3,574 research outputs found
Cosmic String Loop Microlensing
Cosmic superstring loops within the galaxy microlens background point sources
lying close to the observer-string line of sight. For suitable alignments,
multiple paths coexist and the (achromatic) flux enhancement is a factor of
two. We explore this unique type of lensing by numerically solving for
geodesics that extend from source to observer as they pass near an oscillating
string. We characterize the duration of the flux doubling and the scale of the
image splitting. We probe and confirm the existence of a variety of fundamental
effects predicted from previous analyses of the static infinite straight
string: the deficit angle, the Kaiser-Stebbins effect, and the scale of the
impact parameter required to produce microlensing. Our quantitative results for
dynamical loops vary by O(1) factors with respect to estimates based on
infinite straight strings for a given impact parameter. A number of new
features are identified in the computed microlensing solutions. Our results
suggest that optical microlensing can offer a new and potentially powerful
methodology for searches for superstring loop relics of the inflationary era.Comment: 20 pages, 19 figure
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Current capabilities, requirements and a proposed strategy for interdependency analysis in the UK
The UK government recently commissioned a research study to identify the state-of-the-art in Critical Infrastructure modelling and analysis, and the government/industry requirements for such tools and services. This study (Cetifs) concluded with a strategy aiming to bridge the gaps between the capabilities and requirements, which would establish interdependency analysis as a commercially viable service in the near future. This paper presents the findings of this study that was carried out by CSR, City University London, Adelard LLP, a safety/security consultancy and Cranfield University, defense academy of the UK
Gravitational Interactions in a General Multibrane Model
The gravitational interactions of the four-dimensional effective theory
describing a general -brane model in five dimensions without radion
stabilization are analyzed. Both uncompactified and orbifolded models are
considered. The parameter space is constrained by requiring that there be no
ghost modes in the theory, and that the Eddington parameterized post-Newtonian
parameter be consistent with observations. We show that we must reside
on the brane on which the warp factor is maximized. The resultant theory
contains radion modes in a nonlinear sigma model, with the target space
being a subset of hyperbolic space. Imposing observational constraints on the
relative strengths of gravitational interactions of dark and visible matter
shows that at least 99.8% of the dark matter must live on our brane in this
model.Comment: 18 pages, 4 figures. Version 2 (submitted to PRD) adds analysis on
orbifold
An investigation of Fe XV emission lines in solar flare spectra
Previously, large discrepancies have been found between theory and
observation for Fe XV emission line ratios in solar flare spectra covering the
224-327 A wavelength range, obtained by the Naval Research Laboratory's S082A
instrument on board Skylab. These discrepancies have been attributed to either
errors in the adopted atomic data or the presence of additional atomic
processes not included in the modelling, such as fluorescence. However our
analysis of these plus other S082A flare observations (the latter containing Fe
XV transitions between 321-482 A), performed using the most recent Fe XV atomic
physics calculations in conjunction with a CHIANTI synthetic flare spectrum,
indicate that blending of the lines is primarily responsible for the
discrepancies. As a result, most Fe XV lines cannot be employed as electron
density diagnostics for solar flares, at least at the spectral resolution of
S082A and similar instruments (i.e. ~ 0.1 A). An exception is the intensity
ratio I(321.8 A)/I(327.0 A), which appears to provide good estimates of the
electron density at this spectral resolution.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, Astronomy & Astrophysics, in pres
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Stochastic modelling of the effects of interdependencies between critical infrastructure
An approach to Quantitative Interdependency Analysis, in the context of Large Complex Critical Infrastructures, is presented in this paper. A Discrete state–space, Continuous–time, Stochastic Process models the operation of critical infrastructure, taking interdependencies into account. Of primary interest are the implications of both model detail (that is, level of model abstraction) and model parameterisation for the study of dependencies. Both of these factors are observed to affect the distribution of cascade–sizes within and across infrastructure
Stretching force dependent transitions in single stranded DNA
Mechanical properties of DNA, in particular their stretch dependent extension
and their loop formation characteristics, have been recognized as an effective
probe for understanding the possible biochemical role played by them in a
living cell. Single stranded DNA (ssDNA), which, till recently was presumed to
be an simple flexible polymer continues to spring surprises. Synthetic ssDNA,
like polydA (polydeoxyadenosines) has revealed an intriguing force-extension
(FX) behavior exhibiting two plateaus, absent in polydT (polydeoxythymidines)
for example. Loop closing time in polydA had also been found to scale
exponentially with inverse temperature, unexpected from generic models of
homopolymers. Here we present a new model for polydA which incorporates both a
helix-coil transition and a over-stretching transition, accounting for the two
plateaus. Using transfer matrix calculation and Monte-Carlo simulation we show
that the model reproduces different sets of experimental observations,
quantitatively. It also predicts interesting reentrant behavior in the
temperature-extension characteristics of polydA, which is yet to be verified
experimentally.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure
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Security-Informed Safety
Society relies on the safe functioning of computer based networks and systems whether it is in transportation, in energy production, banking or in medical devices. In some sectors, notably high hazard ones, achieving and assuring safety is a relatively mature undertaking - although of course we must not be complacent [20,21]. The advent of cyber issues brings enormous challenges and changes to the traditional engineering tempo and approach. This is exacerbated by the increasing sophistication of attackers, the commoditisation of low-end attacks, the increasing vulnerabilities of digital systems as well as their connectivity - both designed and inadvertent. In our research and practice we have been considering the impact of cyber issues on safety critical and safety related computer systems1. This article shares some of the issues and lessons learned
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