An equation of state for purely kinetic k-essence inspired by cosmic topological defects

We investigate the physical properties of a purely kinetic k-essence model with an equation of state motivated in superconducting membranes. We compute the equation of state parameter $w$ and discuss its physical evolution via a nonlinear equation of state. Using the adiabatic speed of sound and energy density, we restrict the range of parameters of the model in order to have an acceptable physical behavior. Furthermore, we analyze the evolution of the luminosity distance $d_{L}$ with redshift $z$ by comparing (normalizing) it with the $\Lambda$CDM model. Since the equation of state parameter is $z$-dependent the evolution of the luminosity distance is also analyzed using the Alcock-Paczy\'{n}ski test.Comment: 19 pages, 13 figures, typos corrected and references adde

Non chiral dynamical flavors and screening on the conifold

We present a new class of string theory solutions which are conjectured to be dual to the N=1 conifold theory by Klebanov and Witten coupled to non chiral massive dynamical flavors. These are introduced, in the Veneziano limit, by means of suitably embedded and smeared D7-branes whose full backreaction on the background is taken into account. The string solutions are used to study chromoelectric charge screening effects due to the dynamical flavors in the non perturbative regime of the dual gauge theories.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure, previously unpublished results presented. Contribution to the proceedings of the RTN workshop "Constituents, Fundamental Forces and Symmetries of the Universe", Varna, Bulgaria, September 11-17, 200

Update on an Electromagnetic Basis for Inertia, Gravitation, the Principle of Equivalence, Spin and Particle Mass Ratios

A possible connection between the electromagnetic quantum vacuum and inertia was first published by Haisch, Rueda and Puthoff (1994). If correct, this would imply that mass may be an electromagnetic phenomenon and thus in principle subject to modification, with possible technological implications for propulsion. A multiyear NASA-funded study at the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center further developed this concept, resulting in an independent theoretical validation of the fundamental approach (Rueda and Haisch, 1998ab). Distortion of the quantum vacuum in accelerated reference frames results in a force that appears to account for inertia. We have now shown that the same effect occurs in a region of curved spacetime, thus elucidating the origin of the principle of equivalence (Rueda, Haisch and Tung, 2001). A further connection with general relativity has been drawn by Nickisch and Mollere (2002): zero-point fluctuations give rise to spacetime micro-curvature effects yielding a complementary perspective on the origin of inertia. Numerical simulations of this effect demonstrate the manner in which a massless fundamental particle, e.g. an electron, acquires inertial properties; this also shows the apparent origin of particle spin along lines originally proposed by Schroedinger. Finally, we suggest that the heavier leptons (muon and tau) may be explainable as spatial-harmonic resonances of the (fundamental) electron. They would carry the same overall charge, but with the charge now having spatially lobed structure, each lobe of which would respond to higher frequency components of the electromagnetic quantum vacuum, thereby increasing the inertia and thus manifesting a heavier mass.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, AIP Conf. Proc., Space Technology and Applications International Forum (STAIF-2003

Comment on Reply to Comment of Finger et al. (2013) on: 'Evidence for an Early-Middle Miocene age of the Navidad Formation (central Chile): Paleontological, paleoclimatic and tectonic implications' of Gutiérrez et al. (2013, Andean Geology 40 (1): 66-78)

Indexación: Web of Science; ScieloIn their answer to our Comment (Finger et al., 2013), Le Roux et al. (2013) misunderstand several of our remarks and present what we view as f lawed arguments, principally their case for a shallow-marine environment for part of the Navidad Formation. We do not wish to see this exchange evolve into an endless discussion, but we feel obligated to clarify some points. We think this is necessary because of history and importance of the Navidad Formation as the reference for the marine Miocene of Chile. Here we also expound upon some concepts relevant to the distinction between shallow-and deep-marine environments