Symmetry Breaking Using Value Precedence

We present a comprehensive study of the use of value precedence constraints to break value symmetry. We first give a simple encoding of value precedence into ternary constraints that is both efficient and effective at breaking symmetry. We then extend value precedence to deal with a number of generalizations like wreath value and partial interchangeability. We also show that value precedence is closely related to lexicographical ordering. Finally, we consider the interaction between value precedence and symmetry breaking constraints for variable symmetries.Comment: 17th European Conference on Artificial Intelligenc

Discussion of: A statistical analysis of multiple temperature proxies: Are reconstructions of surface temperatures over the last 1000 years reliable?

Discussion of "A statistical analysis of multiple temperature proxies: Are reconstructions of surface temperatures over the last 1000 years reliable?" by B.B. McShane and A.J. Wyner [arXiv:1104.4002]Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/10-AOAS398F the Annals of Applied Statistics (http://www.imstat.org/aoas/) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org

New Types of Thermodynamics from (1+1)(1+1)-Dimensional Black Holes

For normal thermodynamic systems superadditivity $\S$, homogeneity \H and concavity \C of the entropy hold, whereas for $(3+1)$-dimensional black holes the latter two properties are violated. We show that $(1+1)$-dimensional black holes exhibit qualitatively new types of thermodynamic behaviour, discussed here for the first time, in which \C always holds, \H is always violated and $\S$ may or may not be violated, depending of the magnitude of the black hole mass. Hence it is now seen that neither superadditivity nor concavity encapsulate the meaning of the second law in all situations.Comment: WATPHYS-TH93/05, Latex, 10 pgs. 1 figure (available on request), to appear in Class. Quant. Gra

Higher Dimensional Taub-NUTs and Taub-Bolts in Einstein-Maxwell Gravity

We present a class of higher dimensional solutions to Einstein-Maxwell equations in d-dimensions. These solutions are asymptotically locally flat, de-Sitter, or anti-de Sitter space-times. The solutions we obtained depend on two extra parameters other than the mass and the nut charge. These two parameters are the electric charge, q and the electric potential at infinity, V, which has a non-trivial contribution. We Analyze the conditions one can impose to obtain Taub-Nut or Taub-Bolt space-times, including the four-dimensional case. We found that in the nut case these conditions coincide with that coming from the regularity of the one-form potential at the horizon. Furthermore, the mass parameter for the higher dimensional solutions depends on the nut charge and the electric charge or the potential at infinity.Comment: 11 pages, LaTe

Phenomenology of Dirac Neutrinogenesis in Split Supersymmetry

In Split Supersymmetry scenarios the possibility of having a very heavy gravitino opens the door to alleviate or completely solve the worrisome "gravitino problem'' in the context of supersymmetric baryogenesis models. Here we assume that the gravitino may indeed be heavy and that Majorana masses for neutrinos are forbidden as well as direct Higgs Yukawa couplings between left and right handed neutrinos. We investigate the viability of the mechansim known as Dirac leptogenesis (or neutrinogenesis), both in solving the baryogenesis puzzle and explaining the observed neutrino sector phenomenology. To successfully address these issues, the scenario requires the introduction of at least two new heavy fields. If a hierarchy among these new fields is introduced, and some reasonable stipulations are made on the couplings that appear in the superpotential, it becomes a generic feature to obtain the observed large lepton mixing angles. We show that in this case, it is possible simultaneously to obtain both the correct neutrino phenomenology and enough baryon number, making thermal Dirac neutrinogenesis viable. However, due to cosmological constraints, its ability to satisfy these constraints depends nontrivially on model parameters of the overall theory, particularly the gravitino mass. Split supersymmetry with m_{3/2} between 10^{5} and 10^{10} GeV emerges as a "natural habitat" for thermal Dirac neutrinogenesis.Comment: 37 pages, 8 figure

Kindergarten Dinosaurs and Rocks: An Example of Integrating a Field-tested Lesson Plan for Geoscientists into the Alberta Curriculum

Professional geoscientists have to make many presentations to colleagues, engineers, executives and accountants. However, panic is often felt when a note comes home from a child's educator looking for parents to help in teaching elementary school students. For the teacher, this is a chance to integrate many core subjects from the curriculum with the special and exciting resources available to geoscientists. This paper presents guidelines developed over time, and includes an understanding of how children learn and ask questions, the pace of the talk, and what children need to learn. In addition, data sources and gateways available to geoscientists have been included. While the premise outlined in the paper is applicable across Canada, it is based on the Alberta curriculum requirements. With these suggestions, the classroom experience is really no different than presenting to senior management, although you have to remember that your audience is shorter and does not drive a big BMW or Lexus. RÉSUMÉ Les géoscientifiques ont souvent à faire des exposés à des collègues, des ingénieurs, des dirigeants et des comptables. Cela dit, il arrive souvent qu'un sentiment de panique s'empare d'eux lorsqu'ils reçoivent une note des enseignants du primaire aux parents faisant appel aux compétences professionnelles des parents. Les enseignants y voient là une occasion de lier les thèmes du programme d'enseignement aux ressources fantastiques dont disposent les géoscientifiques. Le présent article présente les lignes directrices qui ont été validées avec le temps et décrit les modes d'apprentissage des enfants, leurs manières de poser des questions, le rythme particulier de présentation, ainsi que ce qu'ils ont besoin d'apprendre. L'article comporte aussi des références à des sources et des passerelles de données que les géoscientifiques peuvent consulter. Les principes de base présentés dans cet article peuvent s'appliquer partout à travers le pays, simplement, on les a appliqués aux exigences particulières du programme scolaire de l'Alberta. En tenant compte des suggestions offertes, on se rendra compte qu'une classe d'école n'est pas différente d'une d'un auditoire de gestionnaires; il faut simplement se souvenir que les membres de l'auditoire sont plus courts et ne conduisent pas des BM ou des Lexus

Exact Solutions of Relativistic Two-Body Motion in Lineal Gravity

We develop the canonical formalism for a system of $N$ bodies in lineal gravity and obtain exact solutions to the equations of motion for N=2. The determining equation of the Hamiltonian is derived in the form of a transcendental equation, which leads to the exact Hamiltonian to infinite order of the gravitational coupling constant. In the equal mass case explicit expressions of the trajectories of the particles are given as the functions of the proper time, which show characteristic features of the motion depending on the strength of gravity (mass) and the magnitude and sign of the cosmological constant. As expected, we find that a positive cosmological constant has a repulsive effect on the motion, while a negative one has an attractive effect. However, some surprising features emerge that are absent for vanishing cosmological constant. For a certain range of the negative cosmological constant the motion shows a double maximum behavior as a combined result of an induced momentum-dependent cosmological potential and the gravitational attraction between the particles. For a positive cosmological constant, not only bounded motions but also unbounded ones are realized. The change of the metric along the movement of the particles is also exactly derived.Comment: 37 pages, Latex, 24 figure

Thermal leptogenesis in brane world cosmology

The thermal leptogenesis in brane world cosmology is studied. In brane world cosmology, the expansion law is modified from the four-dimensional standard cosmological one at high temperature regime in the early universe. As a result, the well-known upper bound on the lightest light neutrino mass induced by the condition for the out-of-equilibrium decay of the lightest heavy neutrino, $\tilde{m}_1 \lesssim 10^{-3}$ eV, can be moderated to be $\tilde{m}_1 \lesssim 10^{-3} {eV} \times (M_1/T_t)^2$ in the case of $T_t \leq M_1$ with the lightest heavy neutrino mass ($M_1$) and the ``transition temperature'' ($T_t$), at which the modified expansion law in brane world cosmology is smoothly connecting with the standard one. This implies that the degenerate mass spectrum of the light neutrinos can be consistent with the thermal leptogenesis scenario. Furthermore, as recently pointed out, the gravitino problem in supersymmetric case can be solved if the transition temperature is low enough $T_t \lesssim 10^{6-7}$ GeV. Therefore, even in the supersymmetric case, thermal leptogenesis scenario can be successfully realized in brane world cosmology.Comment: 9 pages, final versio

Neutrino Models of Dark Energy

I consider a scenario proposed by Fardon, Nelson and Weiner where dark energy and neutrinos are connected. As a result, neutrino masses are not constant but depend on the neutrino number density. By examining the full equation of state for the dark sector, I show that in this scenario the dark energy is equivalent to having a cosmological constant, but one that "runs" as the neutrino mass changes with temperature. Two examples are examined that illustrate the principal feautures of the dark sector of this scenario. In particular, the cosmological constant is seen to be negligible for most of the evolution of the Universe, becoming inportant only when neutrinos become non-relativistic. Some speculations on features of this scenario which might be present in a more realistic theory are also presented.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures. Added comments on why FNW scenario always leads to a running cosmological constant and a few references. To be published in Phys. Rev.