Friedmann limits of rotating hypersurface-homogeneous dust models

The existence of Friedmann limits is systematically investigated for all the hypersurface-homogeneous rotating dust models, presented in previous papers by this author. Limiting transitions that involve a change of the Bianchi type are included. Except for stationary models that obviously do not allow it, the Friedmann limit expected for a given Bianchi type exists in all cases. Each of the 3 Friedmann models has parents in the rotating class; the k = +1 model has just one parent class, the other two each have several parent classes. The type IX class is the one investigated in 1951 by Goedel. For each model, the consecutive limits of zero rotation, zero tilt, zero shear and spatial isotropy are explicitly calculated.Comment: 39 pages, LaTeX, 1 postscript figure. Subjects: General relativity, exact solutions, cosmolog

Field-induced gapless electron pocket in the superconducting vortex phase of YNi2B2C as probed by magnetoacoustic quantum oscillations

By use of ultrasound studies we resolved magneto-acoustic quantum oscillation deep into the mixed state of the multiband nonmagnetic superconductor YNi2B2C. Below the upper critical field, only a very weak additional damping appears that can be well explained by the field inhomogeneity caused by the flux-line lattice in the mixed state. This is clear evidence for no or a vanishingly small gap for one of the bands, namely, the spheroidal alpha band. This contrasts de Haas--van Alphen data obtained by use of torque magnetometry for the same sample, with a rapidly vanishing oscillation signal in the mixed state. This points to a strongly distorted flux-line lattice in the latter case that, in general, can hamper a reliable extraction of gap parameters by use of such techniques.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figure

Field and Temperature Dependence of the Superfluid Density in LaO_{1-x}F_xFeAs Superconductors: A Muon Spin Relaxation Study

We present zero field and transverse field \muSR experiments on the recently discovered electron doped Fe-based superconductor LaO_{1-x}F_xFeAs. The zero field experiments on underdoped (x=0.075) and optimally doped (x=0.1) samples rule out any static magnetic order above 1.6 K in these superconducting samples. From transverse field experiments in the vortex phase we deduce the temperature and field dependence of the superfluid density. Whereas the temperature dependence is consistent with a weak coupling BCS s-wave or a dirty d-wave gap function scenario, the field dependence strongly evidences unconventional superconductivity. We obtain the in-plane penetration depth of \lambda_{ab} (0) = 254(2)nm for LaO_{0.9}F_{0.1}FeAs and \lambda_{ab} (0) = 364(8)nm for LaO_{0.925}F_{0.075}FeAs. Further evidence for unconventional superconductivity is provided by the ratio of T_c versus the superfluid density, which is close to the Uemura line of hole doped high-T_c cuprates.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

Is Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection life long?

People with immunoreactivity to tuberculosis are thought to have lifelong asymptomatic infection and remain at risk for active tuberculosis. Marcel A Behr and colleagues argue that most of these people are no longer infecte

Cost Comparison Of Timber, Steel, And Prestressed Concrete Bridges

This study was undertaken to investigate the economics of timber bridge superstructures versus traditional steel/concrete and prestressed concrete alternatives in the short-span range of 20 to 60 ft (6.1-18.3 m). Only superstructure costs were considered because substructure and abutment costs are highly site-specific. A lack of definitive data regarding service lives and maintenance costs precluded a life-cycle cost study; thus, only initial costs were compared. Representative superstructure designs were obtained for timber, steel/concrete, and prestressed concrete bridges at 20-, 40-, and 60-ft spans. Five to six northern New England general contractors performed cost estimates on these designs. Also, nine timber bridge designs, three at each span length, received cost estimates from three timber bridge suppliers. Results from general contractors indicated that timber was cost competitive with steel/concrete and was less expensive than prestressed concrete. Results from timber bridge suppliers showed more impressive distinct initial cost advantages for timber over both steel/concrete and prestressed concrete. The study indicated the initial cost effectiveness of modern, short-span timber bridges in northern New England. © ASCE