On invariant sets in Lagrangian graphs

In this exposition, we show that a Hamiltonian is always constant on a compact invariant connected subset which lies in a Lagrangian graph provided that the Hamiltonian and the graph are smooth enough. We also provide some counterexamples for the case that the Hamiltonians are not smooth enough.Comment: 4 page

Short period eclipsing binary candidates identified using SuperWASP

We present light curves and periods of 53 candidates for short period eclipsing binary stars identified by SuperWASP. These include 48 newly identified objects with periods <2 × 10^4 s (~0.23 d), as well as the shortest period binary known with main sequence components (GSC2314–0530 = 1SWASP J022050.85 + 332047.6) and four other previously known W UMa stars (although the previously reported periods for two of these four are shown to be incorrect). The period distribution of main sequence contact binaries shows a sharp cut-off at a lower limit of around 0.22 d, but until now, very few systems were known close to this limit. These new candidates will therefore be important for understanding the evolution of low mass stars and to allow investigation of the cause of the period cut-off

Recovering Solar Toroidal Field Dynamics From Sunspot Location Patterns

We analyze both Kitt Peak magnetogram data and MDI continuum intensity sunspot data to search for the following solar toroidal band properties: width in latitude and the existence of a tipping instability (longitudinal m=1 mode) for any time during the solar cycle. To determine the extent which we can recover the toroidal field dynamics, we forward model artificially generated sunspot distributions from subsurface toroidal fields we assigned certain properties. We analyzed two sunspot distribution parameters using MDI and model data: the average latitudinal separation of sunspot pairs as a function of longitudinal separation, and the number of sunspot pairs creating a given angle with respect to the E-W direction. A toroidal band of 10 degrees width with a constant tipping of 5 degrees best fits MDI data early in the solar cycle. A toroidal band of 20 degrees width with a tipping amplitude decreasing in time from 5 to 0 degrees best fits MDI data late in the solar cycle. Model data generated by untipped toroidal bands cannot fit MDI high latitude data and can fit only one parameter at low latitudes. Tipped toroidal bands satisfy chi squared criteria at both high and low latitudes. We conclude this is evidence to reject the null hypothesis - that toroidal bands in the solar tachocline do not experience a tipping instability - in favor of the hypothesis that the toroidal band experiences an m=1 tipping instability. Our finding that the band widens from ~10 degrees early in the solar cycle to ~20 degrees late in the solar cycle may be explained in theory by magnetic drag spreading the toroidal band due to altered flow along the tipped field lines.Comment: This paper is accepted to Astrophysical Journal, September 2005 issu

Herbal medicines in Hawaii from tradition to convention.

The stories of kava and chaulmoogra demonstrate the importance of herbal products in ancient and recent Hawaiian medicine. Kava is a psychoactive beverage that has been used ceremonially for millennia throughout the Pacific. It is a nonfermented depressant that causes tranquil intoxication in which thoughts and memory remain clear. Its broad pharmacologic activity led to use in Hawaii to treat skin disorders and later in Germany to treat gonorrhea. Kava is now available outside the Pacific basin as a relaxant, emerging as a popular, albeit deritualized, natural product. In the late 19th century, the main treatment for leprosy was chaulmoogra, extracted from Hydnocarpus seeds. Chaulmoogra had been a traditional treatment for skin diseases in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Chaulmoogra from Asian markets was expensive and usually adulterated so the USDA decided to plant Hydnocarpus in Hawaii. Joseph Rock, a botanist at University of Hawaii, trekked through southeast Asia collecting fresh seeds to plant on Oahu. Rock's trees provided chaulmoogra for leprosy patients on Molokai and elsewhere until it was replaced by dapsone. Chaulmoogra, once the treatment for leprosy worldwide, is now nearly forgotten; kava, once poorly known outside the Pacific, is now a widely-used alternative medicine. Hawaii will probably continue its role in the transition of plants from traditional use to conventional use

Stratigraphic and structural relationships along the east side of the Berkshire massif, Massachusetts

Guidebook for field trips in western Massachusetts, northern Connecticut and adjacent areas of New York: 67th annual meeting October 10, 11, and 12, 1975: Trip B-4; C-

Principles of Discrete Time Mechanics: IV. The Dirac Equation, Particles and Oscillons

We apply the principles of discrete time mechanics discussed in earlier papers to the first and second quantised Dirac equation. We use the Schwinger action principle to find the anticommutation relations of the Dirac field and of the particle creation operators in the theory. We find new solutions to the discrete time Dirac equation, referred to as oscillons on account of their extraordinary behaviour. Their principal characteristic is that they oscillate with a period twice that of the fundamental time interval T of our theory. Although these solutions can be associated with definite charge, linear momentum and spin, such objects should not be observable as particles in the continuous time limit. We find that for non-zero T they correspond to states with negative squared norm in Hilbert space. However they are an integral part of the discrete time Dirac field and should play a role in particle interactions analogous to the role of longitudinal photons in conventional quantum electrodynamics.Comment: 27 pages LateX; published versio

High mass X-ray binaries in the NIRorbital solutions of two highly obscured systems

The maximum mass of a neutron star (NS) is poorly defined. Theoretical attempts to define this mass have thus far been unsuccessful. Observational results currently provide the only means of narrowing this mass range down. Eclipsing X-ray binary (XRB) pulsar systems are the only interacting binaries in which the mass of the NS may be measured directly. Only 10 such systems are known to exist, 6 of which have yielded NS masses in the range 1.06 - 1.86 M$_{\odot}$.We present the first orbital solutions of two further eclipsing systems, OAO 1657-415 and EXO 1722-363, whose donor stars have only recently been identified. Using observations obtained using the VLT/ISAAC NIR spectrograph, our initial work was concerned with providing an accurate spectral classification of the two counterpart stars, leading to a consistent explanation of the mechanism for spin period evolution of OAO 1657-415. Calculating radial velocities allowed orbital solutions for both systems to be computed. These are the first accurate determinations of the NS and counterpart masses in XRB pulsar systems to be made employing NIR spectroscopy.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, contribution to the proceedings of "The multi-wavelength view of hot, massive stars", 39th Li`ege Int. Astroph. Coll., 12-16 July 201

Newtonian Counterparts of Spin 2 Massless Discontinuities

Massive spin 2 theories in flat or cosmological ($\Lambda \ne 0$) backgrounds are subject to discontinuities as the masses tend to zero. We show and explain physically why their Newtonian limits do not inherit this behaviour. On the other hand, conventional ``Newtonian cosmology'', where $\Lambda$ is a constant source of the potential, displays discontinuities: e.g. for any finite range, $\Lambda$ can be totally removed.Comment: 6 pages, amplifies the ``Newtonian cosmology'' analysis. To appear as a Class. Quantum Grav. Lette

Evidence for polar jets as precursors of polar plume formation

Observations from the Hinode/XRT telescope and STEREO/SECCHI/EUVI are utilized to study polar coronal jets and plumes. The study focuses on the temporal evolution of both structures and their relationship. The data sample, spanning April 7-8 2007, shows that over 90% of the 28 observed jet events are associated with polar plumes. EUV images (STEREO/SECCHI) show plume haze rising from the location of approximately 70% of the polar X-ray (Hinode/XRT) and EUV jets, with the plume haze appearing minutes to hours after the jet was observed. The remaining jets occurred in areas where plume material previously existed causing a brightness enhancement of the latter after the jet event. Short-lived, jet-like events and small transient bright points are seen (one at a time) at different locations within the base of pre-existing long-lived plumes. X-ray images also show instances (at least two events) of collimated-thin jets rapidly evolving into significantly wider plume-like structures that are followed by the delayed appearance of plume haze in the EUV. These observations provide evidence that X-ray jets are precursors of polar plumes, and in some cases cause brightenings of plumes. Possible mechanisms to explain the observed jet and plume relationship are discussed.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, accepted as APJ Lette

Response of a First-Order Stream in Maine to Short-Term In-Stream Acidification

An experimental short-term acidification with HCl at a first-order stream in central Maine, USA was used to study processes controlling the changes in stream chemistry and to assess the ability of stream substrate to buffer pH. The streambed exerted a strong buffering capacity against pH change by ion exchange during the 6-hour acidification. Streambed substrates had substantial cation and anion exchange capacity in the pH range of 4.1 to 6.5. The ion exchange for cations and SO42- were rapid and reversible. The speed of release of cations from stream substrates was Na1+\u3e Ca2+ \u3e Mg2+ \u3e Aln+ \u3e Be2+, perhaps relating to charge density of these cations. Ca2+ desorption dominated neutralisation of excess H+ for the first 2 hr. As the reservoir of exchangeable Ca diminished, desorption (and possibly dissolution) of Al3+ became the dominant neutralising mechanism. The exchangeable (and possibly soluble) reservoir of Al was not depleted during the 6-hour acidification. Sulphate adsorption during the acidification reduced the concentration of SO42- in stream water by as much as 20 μeq L-1 (from 70 μeq L-1). Desorption of SO42- and adsorption of base cations after the artificial acidification resulted in a prolongation of the pH depression. The streambed had the capacity to buffer stream water chemistry significantly during an acidifying event affecting the entire upstream catchment