Regge calculus models of closed lattice universes

This paper examines the behaviour of closed `lattice universes' wherein masses are distributed in a regular lattice on the Cauchy surfaces of closed vacuum universes. Such universes are approximated using a form of Regge calculus originally developed by Collins and Williams to model closed FLRW universes. We consider two types of lattice universes, one where all masses are identical to each other and another where one mass gets perturbed in magnitude. In the unperturbed universe, we consider the possible arrangements of the masses in the Regge Cauchy surfaces and demonstrate that the model will only be stable if each mass lies within some spherical region of convergence. We also briefly discuss the existence of Regge models that are dual to the ones we have considered. We then model a perturbed lattice universe and demonstrate that the model's evolution is well-behaved, with the expansion increasing in magnitude as the perturbation is increased.Comment: 34 pages, 9 figures. Expanded Introduction: elaborated on cosmological context for work and referenced recent work on studying lattice universes using a wide variety of approaches. Corrected an error in the LW graphs in Fig

Robust radiocarbon dating of wood samples by high-sensitivity liquid scintillation spectroscopy in the 50–70 kyr age range

Although high-sensitivity liquid scintillation (LS) spectroscopy is theoretically capable of producing finite radiocarbon ages in the 50,000- to 70,000-yr range, there is little evidence in the literature that meaningful dates in this time period have been obtained. The pressing need to undertake calibration beyond 26 kyr has resulted in the regular publication of ¹⁴C results in excess of 50 kyr, yet very little effort has been made to demonstrate their accuracy or precision. There is a paucity of systematic studies of the techniques required to produce reliable dates close to background and the methods needed to assess contamination from either in situ sources or laboratory handling and processing. We have studied the requirements for producing accurate and reliable dates beyond 50 kyr. Laboratory procedures include optimization of LS spectrometers to obtain low and stable non-¹⁴C background count rates, use of low-background counting vials, large benzene volumes, long counting times, and preconditioning of vacuum lines. We also discuss the need for multiple analyses of a suitable material containing no original ¹⁴C (background blank) and the application of an appropriate statistical model to compensate for variability in background contamination beyond counting statistics. Accurate and reproducible finite ages >60 kyr are indeed possible by high-sensitivity LS spectroscopy, but require corroborating background blank data to be defensible

Dramatic Shape Sensitivity of Directional Emission Patterns from Similarly Deformed Cylindrical Polymer Lasers

Recent experiments on similarly shaped polymer micro-cavity lasers show a dramatic difference in the far-field emission patterns. We show for different deformations of the ellipse, quadrupole and hexadecapole that the large differences in the far-field emission patterns is explained by the differing ray dynamics corresponding to each shape. Analyzing the differences in the appropriate phase space for ray motion, it is shown that the differing geometries of the unstable manifolds of periodic orbits are the decisive factors in determining the far-field pattern. Surprisingly, we find that strongly chaotic ray dynamics is compatible with highly directional emission in the far-field.Comment: 14 pages, 16 figures (eps), RevTeX 4, submitted to JOSA

On possible reasons for defects in large blanks of low-carbon manganese steel at "YURMASH"

Mechanical properties and microstructures of forged large blanks of low-carbon steel without necessary incoming ultrasound test have been studied. The examination was performed to find out the reasons for product defects. Abnormalities in structure and disagreement of metal plasticity with standard requirements are revealed. On the basis of the results obtained it is assumed that the reasons for the defects could be deviations from standard chemical composition and irregularities in hot forging

Spatial and temporal changes in extracellular elastin and laminin distribution during lung alveolar development

Lung alveolarization requires precise coordination of cell growth with extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and deposition. The role of extracellular matrices in alveogenesis is not fully understood, because prior knowledge is largely extrapolated from two-dimensional structural analysis. Herein, we studied temporospatial changes of two important ECM proteins, laminin and elastin that are tightly associated with alveolar capillary growth and lung elastic recoil respectively, during both mouse and human lung alveolarization. By combining protein immunofluorescence staining with two- and three-dimensional imaging, we found that the laminin network was simplified along with the thinning of septal walls during alveogenesis, and more tightly associated with alveolar endothelial cells in matured lung. In contrast, elastin fibers were initially localized to the saccular openings of nascent alveoli, forming a ring-like structure. Then, throughout alveolar growth, the number of such alveolar mouth ring-like structures increased, while the relative ring size decreased. These rings were interconnected via additional elastin fibers. The apparent patches and dots of elastin at the tips of alveolar septae found in two-dimensional images were cross sections of elastin ring fibers in the three-dimension. Thus, the previous concept that deposition of elastin at alveolar tips drives septal inward growth may potentially be conceptually challenged by our data

Towards a radiocarbon calibration for oxygen isotope stage 3 using New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis)

It is well known that radiocarbon years do not directly equate to calendar time. As a result, considerable effort has been devoted to generating a decadally resolved calibration curve for the Holocene and latter part of the last termination. A calibration curve that can be unambiguously attributed to changes in atmospheric ¹⁴C content has not, however, been generated beyond 26 kyr cal BP, despite the urgent need to rigorously test climatic, environmental, and archaeological models. Here, we discuss the potential of New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis) to define the structure of the ¹⁴C calibration curve using annually resolved tree rings and thereby provide an absolute measure of atmospheric ¹⁴C. We report bidecadally sampled ¹⁴C measurements obtained from a floating 1050-yr chronology, demonstrating repeatable ¹⁴C measurements near the present limits of the dating method. The results indicate that considerable scope exists for a high-resolution ¹⁴C calibration curve back through OIS-3 using subfossil wood from this source