Dark matter as a dynamic effect due to a non-minimal gravitational coupling with matter

In this work the phenomenology of models possessing a non-minimal coupling between matter and geometry is discussed, with a particular focus on the possibility of describing the flattening of the galactic rotation curves as a dynamically generated effect derived from this modification to General Relativity. Two possibilities are discussed: firstly, that the observed discrepancy between the measured rotation velocity and the classical prediction is due to a deviation from geodesic motion, due to a non-(covariant) conservation of the energy-momentum tensor; secondly, that even if the principle of energy conservation holds, the dynamical effects arising due to the non-trivial terms in the Einstein equations of motion can give rise to an extra density contribution that may be interpreted as dark matter. The mechanism of the latter alternative is detailed, and a numerical session ascertaining the order of magnitude of the relevant parameters is undertaken, with possible cosmological implications discussed.Comment: Talk given at First Mediterranean Conference on Classical and Quantum Gravity, Kolymbari, Greece, 14-18 September 2009

Considerations on rescattering effects for threshold photo- and electro-production of π0\pi^0 on deuteron

We show that for the S-state $\pi^0$-production in processes $\gamma+d\to d+\pi^0$ and $e^-+d\to e^-+d+\pi^0$ the rescattering effects due to the transition: $\gamma+d\to p+p+\pi^-$ (or $n+n+\pi^+)\to d+\pi^0$ are cancelled out due to the Pauli principle. The large values for these effects predicted in the past may result from the fact that the spin structure of the corresponding matrix element and the necessary antisymmetrization induced by the presence of identical protons (or neutrons) in the intermediate state was not taken into account accurately. One of the important consequences of these considerations is that $\pi^0$ photo- and electro-production on deuteron near threshold can bring direct information about elementary neutron amplitudes.Comment: Add a new sectio

Identification of Vascularised Carotid Plaques Using a Standardised and Reproducible Technique to Measure Ultrasound Contrast Uptake

ObjectivesContrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) has been used to assess the vascularisation of carotid plaques. Our aim was to develop and validate a standardised semi-automated method for CEUS examination of plaques, and test if the technique could be used to identify vulnerable plaques.MethodsStudy participants were a mixed population of symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, selected if they had a plaque with height >2.5 mm and <10% acoustic shadowing. Participants received a bolus of ultrasound contrast agent and a 90-s cine-loop was captured. A Contrast Quantification Program (CQP) was developed and trained to identify extent of contrast uptake after motion correction and application of a noise reduction algorithm. The technique was validated by comparing CQP values with visual assessment of contrast uptake. CQP values were also compared with plaque echogenicity and history of clinical events.ResultsCQP values correlated with a visual, 5-scale classification of contrast uptake by two blinded, experienced sonographers. Repeated contrast injections showed high reproducibility. Participants with a history of ipsilateral stroke/TIA had significantly higher CQP values than asymptomatic participants.ConclusionWe present a reproducible, semi-automatic method to identify vascularisation of carotid plaques, which could be used in prospective studies to determine the clinical value of plaque vascularisation