String Theory Modifies Quantum Mechanics

We argue that the light particles in string theory obey an effective quantum mechanics modified by the inclusion of a quantum-gravitational friction term, induced by unavoidable couplings to unobserved massive string states in the space-time foam. This term is related to the $W$-symmetries that couple light particles to massive solitonic string states in black hole backgrounds, and has a formal similarity to simple models of environmental quantum friction. It increases apparent entropy, and may induce the wave functions of macroscopic systems to collapse.Comment: 18 pages, CERN-6595/9

Anomalous diffusion modifies solar neutrino fluxes

Density and temperature conditions in the solar core suggest that the microscopic diffusion of electrons and ions could be nonstandard: Diffusion and friction coefficients are energy dependent, collisions are not two-body processes and retain memory beyond the single scattering event. A direct consequence of nonstandard diffusion is that the equilibrium energy distribution of particles departs from the Maxwellian one (tails goes to zero more slowly or faster than exponentially) modifying the reaction rates. This effect is qualitatively different from temperature and/or composition modification: Small changes in the number of particles in the distribution tails can strongly modify the rates without affecting bulk properties, such as the sound speed or hydrostatic equilibrium, which depend on the mean values from the distribution. This mechanism can considerably increase the range of predictions for the neutrino fluxes allowed by the current experimental values (cross sections and solar properties) and can be used to reduce the discrepancy between these predictions and the solar neutrino experiments.Comment: 16 pages, ReVTeX, no figures. Text partially revised (24 april 1998

Oscillating cosmological force modifies Newtonian dynamics

In the Newtonian limit of general relativity force acting on a test mass in a central gravitational field is conventionally defined by the attractive Newtonian gravity (inverse square) term plus a small repulsive cosmological force, which is proportional to the slow acceleration of the universe expansion. In this paper we consider the cosmological force correction due to fast quantum oscillations of the universe scale factor, which were suggested recently by Wang et al. (Phys. Rev. D 95, 103504 (2017)) as a potential solution of the cosmological constant problem. These fast fluctuations of the cosmological scale factor induce strong changes to the current sign and magnitude of the average cosmological force, thus making it one of the potential probable causes of the modification of Newtonian dynamics in galaxy-scale systems. The modified cosmological force may be responsible for the recently discovered "cosmic clock" behaviour of disk galaxies in the low redshift universe.Comment: 17 pages, 3 figure

Equation modifying program, L219 (EQMOD). Volume 1: Engineering and usage

The analysis and use of the Equation Modifying Program (EQMOD) L219, digital computer program which modifies matrices according to specific instructions was described. The program modifies the theoretical equation of motion and load equations generated by the DYLOFLEX programs Equation of Motion L217 (EOM), and Load Equations, L218 (LOADS), respectively

Vacuum fluctuations and Brownian motion of a charged test particle near a reflecting boundary

We study the Brownian motion of a charged test particle coupled to electromagnetic vacuum fluctuations near a perfectly reflecting plane boundary. The presence of the boundary modifies the quantum fluctuations of the electric field, which in turn modifies the motion of the test particle. We calculate the resulting mean squared fluctuations in the velocity and position of the test particle. In the case of directions transverse to the boundary, the results are negative. This can be interpreted as reducing the quantum uncertainty which would otherwise be present.Comment: 8 pages, no figures, discussions added, version to appear in PR

Information as a Commodity: New Imperatives of Commercial Law

Modern information technology modifies how commercial transactions occur and the subject matter of commerce itself. The challenge posed to scholars and policymakers by these issues is discussed

Cell biology:Collagen secretion explained

Cells package proteins into vesicles for secretion to the extracellular milieu. A study shows that an enzyme modifies the packaging machinery to encapsulate unusually large proteins such as collagen