Line Sources in Brans-Dicke Theory of Gravity

We investigate how the gravitational field generated by line sources can be characterized in Brans-Dicke theory of gravity. Adapting an approach previously developed by Israel who solved the same problem in general relativity we show that in Brans-Dicke theory's case it is possible to work out the field equations which relate the energy-momentum tensor of the source to the scalar field, the coupling constant $\omega$ and the extrinsic curvature of a tube of constant geodesic radius centered on the line in the limit when the radius shrinks to zero. In this new scenario two examples are considered and an account of the Gundlach and Ortiz solution is included. Finally, a brief discussion of how to treat thin shells in Brans-Dicke theory is given.Comment: 21 pages, RevTex; added a discussion on the Gundlach and Ortiz solutio

On hadronic beam models for quasars and microquasars

Most of the hadronic jet models for quasars (QSOs) and microquasars (MQs) found in literature represent beams of particles (e.g. protons). These particles interact with the matter in the stellar wind of the companion star in the system or with crossing clouds, generating gamma-rays via proton-proton processes. Our aim is to derive the particle distribution in the jet as seen by the observer, so that proper computation of the $\gamma$-ray and neutrino yields can be done. We use relativistic invariants to obtain the transformed expressions in the case of a power-law and power-law with a cutoff particle distribution in the beam. We compare with previous expressions used earlier in the literature. We show that formerly used expressions for the particle distributions in the beam as seen by the observer are in error, differences being strongly dependent on the viewing angle. For example, for $\Gamma =10$ ($\Gamma$ is the Lorentz factor of the blob) and angles larger than $\sim 20^o$, the earlier-used calculation entails an over-prediction (order of magnitude or more) of the proton spectra for $E>\Gamma mc^2$, whereas it always over-predicts (two orders of magnitude) the proton spectrum at lower energies, disregarding the viewing angle. All the results for photon and neutrino fluxes in hadronic models in beams that have made use of the earlier calculation are affected. Given that correct gamma-ray fluxes will be in almost any case significantly diminished in comparison with published results, and that the time of observations in Cherenkov facilities grows with the square of the flux-reduction factor in a statistically limited result, the possibility of observing hadronic beams is undermined.Comment: Accepted for publication in A&A Letter

Linearized stability of charged thin-shell wormholes

The linearized stability of charged thin shell wormholes under spherically symmetric perturbations is analized. It is shown that the presence of a large value of charge provides stabilization to the system, in the sense that the constrains onto the equation of state are less severe than for non-charged wormholes.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures; v2: minor changes. Accepted for publication in General Relativity and Gravitatio

Computing spectral sequences

In this paper, a set of programs enhancing the Kenzo system is presented. Kenzo is a Common Lisp program designed for computing in Algebraic Topology, in particular it allows the user to calculate homology and homotopy groups of complicated spaces. The new programs presented here entirely compute Serre and Eilenberg-Moore spectral sequences, in particular the groups and differential maps for arbitrary r. They also determine when the spectral sequence has converged and describe the filtration of the target homology groups induced by the spectral sequence

Self-existing objects and auto-generated information in chronology-violating space-times : a philosophical discussion

Consistency demands an harmony between local and global affairs that excludes grandfather-like paradoxes. However, self-existing objects trapped in CTCs are not seemingly avoided by the standard interpretation of this principle, usually constrained to a dynamical framework. In this paper we discuss whether we are committed to accept an ontology with self-existing objects if CTCs actually occur in the universe. In addition, the epistemological status of the Principle of SelfConsistency is analyzed and a discussion on the information flux through CTCs is presented.Fil: Romero, Gustavo Esteban. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomía; ArgentinaFil: Torres, Diego F.. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomía; Argentin