A fully (3+1)-D Regge calculus model of the Kasner cosmology

We describe the first discrete-time 4-dimensional numerical application of Regge calculus. The spacetime is represented as a complex of 4-dimensional simplices, and the geometry interior to each 4-simplex is flat Minkowski spacetime. This simplicial spacetime is constructed so as to be foliated with a one parameter family of spacelike hypersurfaces built of tetrahedra. We implement a novel two-surface initial-data prescription for Regge calculus, and provide the first fully 4-dimensional application of an implicit decoupled evolution scheme (the ``Sorkin evolution scheme''). We benchmark this code on the Kasner cosmology --- a cosmology which embodies generic features of the collapse of many cosmological models. We (1) reproduce the continuum solution with a fractional error in the 3-volume of 10^{-5} after 10000 evolution steps, (2) demonstrate stable evolution, (3) preserve the standard deviation of spatial homogeneity to less than 10^{-10} and (4) explicitly display the existence of diffeomorphism freedom in Regge calculus. We also present the second-order convergence properties of the solution to the continuum.Comment: 22 pages, 5 eps figures, LaTeX. Updated and expanded versio

New York Power Authority/New York City Housing Authority Refrigerator Replacement Program, First Program Year Evaluation. Final Report

Acting as an energy services provider, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) has initiated a long-term project through which 20,000 refrigerators per year will be replaced with the most energy-efficient units possible in apartments managed by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Using bulk purchasing as an incentive to appliance manufacturers to produce energy-efficient refrigerators suitable for use in apartments, replaced in the first year of the program, which ended in December 1996. These units, kWh per year. Savings were determined by field testing and laboratory testing of 220 existing refrigerators and 56 newly-installed units. In the next program year, a 15.0-cubic-foot Maytag refrigerator, newly-designed in response to bulk purchasing incentives, is being installed. The new unit has a label rating of 437 kWh per year, 31 percent better than 1993 energy standards. Old refrigerators removed from apartments are {open_quotes}demanufactured{close_quotes} in an environmentally-appropriate way and both metals and refrigerants are recovered for reuse

Infrared phonon anomaly and magnetic excitations in single-crystal Cu3Bi(SeO3)2O2Cl

nfrared reflection and transmission as a function of temperature have been measured on single crystals of Cu3Bi(SeO3)2O2Cl. The complex dielectric function and optical properties along all three principal axes of the orthorhombic cell were obtained via Kramers-Kronig analysis and by fits to a Drude-Lorentz model. Below 115 K, 16 additional modes [8(E∥â)+6(E∥b̂)+2(E∥ĉ)] appear in the phonon spectra; however, powder x-ray diffraction measurements do not detect a new structure at 85 K. Potential explanations for the new phonon modes are discussed. Transmission in the far infrared as a function of temperature has revealed magnetic excitations originating below the magnetic ordering temperature (Tc∼24 K). The origin of the excitations in the magnetically ordered state will be discussed in terms of their response to different polarizations of incident light, behavior in externally applied magnetic fields, and the anisotropic magnetic properties of Cu3Bi(SeO3)2O2Cl as determined by dc susceptibility measurements

Some recent rural radio talks

Cream stirring is important. - D.C. Mickle Crossbreeding in pig production. - P. Beck Salmonella infection in sheep. - I.J. Miller Useful sprays for the home garden. A.A. Holland Tapeworm of dogs and cats. P.B. Lewis The poison plant and the animal. - R.D. Royce Sire surveys to prove bulls. K. Needham Peat as a substitute for horse manure. - L.T. Jone

Hyaluronic Acid Binding Sperm Selection for assisted reproduction treatment (HABSelect): Study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

© Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited.Introduction The selection of a sperm with good genomic integrity is an important consideration for improving intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome. Current convention selects sperm by vigour and morphology, but preliminary evidence suggests selection based on hyaluronic acid binding may be beneficial. The aim of the Hyaluronic Acid Binding Sperm Selection (HABSelect) trial is to determine the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA)-selection of sperm versus conventionally selected sperm prior to ICSI on live birth rate (LBR). The mechanistic aim is to assess whether and how the chromatin state of HA-selected sperm corresponds with clinical outcomes - clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), LBR and pregnancy loss (PL). Methods and analysis Couples attending UK Centres will be approached, eligibility screening performed and informed consent sought. Randomisation will occur within 24 hours prior to ICSI treatment. Participants will be randomly allocated 1:1 to the intervention arm (physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection, PICSI) versus the control arm using conventional methods (ICSI). The primary clinical outcome is LBR ≥37 weeks' gestation with the mechanistic study determining LBR's relationship with sperm DNA integrity. Secondary outcomes will determine this for CPR and PL. Only embryologists performing the procedure will be aware of the treatment allocation. Steps will be taken to militate against biases arising from embryologists being non-blinded. Randomisation will use a minimisation algorithm to balance for key prognostic variables. The trial is powered to detect a 5% difference (24-29%: p=0.05) in LBR ≥37 weeks' gestation. Selected residual sperm samples will be tested by one or more assays of DNA integrity. Ethics and dissemination HABSelect is a UK NIHR-EME funded study (reg no 11/14/34; IRAS REF. 13/YH/0162). The trial was designed in partnership with patient and public involvement to help maximise patient benefits. Trial findings will be reported as per CONSORT guidelines and will be made available in lay language via the trial web site (http://www.habselect.org.uk/). Trial registration number ISRCTN99214271; Pre-results