56 research outputs found
Yang--Mills sphalerons in all even spacetime dimensions , : =3,4
The classical solutions to higher dimensional Yang--Mills (YM) systems, which
are integral parts of higher dimensional Einstein--YM (EYM) systems, are
studied. These are the gravity decoupling limits of the fully gravitating EYM
solutions. In odd spacetime dimensions, depending on the choice of gauge group,
these are either topologically stable or unstable. Both cases are analysed, the
latter numerically only. In even spacetime dimensions they are always unstable,
describing saddle points of the energy, and can be described as {\it
sphalerons}. This instability is analysed by constructing the noncontractible
loops and calculating the Chern--Simons (CS) charges, and also perturbatively
by numerically constructing the negative modes. This study is restricted to the
simplest YM system in spacetime dimensions , which is amply
illustrative of the generic case.Comment: 16 pages, 3 figures ; comments added, to appear in J. Phys.
Particle-like solutions to higher order curvature Einstein--Yang-Mills systems in d dimensions
We consider the superposition of the first two members of the gravitational
hierarchy (Einstein plus first Gauss-Bonnet(GB)) interacting with the
superposition of the first two members of the Yang--Mills
hierarchy, in dimensions. Such systems can occur in the low energy
effective action of string theory. Particle-like solutions %for the systems
with only an Einstein term, and with only a GB term, in dimensions are
constructed respectively. Our results reveal qualitatively new properties
featuring double-valued solutions with critical behaviour. In this preliminary
study, we have restricted ourselves to one-node solutions.Comment: 10 pages, 11 figure
Dissecting zero modes and bound states on BPS vortices in Ginzburg-Landau superconductors
Photometric, geometric, and perceptual factors in illumination-independent lightness constancy
The Mechanism for Isopenicillin N Synthase from Density-Functional Modeling Highlights the Similarities with Other Enzymes in the 2-His-1-carboxylate Family
Verbenone—the universal bark beetle repellent? Its origin, effects, and ecological roles
Bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) spend most of their life in tissues of host plants, with several species representing economically relevant pests. Their behaviour is largely guided by complex olfactory cues. The compound verbenone was discovered early in the history of bark beetle pheromone research and is now sometimes referred to as a ‘universal bark beetle repellent’. However, some studies aiming to protect trees with verbenone have failed. In fact, most research effort has gone into applied studies, leaving many questions regarding the ecological functions of verbenone for various species unanswered. Here, we review and analyse the scientific literature from more than 50 years. Behavioural responses to verbenone are common among pest bark beetles (< 1% of scolytine species studied so far). Indeed, attraction is inhibited in 38 species from 16 genera, while some secondary species are unaffected or even attracted to verbenone. It is not clear whether the beetles can control the biosynthesis of verbenone; its release may not be an active signal by the beetles, but a passive cue resulting from microorganisms during host colonisation. In this context, we advocate to recognise a bark beetle and its microbiome as an entity (‘holobiont’), to better understand temporal release patterns and deduce the specific function of verbenone for a given species. Surprisingly, natural enemies are not commonly attracted by verbenone, but more taxa need to be studied. A better understanding of the ecological functions of verbenone will help to make verbenone-based tools more effective and improve integrated pest management strategies
1D Chains of Diruthenium Tetracarbonyl Sawhorse Complexes
The syntheses of five 1D coordination polymers containing the sawhorse‐type unit [Ru2(µ‐OAc)2(CO)4] linked by various bridging N,N‐donor ligands are reported. Various π‐conjugated linkers, such as trans‐[1,2‐bis(N‐methyl)imidazol‐2‐yl]ethylene (trans‐bie), pyrazine (pyz), 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bipy) and 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) as well as the aliphatic linker 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), were applied in the syntheses. The formation of 1D coordination polymers was proven by crystal structure determinations of two of the polymeric materials. The geometries and electronic structures of all polymers were analysed further by CASSCF/CASPT2 and DFT calculations based on monomeric model compounds. Finally, first attempts regarding deposition of the 1D chain, the sawhorse fragment and/or the ligands on a highly ordered pyrolytic graphite surface, analysed by STM measurements, are also reported
Photochemical Reactions of VIB and VIIB Group Metal Carbonyl Complexes with a Chiral Schiff Base
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