation diversion during the same period is also ~7%. Broadly speaking, there are three periods of Columbia River flow management. Before 1900, mainstem dams were absent and flow diversions relatively small. Numerous dams were constructed between 1900 and 1970, and irrigation depletion increased 500%. Since about 1970, river flows have been managed on a system-wide basin, effecting significant interannual transfers of flows for the first time

Alveolar ridge preservation and biologic width management for perioaesthetics- A case report

Alveolar bone atrophy is a chronically progressive, irreversible process which results in bone loss in both the buccal, lingual and apico-coronal region. Without bone preservation measures, bone resorption is experienced and continues for life. Preservation of alveolar ridge is indicated when a tooth-supported fixed partial denture will rehabilitate the area. Authors report a case wherein alveolar ridge was preserved and simultaneously biologic width violation was corrected. An excellent aesthetic outcome was achieved and the patient was satisfied with the case resolution. Ridge preservation is an easy procedure to perform and almost always, results are predictable. It provides a good esthetic and functional benefit to the patient and the clinician

On-Chip Optical Transduction Scheme for Graphene Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems in Silicon-Photonic Platform

We present a scheme for on-chip optical transduction of strain and displacement of Graphene-based Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NEMS). A detailed numerical study on the feasibility of three silicon-photonic integrated circuit configurations is presented: Mach-Zehnder Interferometer(MZI), micro-ring resonator and ring-loaded MZI. An index-sensing based technique using a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer loaded with a ring resonator with a moderate Q-factor of 2400 can yield a sensitivity of 28 fm/sqrt(Hz), and 6.5E-6 %/sqrt(Hz) for displacement and strain respectively. Though any phase sensitive integrated photonic device could be used for optical transduction, here we show that optimal sensitivity is achievable by combining resonance with phase sensitivity