Is there a monopole problem?

We investigate the high temperature behavior of SU(5) in its minimal version. We show that there exists a range of parameters of the Higgs potential for which the symmetry remains broken at high temperature, thus avoiding the phase transition that gives rise to the overproduction of monopoles . We also show that in such scenario the thermal production of monopoles can be suppressed in a wide range of parameters, keeping their number density below the cosmological limits.Comment: Latex, 12 pages, revised version as appeared in Physical Review Letters. Minor corrections, comments and two references adde

On the Circular Orbit Approximation for Binary Compact Objects In General Relativity

One often-used approximation in the study of binary compact objects (i.e., black holes and neutron stars) in general relativity is the instantaneously circular orbit assumption. This approximation has been used extensively, from the calculation of innermost circular orbits to the construction of initial data for numerical relativity calculations. While this assumption is inconsistent with generic general relativistic astrophysical inspiral phenomena where the dissipative effects of gravitational radiation cause the separation of the compact objects to decrease in time, it is usually argued that the timescale of this dissipation is much longer than the orbital timescale so that the approximation of circular orbits is valid. Here, we quantitatively analyze this approximation using a post-Newtonian approach that includes terms up to order ({Gm/(rc^2)})^{9/2} for non-spinning particles. By calculating the evolution of equal mass black hole / black hole binary systems starting with circular orbit configurations and comparing them to the more astrophysically relevant quasicircular solutions, we show that a minimum initial separation corresponding to at least 6 (3.5) orbits before plunge is required in order to bound the detection event loss rate in gravitational wave detectors to < 5% (20%). In addition, we show that the detection event loss rate is > 95% for a range of initial separations that include all modern calculations of the innermost circular orbit (ICO).Comment: 10 pages, 12 figures, revtex

An Extended Technicolor Model With QCD-like Symmetry Breaking

We present a one-doublet extended technicolor model, with all fermions in fundamental representations. The bare lagrangian has no explicit mass terms but generates masses through gauge symmetry breaking by purely QCD-like dynamics. The model generates three families of quarks and leptons and can accommodate the observed third family mass spectrum (including a large top mass and light neutrinos). In addition, we show how the model may be extended to incorporate a top color driven top mass without the need for a strong U(1) interaction. We discuss the compatiblity of the model with experimental constraints and its possible predicitive power with respect to first and second family masses.Comment: 25 pages, latex, 7 figure

Nonlinear Time Series Analysis of Sunspot Data

This paper deals with the analysis of sunspot number time series using the Hurst exponent. We use the rescaled range (R/S) analysis to estimate the Hurst exponent for 259-year and 11360-year sunspot data. The results show a varying degree of persistence over shorter and longer time scales corresponding to distinct values of the Hurst exponent. We explain the presence of these multiple Hurst exponents by their resemblance to the deterministic chaotic attractors having multiple centers of rotation.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in Solar Physics, journal style corrections done in this versio

Magnetogenesis and the dynamics of internal dimensions

The dynamical evolution of internal space-like dimensions breaks the invariance of the Maxwell's equations under Weyl rescaling of the (conformally flat) four-dimensional metric. Depending upon the number and upon the dynamics of internal dimensions large scale magnetic fields can be created. The requirements coming from magnetogenesis together with the other cosmological constraints are examined under the assumption that the internal dimensions either grow or shrink (in conformal time) prior to a radiation dominated epoch. If the internal dimensions are growing the magnitude of the generated magnetic fields can seed the galactic dynamo mechanism.Comment: 27 in RevTex style, four figure

Revisiting Consumer Ethnocentrism: Review, Reconceptualization, and Empirical Testing

Prior research has suggested that many consumers prefer domestic to foreign products, even when the quality is lower and the price is higher. Such bias is attributed to consumer ethnocentrism. This study critically examines the current conceptualizations of consumer ethnocentrism and proposes an extension of its conceptual boundaries and measurement. It determines that consumer ethnocentrism is a multidimensional construct that encompasses five dimensions: prosociality, cognition, insecurity, reflexiveness, and habituation. Empirical evidence from the United Kingdom and the United States demonstrates that the extended measurement instrument better predicts consumers' preferences for local brands at the expense of foreign brands

Magnetic Field Amplification in Galaxy Clusters and its Simulation

We review the present theoretical and numerical understanding of magnetic field amplification in cosmic large-scale structure, on length scales of galaxy clusters and beyond. Structure formation drives compression and turbulence, which amplify tiny magnetic seed fields to the microGauss values that are observed in the intracluster medium. This process is intimately connected to the properties of turbulence and the microphysics of the intra-cluster medium. Additional roles are played by merger induced shocks that sweep through the intra-cluster medium and motions induced by sloshing cool cores. The accurate simulation of magnetic field amplification in clusters still poses a serious challenge for simulations of cosmological structure formation. We review the current literature on cosmological simulations that include magnetic fields and outline theoretical as well as numerical challenges.Comment: 60 pages, 19 Figure

Response of Mica to Weakly Interacting Massive Particles

We calculate spin-dependent cross sections for the scattering from mica of hypothetical weakly interacting dark-matter particles such as neutralinos. The most abundant odd-A isotopes in mica, Al27 and K39, require different shell-model treatments. The calculated cross sections will allow the interpretation of ongoing experiments that look for tracks due to the interaction of dark-matter particles with nuclei in ancient mica.Comment: 11 pages, RevTex, 2 uuencoded figures, submittted to Phys. Rev.

A global database of sea surface dimethylsulfide (DMS) measurements and a procedure to predict sea surface DMS as a function of latitude, longitude, and month

47 pages, 13 figures, 7 tablesA database of 15,617 point measurements of dimethylsulfide (DMS) in surface waters along with lesser amounts of data for aqueous and particulate dimethylsulfoniopropionate concentration, chlorophyll concentration, sea surface salinity and temperature, and wind speed has been assembled. The database was processed to create a series of climatological annual and monthly 1°x1°latitude-longitude squares of data. The results were compared to published fields of geophysical and biological parameters. No significant correlation was found between DMS and these parameters, and no simple algorithm could be found to create monthly fields of sea surface DMS concentration based on these parameters. Instead, an annual map of sea surface DMS was produced using an algorithm similar to that employed by Conkright et al. [1994]. In this approach, a first-guess field of DMS sea surface concentration measurements is created and then a correction to this field is generated based on actual measurements. Monthly sea surface grids of DMS were obtained using a similar scheme, but the sparsity of DMS measurements made the method difficult to implement. A scheme was used which projected actual data into months of the year where no data were otherwise presen

Innovative solutions to novel drug development in mental health

There are many new advances in neuroscience and mental health which should lead to a greater understanding of the neurobiological dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders and new developments for early, effective treatments. To do this, a biomarker approach combining genetic, neuroimaging, cognitive and other biological measures is needed. The aim of this article is to highlight novel approaches for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment development. This article suggests approaches that can be taken in the future including novel mechanisms with preliminary clinical validation to provide a toolbox for mechanistic studies and also examples of translation and back-translation. The review also emphasizes the need for clinician-scientists to be trained in a novel way in order to equip them with the conceptual and experimental techniques required, and emphasizes the need for private-public partnership and pre-competitive knowledge exchange. This should lead the way for important new holistic treatment developments to improve cognition, functional outcome and well-being of people with neuropsychiatric disorders