Universality of collapsing two-dimensional self-avoiding trails

Results of a numerically exact transfer matrix calculation for the model of Interacting Self-Avoiding Trails are presented. The results lead to the conclusion that, at the collapse transition, Self-Avoiding Trails are in the same universality class as the O(n=0) model of Blote and Nienhuis (or vertex-interacting self-avoiding walk), which has thermal exponent $\nu=12/23$, contrary to previous conjectures.Comment: Final version, accepted for publication in Journal of Physics A; 9 pages; 3 figure

Variable mixer propulsion cycle

A design technique, method and apparatus are delineated for controlling the bypass gas stream pressure and varying the bypass ratio of a mixed flow gas turbine engine in order to achieve improved performance. The disclosed embodiments each include a mixing device for combining the core and bypass gas streams. The variable area mixing device permits the static pressures of the core and bypass streams to be balanced prior to mixing at widely varying bypass stream pressure levels. The mixed flow gas turbine engine therefore operates efficiently over a wide range of bypass ratios and the dynamic pressure of the bypass stream is maintained at a level which will keep the engine inlet airflow matched to an optimum design level throughout a wide range of engine thrust settings

Expression of mTOR and downstream signalling components in the JEG-3 and BeWo human placental choriocarcinoma cell lines

This article has been made available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund.Emerging data suggest that nutritional status and body weight are related to reproductive function, and nutrient imbalances during pregnancy lead to changes in the expression of fetal genes. Recent studies show that the mTOR acts as a placental growth signalling sensor and its expression is down-regulated in intrauterine growth restriction. To date, very little is known about the expression of this signalling pathway in choriocarcinoma, one of the most lethal germ cell cancers. In this study, cultures of fusigenic (BeWo) and non-fusigenic (JEG-3) human choriocarcinoma cell lines were used to investigate the expression of mTOR and its downstream signalling components. The effects of an inducer of syncytialisation (forskolin) on mTOR, eIF4E binding proteins (4EBPs) and ribosomal protein S6 kinases (S6Ks) in BeWo cells were also assessed. RT-PCR studies revealed that mTOR, 4EBP and S6Ks are expressed at mRNA level in both JEG-3 and BeWo cells. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that in early stages of syncytialisation (50 µM forskolin for 48 h), the expression of mTOR and 4EBP was down-regulated when compared to unstimulated cells. In fully syncytialised cells (50 µM forskolin for 72 h) the expression of both genes was similar to basal levels. Interestingly, the phosphorylation (Ser371, Thr389) status of p70S6K remained unaltered upon forskolin treatment. These data validate BeWo cells as an experimental model to study the effects of forskolin-induced syncytialisation on mTOR signalling.This article is available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fun

M-grid: Using Ubiquitous Web Technologies to create a Computational Grid

There are many potential users and uses for grid computing. However, the concept of sharing computing resources excites security concerns and, whilst being powerful and flexible, at least for novices, existing systems are complex to install and use. Together these represent a significant barrier to potential users who are interested to see what grid computing can do. This paper describes m-grid, a system for building a computational grid which can accept tasks from any user with access to a web browser and distribute them to almost any machine with access to the internet and manages to do this without the installation of additional software or interfering with existing security arrangements

Electronic and optical properties of potential solar absorber Cu3PSe4

We theoretically investigate the electronic and optical properties of semiconductor Cu3PSe4. We also report diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements for Cu3PSe4 and Cu3PS4, which indicate a band gap of 1.40 eV for the former.Hybrid functional calculations agree well with this value, and reveal that the band gap is direct. Calculations yield an optical absorption spectrum similar to GaAs in the visible region, with {\alpha} > 5x10^4 cm^-1 for {\lambda} < 630 nm. We conclude that the optical properties of Cu3PSe4 are within the desired range for a photovoltaic solar absorber material.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figure

Corner transfer matrix renormalization group method for two-dimensional self-avoiding walks and other O(n) models

We present an extension of the corner transfer matrix renormalisation group (CTMRG) method to O(n) invariant models, with particular interest in the self-avoiding walk class of models (O(n=0)). The method is illustrated using an interacting self-avoiding walk model. Based on the efficiency and versatility when compared to other available numerical methods, we present CTMRG as the method of choice for two-dimensional self-avoiding walk problems.Comment: 4 pages 7 figures Substantial rewrite of previous version to include calculations of critical points and exponents. Final version accepted for publication in PRE (Rapid Communications

The True NTH prostate cancer survivorship care programme: development and evaluation of a model for delivering follow up care to men with prostate cancer

42 Background: Increasing use of prostate specific antigen (PSA), improvements in treatment and aging population have led to the escalating incidence of prostate cancer. 5 year survival rate is relatively high and men who have completed treatment require long-term follow-up to detect recurrence or progression of disease, monitor adverse effects of treatment and identify and address psychosocial needs. Studies demonstrate men have a range of unmet physical and psychosocial needs, and health services are struggling to cope with the growing numbers. Changes is critical for long-term sustainability of the health system in many developed nations Methods: This presentation presents a model of follow up care centered on remote surveillance of PSA combined with promoting patient self-management. This initiative is part of the True NTH programme of developments initiated in the UK with funding from Movember Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK. Traditional face to face clinic follow up consultations are replaced with: patient directed individually tailored care and surveillance programme which involves: a 4 hour preparatory patient workshop, remote assessment of unmet needs and symptoms and surveillance of PSA, patient information resources, survivorship care plan, communication of treatment summary and management plan to primary care, and rapid recall system for assessment in secondary care should the need arise. The care programme is mediated through clinician and patient access to an IT portal enabling communication. Results: The second part of the presentation will describe the evaluation protocol. A historical cohort design is comparing a group of men receiving clinic follow up care (N = 300) with men enrolled on the care programme (N = 300) in 3 centers. Patient-reported outcomes are collected at baseline, 4 months and 8 months. Health economic evaluation will compare costs of clinic based follow up with those of the care programme from both a health service and patient perspective. Conclusions: The evaluation will generate data on impact, acceptability and cost of this model of follow-up care. </jats:p