Baryon number violation, baryogenesis and defects with extra dimensions

In generic models for grand unified theories(GUT), various types of baryon number violating processes are expected when quarks and leptons propagate in the background of GUT strings. On the other hand, in models with large extra dimensions, the baryon number violation in the background of a string is not trivial because it must depend on the mechanism of the proton stabilization. In this paper we argue that cosmic strings in models with extra dimensions can enhance the baryon number violation to a phenomenologically interesting level, if the proton decay is suppressed by the mechanism of localized wavefunctions. We also make some comments on baryogenesis mediated by cosmological defects. We show at least two scenarios will be successful in this direction. One is the scenario of leptogenesis where the required lepton number conversion is mediated by cosmic strings, and the other is the baryogenesis from the decaying cosmological domain wall. Both scenarios are new and have not been discussed in the past.Comment: 20pages, latex2e, comments and references added, to appear in PR

Earnings Assimilation of Immigrants in Germany: The Importance of Heterogeneity and Attrition Bias

Heterogeneity in the ethnic composition of Germany's immigrant population renders general conclusions on the degree of economic integration difficult. Using a rich longitudinal data-set, this paper tests for differences in economic assimilation profiles of four entry cohorts of foreign-born immigrants and ethnic Germans. The importance of time-invariant individual unobserved heterogeneity and panel attrition in determining the speed of assimilation is analysed. We find evidence for heterogeneity in the assimilation profiles and for robust assimilation profiles for two entry cohorts only. Omitted variables, systematic sample attrition and the presence of second generation immigrants in the sample influence the speed of assimilation, but do not change the overall picture

Department of Animal Sciences research and reviews: poultry and swine

Skeletal muscle collagen organization may be associated with proteoglycan expression / Sandra G. Velleman -- Influence of adult body weight and egg weight on hatching time in selected and random bred control lines of turkeys / K. E. Nestor and D. O. Noble -- Effect of crossing a line selected for increased shank width with two commercial sire lines on performance and walking ability of turkeys / Karl E. Nestor and John W. Anderson -- The energy used for maintenance each day by broiler chickens / David Latshaw and Matthew Toussant -- Variation at microsatellite loci in the large white, Yorkshire, and Hampshire breeds of swine / S. L. Kacirek, K. M. Irvin, P. I. Dimsoski, M. E. Davis, and H. C. Hines -- The estimation of maternal and individual heterosis in Yorkshire, large white, and Hampshire swine and their crosses / M. J. Barhorst, K. M. Irvin, S. J. Moeller, and S. M. Neal -- Investigation of the estrogen receptor gene and its association with reproductive tract traits in swine / B. Isler, K. M. Irvin, and S. M. Neal -- Effects of exogenous testosterone on follicular responsiveness to gonadotrophins during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle in gilts / M. B. Cunningham and W. F. Pope -- Evaluation of the further-processing quality of ham muscles from Hampshire hogs / C. L. Knipe, D. L. Meeker, B. D. Paxton, S. J. Moeller, K. M. Irvin, D. M. Wulf, and R. C. Emnett -- Frequency and effects of the napole gene in the U.S. pork industry / D. L. Meeker, S. J. Moeller, K. M. Irvin, D. M. Wulf, C. L. Knipe, and R. C. Emnet