Conservative second-order gravitational self-force on circular orbits and the effective one-body formalism

We consider Detweiler's redshift variable z for a nonspinning mass m(1) in circular motion (with orbital frequency Omega) around a nonspinning mass m(2). We show how the combination of effective-one-body (EOB) theory with the first law of binary dynamics allows one to derive a simple, exact expression for the functional dependence of z on the (gauge-invariant) EOB gravitational potential u = (m(1) + m(2))/R.

Nonlocal gravity: Conformally flat spacetimes

The field equations of the recent nonlocal generalization of Einstein's theory of gravitation are presented in a form that is reminiscent of general relativity. The implications of the nonlocal field equations are studied in the case of conformally flat spacetimes. Even in this simple case, the field equations are intractable. Therefore, to gain insight into the nature of these equations, we investigate the structure of nonlocal gravity (NLG) in 2D spacetimes.

Scalar field self-force effects on a particle orbiting a Reissner-Nordstrom black hole

Scalar field self-force effects on a scalar charge orbiting a Reissner-Nordström black hole are investigated. The scalar wave equation is solved analytically in a post-Newtonian framework, and the solution is used to compute the self-field (up to 7.5 post-Newtonian order) as well as the components of the self-force at the particle's location. The energy fluxes radiated to infinity and down the hole are also evaluated. Comparison with previous numerical results in the Schwarzschild case shows a reasonable agreement in both strong field and weak field regimes.

Generalized threshold-based epidemics in random graphs: The power of extreme values

Bootstrap percolation is a well-known activation process in a graph, in which a node becomes active when it has at least r active neighbors. Such process, originally studied on regular structures, has been recently investigated also in the context of random graphs, where it can serve as a simple model for a wide variety of cascades, such as the spreading of ideas, trends, viral contents, etc. over large social networks. In particular, it has been shown that in G(n, p) the final active set can exhibit a phase transition for a sub-linear number of seeds.

Gyroscope precession along unbound equatorial plane orbits around a Kerr black hole

The precession of a test gyroscope along unbound equatorial plane geodesic orbits around a Kerr black hole is analyzed with respect to a static reference frame whose axes point towards the "fixed stars." The accumulated precession angle after a complete scattering process is evaluated and compared with the corresponding change in the orbital angle. Limiting results for the nonrotating Schwarzschild black hole case are also discussed.

General relativistic considerations of the field shedding model of fast radio bursts

Popular models of fast radio bursts (FRBs) involve the gravitational collapse of neutron star progenitors to black holes. It has been proposed that the shedding of the strong neutron star magnetic field (B) during the collapse is the power source for the radio emission. Previously, these models have utilized the simplicity of the Schwarzschild metric which has the restriction that the magnetic flux is magnetic 'hair' that must be shed before final collapse.

The emerging role of ECM crosslinking in T cell mobility as a hallmark of immunosenescence in humans

Immunosenescence is thought to result from cellular aging and to reflect exposure to environmental stressors and antigens, including cytomegalovirus (CMV). However, not all of the features of immunosenescence are consistent with this view, and this has led to the emergence of the sister theory of "inflammaging". The recently discovered diffuse tissue distribution of resident memory T cells (TRM) which don't recirculate, calls these theories into question. These cells account for most T cells residing in barrier epithelia which sit in and travel through the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Mapping reactive flow patterns in monolithic nanoporous catalysts

The development of high-efficiency porous catalyst membranes critically depends on our understanding of where the majority of the chemical conversions occur within the porous structure. This requires mapping of chemical reactions and mass transport inside the complex nanoscale architecture of porous catalyst membranes which is a multiscale problem in both the temporal and spatial domains.

Multi-dimensional Modeling of Combustion in Compression Ignition Engines Operating with Variable Charge Premixing Levels

Premixed combustion modes in compression ignition engines are studied as a promising solution to meet fuel economy and increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Nevertheless, PCCI combustion systems are not yet consolidated enough for practical applications. The high complexity of such combustion systems in terms of both air-fuel charge preparation and combustion process control requires the employment of robust and reliable numerical tools to provide adequate comprehension of the phenomena.

A multispeed Discrete Boltzmann Model for transcritical 2D shallow water flows

In this work a Discrete Boltzmann Model for the solution of transcritical 2D shallow water flows is presented and validated. In order to provide the model with transcritical capabilities, a particular multispeed velocity set has been employed for the discretization of the Boltzmann equation. It is shown that this particular set naturally yields a simple and closed procedure to determine higher order equilibrium distribution functions needed to simulate transcritical flow.