First results from the UKQCD collaboration

We present the first physics results for quenched QCD and for pure SU(2) gauge theory from the UKQCD collaboration. We report preliminary results for static quark potentials, the string tension and the quenched hadron spectrum on a 243 × 48 lattice at β = 6.2 using the standard Wilson fermion action and an O(a) improved nearest-neighbour Wilson fermion action. Our codes run at in excess of 1.5 Gflops in the 64-node Meiko i860-based Computing Surface at Edinburgh. We have also simulated pure gauge SU(2) theory on a 483 × 56 lattice at β = 2.85 to explore the approach to the continuum limit. © 1992

Cochlear Implant Electrode Choice in Challenging Surgical Cases: Malformation, Residual Hearing, Ossification, or Reimplantation

The limits of cochlear implantation candidacy have been expanding over the last decade and recent studies show that patients with inner ear anomalies, significant residual hearing, ossified cochlea, or far advanced otosclerosis can benefit from implant. The cochlear implant companies are coming up with various electrode designs. The purpose of this study is to review the factors that can affect the choice of electrode array in the expanding indications of cochlear implantation and suggest some surgical tips.A comprehensive preoperative evaluation is crucial. Detailed audiologic examination and radiologic assessment of inner ear structures with high-resolution computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging is necessary. The choice of electrode array should be made regarding the type of cochlea in the presence of inner ear anomalies. If the patient has residual hearing in low-frequencies, electrode array and surgical insertion technique should be as atraumatic as possible to protect apical part of the cochlea. Appropriate selection of electrodes and surgical techniques are necessary if the cochlea is obstructed by fibrosis or ossified. The surgeon also should consider the possibility of reimplantation in the future and select the initial electrode after comprehensive evaluation.There is a diversity of electrode arrays for different indications. The selection of the most accurate electrode depends on the audiological tests, etiology of hearing loss, and cochlear anatomy. Surgeon must be prepared preoperatively for various clinical situations and unexpected surgical circumstances. One should keep in mind that making the right electrode choice will impact the outcomes of unusual or challenging cases

GridPP: development of the UK computing Grid for particle physics

The GridPP Collaboration is building a UK computing Grid for particle physics, as part of the international effort towards computing for the Large Hadron Collider. The project, funded by the UK Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC), began in September 2001 and completed its first phase 3 years later. GridPP is a collaboration of approximately 100 researchers in 19 UK university particle physics groups, the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils and CERN, reflecting the strategic importance of the project. In collaboration with other European and US efforts, the first phase of the project demonstrated the feasibility of developing, deploying and operating a Grid-based computing system to meet the UK needs of the Large Hadron Collider experiments. This note describes the work undertaken to achieve this goal