Low-energy couplings of QCD from topological zero-mode wave functions

By matching 1/m^2 divergences in finite-volume two-point correlation functions of the scalar or pseudoscalar densities with those obtained in chiral perturbation theory, we derive a relation between the Dirac operator zero-mode eigenfunctions at fixed non-trivial topology and the low-energy constants of QCD. We investigate the feasibility of using this relation to extract the pion decay constant, by computing the zero-mode correlation functions on the lattice in the quenched approximation and comparing them with the corresponding expressions in quenched chiral perturbation theory.Comment: 31 pages. v2: references and a small clarification added; published versio

Low-energy couplings of QCD from current correlators near the chiral limit

We investigate a new numerical procedure to compute fermionic correlation functions at very small quark masses. Large statistical fluctuations, due to the presence of local ``bumps'' in the wave functions associated with the low-lying eigenmodes of the Dirac operator, are reduced by an exact low-mode averaging. To demonstrate the feasibility of the technique, we compute the two-point correlator of the left-handed vector current with Neuberger fermions in the quenched approximation, for lattices with a linear extent of L~1.5 fm, a lattice spacing a~0.09 fm, and quark masses down to the epsilon-regime. By matching the results with the corresponding (quenched) chiral perturbation theory expressions, an estimate of (quenched) low-energy constants can be obtained. We find agreement between the quenched values of F extrapolated from the p-regime and extracted in the epsilon-regime.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figure

The Scientific Foundations of Forecasting Magnetospheric Space Weather

The magnetosphere is the lens through which solar space weather phenomena are focused and directed towards the Earth. In particular, the non-linear interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetic field leads to the formation of highly inhomogenous electrical currents in the ionosphere which can ultimately result in damage to and problems with the operation of power distribution networks. Since electric power is the fundamental cornerstone of modern life, the interruption of power is the primary pathway by which space weather has impact on human activity and technology. Consequently, in the context of space weather, it is the ability to predict geomagnetic activity that is of key importance. This is usually stated in terms of geomagnetic storms, but we argue that in fact it is the substorm phenomenon which contains the crucial physics, and therefore prediction of substorm occurrence, severity and duration, either within the context of a longer-lasting geomagnetic storm, but potentially also as an isolated event, is of critical importance. Here we review the physics of the magnetosphere in the frame of space weather forecasting, focusing on recent results, current understanding, and an assessment of probable future developments.Peer reviewe

HLA alleles determine human T-lymphotropic virus-I (HTLV-I) proviral load and the risk of HTLV-I-associated myelopathy

The risk of disease associated with persistent virus infections such as HIV-I, hepatitis B and C, and human T-lymphotropic virus-I (HTLV-I) is strongly determined by the virus load. However, it is not known whether a persistent class I HLA-restricted antiviral cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response reduces viral load and is therefore beneficial or causes tissue damage and contributes to disease pathogenesis. HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP) patients have a high virus load compared with asymptomatic HTLV-I carriers. We hypothesized that HLA alleles control HTLV-I provirus load and thus influence susceptibility to HAM/TSP. Here we show that, after infection with HTLV-I, the class I allele HLA-A*02 halves the odds of HAM/TSP (P < 0.0001), preventing 28% of potential cases of HAM/TSP. Furthermore, HLA-A*02+ healthy HTLV-I carriers have a proviral load one-third that (P = 0.014) of HLA-A*02− HTLV-I carriers. An association of HLA-DRB1*0101 with disease susceptibility also was identified, which doubled the odds of HAM/TSP in the absence of the protective effect of HLA-A*02. These data have implications for other persistent virus infections in which virus load is associated with prognosis and imply that an efficient antiviral CTL response can reduce virus load and so prevent disease in persistent virus infections

Spectral Properties of Nf=8N_f = 8 SU(3) Gauge Theory

International audienc

Axial correlation functions in the #epsilon#-regime: A numerical study with overlap fermions

We present simulation results employing overlap fermions for the axial correlation functions in the #epsilon#-regime of chiral perturbation theory. In this regime, finite size effects and topology play a dominant role. Their description by quenched chiral perturbation theory is compared to our numerical results in quenched QCD. We show that lattices with a linear extent L&gt;1.1 fm are necessary to interpret the numerical data obtained in distinct topological sectors in terms of the #epsilon#-expansion. Such lattices are, however, still substantially smaller than the ones needed in standard chiral perturbation theory. However, we also observe severe difficulties at very low values of the quark mass, in particular in the topologically trivial sector. (orig.)SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: RA 2999(03-181) / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekDEGerman

Simulations in the #epsilon#-regime of chiral perturbation theory

We discuss the potential of Ginsparg-Wilson fermion simulations in the #epsilon#-regime of chiral perturbation theory, regarding the determination of the leading low energy constants of the effective chiral Lagrangian. It turns out to be very hard to measure observables in the topologically trivial sector. There a huge statistics would be required, due to the frequent occurrence of very small eigenvalues. Moreover, contact with chiral perturbation theory is only established if the physical volume of the system is sufficiently large. (orig.)SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: RA 2999(03-126) / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekDEGerman

Meson correlation functions in the #epsilon#-regime

We present a numerical pilot study of the meson correlation functions in the #epsilon#-regime of chiral perturbation theory (#chi#PT). Based on simulations with overlap fermions we measured the axial and pseudo-scalar correlation functions, and we discuss the implications for the leading low energy constants in the chiral Lagrangian. (orig.)SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: RA 2999(03-146) / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekDEGerman