Chern-Simons number asymmetry from CP violation at electroweak tachyonic preheating

We consider the creation of non-zero Chern-Simons number in a model of the early Universe, where the Higgs field experiences a fast quench at the end of inflation and subsequently rolls down its potential barrier. Neglecting the expansion, we perform numerical lattice simulations in the Abelian Higgs model in 1+1 dimensions with an added phenomenological C and P violating term during this stage of so-called tachyonic preheating. The results suggest that even the sign of the Chern-Simons and thus baryon number is dependent on the ratio of the Higgs to W mass. We also discuss the appropriate choice of vacuum initial conditions for classical simulations.Comment: 24 pages, 17 figures, added references, published versio

Impact and extinction signatures in complete Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary sections

The Zumaya, Caravaca and Agost sections in Spain, the El Kef section in Tunisia and the Negev (Nahal Avdat) sections in Israel are among the most continuous, expanded and complete K-T boundary sections. The distribution patterns of the planktic faunas were quantitatively analyzed in closely spaced samples across the K-T boundary in these sections, in conjuction with the geochemistry, stable isotopes, mineralogy and magnetostratigraphy. Three hundred foraminiferal specimens were randomly selected and determined. Reliable estimates for the foraminiferal productivity changes across the K-T boundary and for the 1 to 2 Ma interval preceding the K-T boundary were made from the numbers of individuals/gram of sediment corrected for the sedimentation rates (calculated from magnetic reversals and lithology). No gradual or stepwise extinction is seen below the K-T boundary nor any productivity decrease. Stable isotope analyses show a warming just after deposition of the ejecta layer, not cooling as predicted by nuclear winter scenarios, although the duration of such cooling may be too short to be observed even in these complete sections. Low REE values and cpx spherules with quench textures idential to quench-textures in diagenetically altered spherules, strongly indicate an oceanic site of (one of) the impactor(s)

Sphaleron transition rate at high temperature in the 1+1 D abelian Higgs model

New results for the rate are presented using the canonical ensemble in the classical approximation on a spatial lattice. We find that the rate at high temperatures is proportional to $T^2$, and strongly dependent on the lattice spacing $a$. We conclude that a better effective action is needed for the classical approximation.Comment: 3 pages, uuencoded compressed postscript file, contribution to the Conference Proceedings "LATTICE 94", Bielefeld- German

Sphaleron transition rate in the classical 1+1 dimensional abelian Higgs model at finite temperature

We compute the sphaleron transition rate in the 1+1 dimensional abelian Higgs model at finite temperature, by real time simulation using the classical canonical ensemble.Comment: 3 pages to appear in the Proceedings of Lattice '93, Dallas, Texas, 12-16 October 1993, comes as a single postscript file (LaTeX source available from the authors), ITFA 93-3

Regularisation of Chiral Gauge Theories

This article gives a review of the topic of regularising chiral gauge theories and is aimed at a general audience. It begins by clarifying the meaning of chirality and goes on to discussing chiral projections in field theory, parity violation and the distinction between vector and chiral field theories. It then discusses the standard model of electroweak interactions from the perspective of chirality. It also reviews at length the phenomenon of anomalies in quantum field theories including the intuitive understanding of anomalies based on the Dirac sea picture as given by Nielsen and Ninomiya. It then raises the issue of a non-perturbative and constructive definition of the standard model as well as the importance of such formulations. The second Nielsen-Ninomiya theorem about the impossibility of regularising chiral gauge theories under some general assumptions is also discussed. After a brief review of lattice regularisation of field theories, it discusses the issue of fermions on the lattice with special emphasis on the problem of species doubling. The implications of these problems to introducing chiral fermions on the lattice as well as the interpretations of anomalies within the lattice formulations and the lattice Dirac sea picture are then discussed. Finally the difficulties of formulating the standard model on the lattice are illustrated through detailed discussions of the Wilson-Yukawa method, the domain wall fermions method and the recently popular Ginsparg-Wilson method.Comment: LATEX, 26 pages, 7 fig

Sexual hormones in Achyla. V. Properties of hormone A of Achyla bisexualis

1. The hormonal coordinating mechanism of the sexual process in Achlya is briefly reviewed. 2. A technique is described for culturing the female plant of Achlya bisexualis in sufficient quantity to furnish material for the chemical study of hormone A. 3. A modification of the biological assay for hormone A is described. 4. Many of the properties of hormone A have been determined: (a) solubilities in common organic solvents, (b) adsorption, (c) stability, (d) inactivation, and (e) reactions with certain reagents. 5. A procedure is described whereby enormous enrichment of the active principle has been achieved