An Axisymmetric Object-Based Search for a Flat Compact Dimension

A method is presented to search for a hypertorus symmetry axis by the alignment of distant objects. This offers greater sensitivity than previously proposed object-based methods that rely on accurate true distances. When applied to the catalog of objects with z > 1, we find no evidence for a compact dimension. We deduce a lower limit to the compact dimension size D > 0.9 of the distance to the cosmic horizon. This is consistent with independent constraints from the recent analysis of the WMAP microwave background data.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figures, minor revision, accepted by JCA

Gamma-Ray Bursts via Pair Plasma Fireballs from Heated Neutron Stars

In this paper we model the emission from a relativistically expanding electron-positron pair plasma fireball originating near the surface of a heated neutron star. This pair fireball is deposited via the annihilation of neutrino pairs emanating from the surface of the hot neutron star. The heating of neutron stars may occur in close neutron star binary systems near their last stable orbit. We model the relativistic expansion and subsequent emission of the plasma and find 10^51 to 10^52 ergs in gamma-rays are produced with spectral and temporal properties consistent with observed gamma-ray bursts.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures. Submitted to the Conference Proceedings of the 5th Huntsville Gamma-Ray Burst Symposiu