Phase diagrams of classical spin fluids: the influence of an external magnetic field on the liquid-gas transition

The influence of an external magnetic field on the liquid-gas phase transition in Ising, XY, and Heisenberg spin fluid models is studied using a modified mean field theory and Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. It is demonstrated that the theory is able to reproduce quantitatively all characteristic features of the field dependence of the critical temperature T_c(H) for all the three models. These features include a monotonic decrease of T_c with rising H in the case of the Ising fluid as well as a more complicated nonmonotonic behavior for the XY and Heisenberg models. The nonmonotonicity consists in a decrease of T_c with increasing H at weak external fields, an increase of T_c with rising H in the strong field regime, and the existence of a minimum in T_c(H) at intermediate values of H. Analytical expressions for T_c(H) in the large field limit are presented as well. The magnetic para-ferro phase transition is also considered in simulations and described within the mean field theory.Comment: 14 pages, 12 figures (to be submitted to Phys. Rev. E

An Integrated Scan-to-BIM Approach for Buildings Energy Performance Evaluation and Retrofitting

Energy retrofitting is paramount to reduce the use of energy in existing buildings, with benefits to the environment and people’s economy. The increasing use of novel technologies and innovative methodologies, such as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM), is contributing to optimise retrofit processes. In the context of energy efficiency retrofitting, complex semantic 3D BIM models are required that include specific information, such as second level space boundaries (2LSBs), material energy performance properties, and information of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and their layout. All this information is necessary for energy analysis of the existing building and planning of effective retrofitting strategies. In this paper, we present an integrated (semi-)automated Scan-to-BIM approach to produce BIM models from point clouds and photographs of buildings by means of computer-vision and artificial intelligence techniques, as well as a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that enables the user to complete the models with information that cannot be retrieved by means of visual features. Information about the materials and their performance properties as well as the specification of the HVAC component is obtained from a database that integrates information from BAUBOOK, OKOBAUDAT and ASHRAE. The Scan-to-BIM tool introduced in this paper is evaluated with data from an inhabited two-storey building, delivering promising results in energy simulations

The 3′ processing factor CstF functions in the DNA repair response

Following DNA damage, mRNA levels decrease, reflecting a coordinated interaction of the DNA repair, transcription and RNA processing machineries. In this study, we provide evidence that transcription and polyadenylation of mRNA precursors are both affected in vivo by UV treatment. We next show that the polyadenylation factor CstF, plays a direct role in the DNA damage response. Cells with reduced levels of CstF display decreased viability following UV treatment, reduced ability to ubiquitinate RNA polymerase II (RNAP II), and defects in repair of DNA damage. Furthermore, we show that CstF, RNAP II and BARD1 are all found at sites of repaired DNA. Our results indicate that CstF plays an active role in the response to DNA damage, providing a link between transcription-coupled RNA processing and DNA repair

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field