Probing the Locally Generated Even and Odd Order Nonlinearity in Y-Ba-Cu-O and Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O (2212) Microwave Resonators around TC

Spatial scanning of the synchronously generated 2nd and 3rd order intermodulation distortion in superconducting resonators uncovers local nonlinearity hot spots, and possible time reversal symmetry breaking, using a simple probe fashioned from coaxial cable. It is clear that even and odd order nonlinearity in these samples do not share the same physical origins, as their temperature and static magnetic field dependences are quite different. 2nd order intermodulation distortion (IMD) remains strong in these measurements as the temperature continues to drop below TC to 77K even though the 3rd order peaks near TC and becomes smaller at lower temperature as predicted by the nonlinear Meissner effect. Both YBa2Cu3O7 and Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 resonators of the same structure exhibit similar temperature dependence in the 2nd order with 2nd order remaining high at lower temperature. The YBa2Cu3O7 sample has lower 3rd order IMD with a pronounced peak at TC

X-ray States of Black Hole Binaries in Outburst

A brief review is given for X-ray properties of black hole binary systems. Topics include the effort to re-define the three states of active accretion, potential applications for general relativity in the regime of strong gravity, and the properties of high-frequency QPOs in 7 systems.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, in "Interacting Binaries: Accretion, Evolution and Outcomes", eds. L. A. Antonelli, et al., Procs. Interacting Binaries Meeting, Cefalu, Italy, June 2004, in press (AIP

Know the Signs of an Allergic Reaction: Anaphylaxis

The purpose of this project was to develop a food allergy informational poster for use in the classroom. The Center for Disease Control has estimated that an average of two children in each public school classroom in the United States struggled with a food allergy. Meanwhile, other researchers found that 25% of first-time anaphylaxis episodes occurred in classrooms. This Honors Project was developed to address the informational gap concerning anaphylaxis that occurs at schools. The methodology was literature review. The Honor Project\u27s outcome was the informational poster, Know the Signs of an Allergic Reaction: Anaphylaxis, as well as the supplemental PowerPoint presentation that was delivered to a local high school classroom