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We present the result of an experiment to measure the electric dipole moment (EDM) of the neutron at the Paul Scherrer Institute using Ramsey's method of separated oscillating magnetic fields with ultracold neutrons. Our measurement stands in the long history of EDM experiments probing physics violating time-reversal invariance. The salient features of this experiment were the use of a ^{199}Hg comagnetometer and an array of optically pumped cesium vapor magnetometers to cancel and correct for magnetic-field changes. The statistical analysis was performed on blinded datasets by two separate groups, while the estimation of systematic effects profited from an unprecedented knowledge of the magnetic field. The measured value of the neutron EDM is d_{n}=(0.0±1.1_{stat}±0.2_{sys})×10^{-26} e.cm.
RESUMO
A clock comparison experiment, analyzing the ratio of spin precession frequencies of stored ultracold neutrons and 199Hg atoms, is reported. No daily variation of this ratio could be found, from which is set an upper limit on the Lorentz invariance violating cosmic anisotropy field b perpendicular < 2 x 10(-20) eV (95% C.L.). This is the first limit for the free neutron. This result is also interpreted as a direct limit on the gravitational dipole moment of the neutron |gn| < 0.3 eV/c2 m from a spin-dependent interaction with the Sun. Analyzing the gravitational interaction with the Earth, based on previous data, yields a more stringent limit |gn| < 3 x 10(-4) eV/c2 m.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Medical treatment using misoprostol has been recommended as an alternative to surgical evacuation for spontaneous miscarriages in the first trimester, in order to avoid anesthesia, a surgical operation and hospitalization. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and the safety of vaginal misoprostol in out-patient management of early miscarriages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study including patients with a spontaneous miscarriage of less than 14 weeks gestation. Exclusion criteria were hemorrhagic miscarriages, gestational sac larger than 40 mm and/or cranio-caudal length of the embryo of more than 30 mm. Our protocol used 4 intravaginal tablets (800 microg) of misoprostol on Day 1, out-patient follow-up, clinical and ultrasound reassessment on Day 2. If the intra-uterine antero-posterior diameter on ultrasound examination was greater than 15 mm (or the gestational sac persisted), a second dose of misoprostol was administered or surgical evacuation was performed (failure of medical treatment). RESULTS: One hundred two patients were included, of whom 30 had an inevitable or threatened miscarriage and 72 had a missed abortion. The success rate defined by complete expulsion of the products of conception without resorting to surgical evacuation and without short-term complications, was 78.4% (80 patients). Two patients were lost to follow-up at 48 hours. Complete expulsion occurred within 2 days in 94% of cases. There were 13 emergency consultations, including 8 for expulsion pain and five surgical evacuations (3 for hemorrhagic expulsion, 2 for hemorrhagic retention). All together, there were 15 surgical evacuations for retention of the products of conception after 1 or 2 doses of misoprostol. There was one case of endometritis (1%). Thirty-four patients were hospitalized, 22 for surgical evacuation and 12 for expulsion pain. CONCLUSION: It is possible to use misoprostol as a single vaginal dose (800 microg) as out-patient treatment, since it gives satisfactory efficacy (80%) and is sufficiently safe (5% needing emergency surgery). However, out-patient management should only be performed after explaining the treatment and its risks clearly to the patient.
