816 research outputs found
Damped finite-time-singularity driven by noise
We consider the combined influence of linear damping and noise on a dynamical
finite-time-singularity model for a single degree of freedom. We find that the
noise effectively resolves the finite-time-singularity and replaces it by a
first-passage-time or absorbing state distribution with a peak at the
singularity and a long time tail. The damping introduces a characteristic
cross-over time. In the early time regime the probability distribution and
first-passage-time distribution show a power law behavior with scaling exponent
depending on the ratio of the non linear coupling strength to the noise
strength. In the late time regime the behavior is controlled by the damping.
The study might be of relevance in the context of hydrodynamics on a nanometer
scale, in material physics, and in biophysics.Comment: 9 pages, 4 eps-figures, revtex4 fil
Power laws and stretched exponentials in a noisy finite-time-singularity model
We discuss the influence of white noise on a generic dynamical
finite-time-singularity model for a single degree of freedom. We find that the
noise effectively resolves the finite-time-singularity and replaces it by a
first-passage-time or absorbing state distribution with a peak at the
singularity and a long time tail exhibiting power law or stretched exponential
behavior. The study might be of relevance in the context of hydrodynamics on a
nanometer scale, in material physics, and in biophysics.Comment: 10 pages revtex file, including 4 postscript-figures. References
added and a few typos correcte
Polyelectrolyte Adsorption
The problem of charged polymer chains (polyelectrolytes) as they adsorb on a
planar surface is addressed theoretically. We review the basic mechanisms and
theory underlying polyelectrolyte adsorption on a single surface in two
situations: adsorption of a single charged chain, and adsorption from a bulk
solution in solvent conditions. The behavior of flexible and
semi-rigid chains is discussed separately and is expressed as function of the
polymer and surface charges, ionic strength of the solution and polymer bulk
concentration. We mainly review mean-field results and briefly comment about
fluctuation effects. The phenomenon of polyelectrolyte adsorption on a planar
surface as presented here is of relevance to the stabilization of colloidal
suspensions. In this respect we also mention calculations of the inter-plate
force between two planar surfaces in presence of polyelectrolyte. Finally, we
comment on the problem of charge overcompensation and its implication to
multi-layers formation of alternating positive and negative polyelectrolytes on
planar surfaces and colloidal particles.Comment: 11 pages, 4 PS figures (Latex/RevTex), submitted to C.R. Acad. Sci
(Paris
Osmium isotope evidence for two pulses of increased continental weathering linked to Early Jurassic volcanism and climate change
Large igneous provinces (LIPs) are proposed to have caused a number of episodes of abrupt environmental change by increasing atmospheric CO2 levels, which were subsequently alleviated by drawdown of CO2 via enhanced continental weathering and burial of organic matter. Here the sedimentary records of two such episodes of environmental change, the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event (T-OAE) and preceding Pliensbachian–Toarcian (Pl-To) event (both possibly linked to the Karoo-Ferrar LIP), are investigated using a new suite of geochemical proxies that have not been previously compared. Stratigraphic variations in osmium isotope (187Os/188Os) records are compared with those of mercury (Hg) and carbon isotopes (d13C) in samples from the Mochras core, Llanbedr Farm, Cardigan Bay Basin, Wales. These sedimentary rocks are confirmed as recording an open-marine setting by analysis of molybdenum/uranium enrichment trends, indicating that the Os isotope record in these samples reflects the isotopic composition of the global ocean. The Os isotope data include the first results across the Pl-To boundary, when seawater 187Os/188Os increased from ~0.40 to ~0.53, in addition to new data that show elevated 187Os/188Os (from ~0.42 to ~0.68) during the T-OAE. Both increases in 187Os/188Os correlate with negative carbon isotope excursions and increased mercury concentrations, supporting an interplay between terrestrial volcanism, weathering, and climate that was instrumental in driving these distinct episodes of global environmental change. These observations also indicate that the environmental impact of the Karoo-Ferrar LIP was not limited solely to the T-OAE
Neutrino-Deuteron Scattering in Effective Field Theory at Next-to-Next-to Leading Order
We study the four channels associated with neutrino-deuteron breakup
reactions at next-to-next to leading order in effective field theory. We find
that the total cross-section is indeed converging for neutrino energies up to
20 MeV, and thus our calculations can provide constraints on theoretical
uncertainties for the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory. We stress the importance of
a direct experimental measurement to high precision in at least one channel, in
order to fix an axial two-body counterterm.Comment: 32 pages, 14 figures (eps
The Minimal Supersymmetric Fat Higgs Model
We present a calculable supersymmetric theory of a composite ``fat'' Higgs
boson. Electroweak symmetry is broken dynamically through a new gauge
interaction that becomes strong at an intermediate scale. The Higgs mass can
easily be 200-450 GeV along with the superpartner masses, solving the
supersymmetric little hierarchy problem. We explicitly verify that the model is
consistent with precision electroweak data without fine-tuning. Gauge coupling
unification can be maintained despite the inherently strong dynamics involved
in electroweak symmetry breaking. Supersymmetrizing the Standard Model
therefore does not imply a light Higgs mass, contrary to the lore in the
literature. The Higgs sector of the minimal Fat Higgs model has a mass spectrum
that is distinctly different from the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, REVTe
Renormalized kinetic theory of classical fluids in and out of equilibrium
We present a theory for the construction of renormalized kinetic equations to
describe the dynamics of classical systems of particles in or out of
equilibrium. A closed, self-consistent set of evolution equations is derived
for the single-particle phase-space distribution function , the correlation
function , the retarded and advanced density response
functions to an external potential , and
the associated memory functions . The basis of the theory is an
effective action functional of external potentials that
contains all information about the dynamical properties of the system. In
particular, its functional derivatives generate successively the
single-particle phase-space density and all the correlation and density
response functions, which are coupled through an infinite hierarchy of
evolution equations. Traditional renormalization techniques are then used to
perform the closure of the hierarchy through memory functions. The latter
satisfy functional equations that can be used to devise systematic
approximations. The present formulation can be equally regarded as (i) a
generalization to dynamical problems of the density functional theory of fluids
in equilibrium and (ii) as the classical mechanical counterpart of the theory
of non-equilibrium Green's functions in quantum field theory. It unifies and
encompasses previous results for classical Hamiltonian systems with any initial
conditions. For equilibrium states, the theory reduces to the equilibrium
memory function approach. For non-equilibrium fluids, popular closures (e.g.
Landau, Boltzmann, Lenard-Balescu) are simply recovered and we discuss the
correspondence with the seminal approaches of Martin-Siggia-Rose and of
Rose.and we discuss the correspondence with the seminal approaches of
Martin-Siggia-Rose and of Rose.Comment: 63 pages, 10 figure
How Unpopular Policies are Made: Examples from South Africa, Singapore, and Bangladesh
In this article we contribute to the emerging knowledge on migration policy?making in two ways. Firstly, we address the relative lack of research on the gendered nature of migration policy?making. Secondly we contribute to understanding migration policymaking in postcolonial contexts. Based on case studies from Bangladesh, South Africa, and Singapore, we trace the drivers of policy change in these contexts and how the gendered vulnerability of the intended beneficiaries impacted the policy process. We found that there were four main drivers of migration policy?making in each of the countries. They were: the role?players in the policy change process, the debates that shaped the policy change, the research involved, and the political context in which the policy change took place. While our research drew on existing policy frameworks, it also showed that policy development is shaped by complex socio?political conditions.DFIDMigrating out of Povert
The History of Galaxy Formation in Groups: An Observational Perspective
We present a pedagogical review on the formation and evolution of galaxies in
groups, utilizing observational information from the Local Group to galaxies at
z~6. The majority of galaxies in the nearby universe are found in groups, and
galaxies at all redshifts up to z~6 tend to cluster on the scale of nearby
groups (~1 Mpc). This suggests that the group environment may play a role in
the formation of most galaxies. The Local Group, and other nearby groups,
display a diversity in star formation and morphological properties that puts
limits on how, and when, galaxies in groups formed. Effects that depend on an
intragroup medium, such as ram-pressure and strangulation, are likely not major
mechanisms driving group galaxy evolution. Simple dynamical friction arguments
however show that galaxy mergers should be common, and a dominant process for
driving evolution. While mergers between L_* galaxies are observed to be rare
at z < 1, they are much more common at earlier times. This is due to the
increased density of the universe, and to the fact that high mass galaxies are
highly clustered on the scale of groups. We furthermore discus why the local
number density environment of galaxies strongly correlates with galaxy
properties, and why the group environment may be the preferred method for
establishing the relationship between properties of galaxies and their local
density.Comment: Invited review, 16 pages, to be published in ESO Astrophysics
Symposia: "Groups of Galaxies in the Nearby Universe", eds. I. Saviane, V.
Ivanov, J. Borissov
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