Constraints on a strong X-ray flare in the Seyfert galaxy MCG-6-30-15

We discuss implications of a strong flare event observed in the Seyfert galaxy MCG-6-30-15 assuming that the emission is due to localized magnetic reconnection. We conduct detailed radiative transfer modeling of the reprocessed radiation for a primary source that is elevated above the disk. The model includes relativistic effects and Keplerian motion around the black hole. We show that for such a model setup the observed time-modulation must be intrinsic to the primary source. Using a simple analytical model we then investigate time delays between hard and soft X-rays during the flare. The model considers an intrinsic delay between primary and reprocessed radiation, which measures the geometrical distance of the flare source to the reprocessing sites. The observed time delays are well reproduced if one assumes that the reprocessing happens in magnetically confined, cold clouds.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, proceedings of a talk given at the symposium 238 at the IAU General Assembly 200

The projective translation equation and unramified 2-dimensional flows with rational vector fields

Let X=(x,y). Previously we have found all rational solutions of the 2-dimensional projective translation equation, or PrTE, (1-z)f(X)=f(f(Xz)(1-z)/z); here f(X)=(u(x,y),v(x,y)) is a pair of two (real or complex) functions. Solutions of this functional equation are called projective flows. A vector field of a rational flow is a pair of 2-homogenic rational functions. On the other hand, only special pairs of 2-homogenic rational functions give rise to rational flows. In this paper we are interested in all non-singular (satisfying the boundary condition) and unramified (without branching points, i.e. single-valued functions in C^2\{union of curves}) projective flows whose vector field is still rational. We prove that, up to conjugation with 1-homogenic birational plane transformation, these are of 6 types: 1) the identity flow; 2) one flow for each non-negative integer N - these flows are rational of level N; 3) the level 1 exponential flow, which is also conjugate to the level 1 tangent flow; 4) the level 3 flow expressable in terms of Dixonian (equianharmonic) elliptic functions; 5) the level 4 flow expressable in terms of lemniscatic elliptic functions; 6) the level 6 flow expressable in terms of Dixonian elliptic functions again. This reveals another aspect of the PrTE: in the latter four cases this equation is equivalent and provides a uniform framework to addition formulas for exponential, tangent, or special elliptic functions (also addition formulas for polynomials and the logarithm, though the latter appears only in branched flows). Moreover, the PrTE turns out to have a connection with Polya-Eggenberger urn models. Another purpose of this study is expository, and we provide the list of open problems and directions in the theory of PrTE; for example, we define the notion of quasi-rational projective flows which includes curves of arbitrary genus.Comment: 34 pages, 2 figure

DPA on quasi delay insensitive asynchronous circuits: formalization and improvement

The purpose of this paper is to formally specify a flow devoted to the design of Differential Power Analysis (DPA) resistant QDI asynchronous circuits. The paper first proposes a formal modeling of the electrical signature of QDI asynchronous circuits. The DPA is then applied to the formal model in order to identify the source of leakage of this type of circuits. Finally, a complete design flow is specified to minimize the information leakage. The relevancy and efficiency of the approach is demonstrated using the design of an AES crypto-processor.Comment: Submitted on behalf of EDAA (http://www.edaa.com/

Higgs Couplings at the End of 2012

Performing a fit to all publicly available data, we analyze the extent to which the latest results from the LHC and Tevatron constrain the couplings of the Higgs boson-like state at ~ 125 GeV. To this end we assume that only Standard Model (SM) particles appear in the Higgs decays, but tree-level Higgs couplings to the up-quarks, down-quarks and vector bosons, relative to the SM are free parameters. We also assume that the leptonic couplings relative to the SM are the same as for the down-quark, and a custodial symmetry for the V=W,Z couplings. In the simplest approach, the effective Higgs couplings to gluons and photons are computed in terms of the previous parameters. This approach is also applied to Two-Higgs-Doublet Models of Type I and Type II. However, we also explore the possibility that the net Higgs to gluon-gluon and gamma-gamma couplings have extra loop contributions coming from Beyond-the-Standard Model physics. We find that the SM p-value ~ 0.5 is more than 2 sigma away from fits in which: a) there is some non-SM contribution to the gamma-gamma coupling of the Higgs; or b) the sign of the top quark coupling to the Higgs is opposite that of the W coupling. In both these cases p-values ~ 0.9 can be achieved. Since option b) is difficult to realize in realistic models, it would seem that new physics contributions to the effective couplings of the Higgs are preferred.Comment: 25 pages, 11 figures; v2: minor corrections, references added; v3: acknowledgement adde

Towards a public analysis database for LHC new physics searches using MadAnalysis 5

We present the implementation, in the MadAnalysis 5 framework, of several ATLAS and CMS searches for supersymmetry in data recorded during the first run of the LHC. We provide extensive details on the validation of our implementations and propose to create a public analysis database within this framework.Comment: 20 pages, 15 figures, 5 recast codes; version accepted by EPJC (Dec 22, 2014) including a new section with guidelines for the experimental collaborations as well as for potential contributors to the PAD; complementary information can be found at http://madanalysis.irmp.ucl.ac.be/wiki/PhysicsAnalysisDatabas

Physeal Distraction for Joint Preservation in Malignant Metaphyseal Bone Tumors in Children

Background: Physeal distraction facilitates metaphyseal bone tumor resection in children and preserves the adjacent joint. The technique was first described by Cañadell. Tumor resection procedures allowing limb-sparing reconstruction have been used increasingly in recent years without compromising oncologic principles. Questions/purposes: We report our results with Cañadell's technique by assessing tumor control, functional outcome, and complications. Methods: Six consecutive children with primary malignant metaphyseal bone tumors underwent physeal distraction as a part of tumor resection. Tumor location was the distal femur in four patients, the proximal humerus in one patient, and the proximal tibia in one patient. The functional outcome was evaluated after a minimum of 18months (median, 62months; range, 18-136months) using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). Results: At latest followup, five patients were alive and disease-free and one had died from metastatic disease. All tumor resections resulted in local control; there were no local recurrencies. The mean MSTS score was 79% (range, 53%-97%) and corresponding mean TESS was 83% (range, 71%-92%). In one case, postoperative infection required amputation of the proximal lower leg. All physeal distractions were successful except for one patient in whom distraction resulted in rupturing into the tumor. This situation was salvaged by transepiphyseal resection. Conclusions: We consider Cañadell's technique a useful tool in the armamentarium to treat children with malignant tumors that are in close proximity to an open physis. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidenc

<i>Streptocephalus sirindhornae</i>, new species of freshwater fairy shrimp (Anostraca) from Thailand

Streptocephalus sirindhornae, new species, the first freshwater anostracan from Thailand, is wide-spread in the northeast of the country. It is morphologically closest to the Indian species S. dichotomus, but a sequence analysis of its SSU rDNA gene reveals that its closest relative is in fact the Indian species-pair S. dichotomus-S. simplex, that it is probably a conserved member of the S. dichotomus-group, and that it shares some relationship with the S. torvicornis-group

Recurrent aggressive chondrosarcoma of the middle phalanx of the index finger: excision and reconstruction with an osteocartilaginous allograft

Introduction: Chondrosarcomas are malignant tumours and need to be treated aggressively including ablative surgery. Bovée et al. and Mankin have recently drawn attention to a less aggressive behaviour of chondrosarcomas of the phalanges compared with those of other localizations including the metacarpals. Materials and methods: An 12year follow-up of a patient with a chondrosarcoma of the middle phalanx of the index finger is presented. The lesion was curetted initially, and a repeat curettage was performed 4years later. Finally, 8years later the phalanx was excised and reconstructed with an osteocartilaginous allograft. Histologically, the lesion changed from a chondrosarcoma grade I to grade II. Result: The patient continues to be free of recurrence and metastases 4years after the final resection. Conclusion: The potential for systemic disease of chondrosarcomas of the phalanges is probably much lower than in chondrosarcomas of other localizations, and therefore digit-sparing techniques may be considered rather than ablative procedure