Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
We have reexamined the nuclear inputs to big-bang nucleosynthesis using Monte Carlo realization of the cross-section data to directly estimate theoretical uncertainties for the yields of D, ^3He, and ^7Li. Our results indicate that previous estimates of the uncertainties were too large by a factor of 2. Using the Burles--Tytler deuterium measurement, we infer a baryon density ₁h^20ex{0ex}=0ex{0ex}0. 0190. 0024, predict a primeval ^4He mass fraction Y0ex{0ex}=0ex{0ex}0. 2460. 0014, and obtain a limit to the equivalent number of neutrino species N_<3. 20 (all at 95% C. L. ). We also identify key reactions and the energies, where improved data would allow further progress.
Burles et al. (Mon,) studied this question.