An Algorithm for Grouping Lines Which Converge to Vanishing Points in Perspective Sketches of Polyhedra

We seek to detect the vanishing points implied by design sketches of engineering products. Adapting previous ap- proaches, developed in computer vision for analysis of vectorised photographic images, is unsatisfactory, as they do not allow for the inherent imperfection of sketches. Human perception seems not to be disturbed by such imperfections. Hence, we have de- signed and implemented a vanishing point detection algorithm which mimics the human perception process and tested it with perspective line drawings derived from engineering sketches of polyhedral objects. The new algorithm is fast, easily- implemented, returns the approximate locations of the main vanishing points and identifies those groups of lines in 2D which correspond to groups of parallel edges in the 3D object

Solitonic supersymmetry restoration

Q-balls are a possible feature of any model with a conserved, global U(1) symmetry and no massless, charged scalars. It is shown that for a broad class of models of metastable supersymmetry breaking they are extremely influential on the vacuum lifetime and make seemingly viable vacua catastrophically short lived. A net charge asymmetry is not required as there is often a significant range of parameter space where statistical fluctuations alone are sufficient. This effect is examined for two supersymmetry breaking scenarios. It is found that models of minimal gauge mediation (which necessarily have a messenger number U(1)) undergo a rapid, supersymmetry restoring phase transition unless the messenger mass is greater than 10^8 GeV. Similarly the ISS model, in the context of direct mediation, quickly decays unless the perturbative superpotential coupling is greater than the Standard Model gauge couplings.Comment: 17 pages, 3 figures, minor comments added, accepted for publication in JHE

Aspects of Non-minimal Gauge Mediation

A large class of non-minimal gauge mediation models, such as (semi-)direct gauge mediation, predict a hierarchy between the masses of the supersymmetric standard model gauginos and those of scalar particles. We perform a comprehensive study of these non-minimal gauge mediation models, including mass calculations in semi-direct gauge mediation, to illustrate these features, and discuss the phenomenology of the models. We point out that the cosmological gravitino problem places stringent constraints on mass splittings, when the Bino is the NLSP. However, the GUT relation of the gaugino masses is broken unlike the case of minimal gauge mediation, and an NLSP other than the Bino (especially the gluino NLSP) becomes possible, relaxing the cosmological constraints. We also discuss the collider signals of the models.Comment: 56 pages, 8 figures; v2:minor corrections, references added; v3:minor correction

Tree Level Metastability and Gauge Mediation in Baryon Deformed SQCD

We investigate supersymmetric QCD with gauge group SU(2) and a baryon deformation to the superpotential. The existence of an uplifted vacuum at the origin with tree level metastability is demonstrated. When this model is implemented in a direct gauge mediation scenario we therefore find gaugino masses which are comparable to sfermion masses and parameterised by an effective number of messengers 1/8. All deformations are well motivated by appealing to the electric theory and an R-symmetry. This R-symmetry is explicitly broken by the same term responsible for supersymmetry breaking. Moreover, the model does not suffer from the Landau pole problem and we find that it can be described in terms of just two scales: the weak scale and a high scale like the Planck or GUT scale. The model can be tested by searching for new particles at the TeV scale charged under the visible sector gauge group.Comment: 17 pages, 7 figures, updated reference

(De)Constructing a Natural and Flavorful Supersymmetric Standard Model

Using the framework of deconstruction, we construct simple, weakly-coupled supersymmetric models that explain the Standard Model flavor hierarchy and produce a flavorful soft spectrum compatible with precision limits. Electroweak symmetry breaking is fully natural; the mu-term is dynamically generated with no B mu-problem and the Higgs mass is easily raised above LEP limits without reliance on large radiative corrections. These models possess the distinctive spectrum of superpartners characteristic of "effective supersymmetry": the third generation superpartners tend to be light, while the rest of the scalars are heavy.Comment: 36 pages, 4 figures ; v2: references added, expanded discussion of FCNC

Dapsone induced cholangitis as a part of dapsone syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND: Dapsone can rarely cause a hypersensitivity reaction called dapsone syndrome, consisting of fever, hepatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, lymphadenopathy and hemolytic anemia. Dapsone syndrome is a manifestation of the DRESS (drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) syndrome which is a serious condition that has been reported in association with various drugs. Cholangitis in dapsone syndrome has not been reported so far in the world literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a patient who presented with fever, exfoliative dermatitis, jaundice and anemia within three weeks of starting of dapsone therapy. These features are typical of dapsone syndrome, which is due to dapsone hypersensitivity and is potentially fatal. Unlike previous reports of hepatitic or cholestatic injury in dapsone syndrome we report here a case that had cholangitic liver injury. It responded to corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: We conclude that cholangitis, though unusual, can also form a part of dapsone syndrome. Physicians should be aware of this unusual picture of potentially fatal dapsone syndrome

An intervention to support stroke survivors and their carers in the longer term (LoTS2Care): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial

Background Despite the evidence that many stroke survivors report longer term unmet needs, the provision of longer term care is limited. To address this, we are conducting a programme of research to develop an evidence-based and replicable longer term care strategy. The developed complex intervention (named New Start), which includes needs identification, exploration of social networks and components of problem solving and self-management, was designed to improve quality of life by addressing unmet needs and increasing participation. Methods/Design A multicentre, cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial designed to inform the design of a possible future definitive cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) and explore the potential clinical and cost-effectiveness of New Start. Ten stroke services across the UK will be randomised on a 1:1 basis either to implement New Start or continue with usual care only. New Start will be delivered by trained facilitators and will be offered to all stroke survivors within the services allocated to the intervention arm. Stroke survivors will be eligible for the trial if they are 4–6 months post-stroke and residing in the community. Carers (if available) will also be invited to take part. Invitation to participate will be initiated by post and outcome measures will be collected via postal questionnaires at 3, 6 and 9 months after recruitment. Outcome data relating to perceived health and disability, wellbeing and quality of life as well as unmet needs will be collected. A ‘study within a trial’ (SWAT) is planned to determine the most acceptable format in which to provide the postal questionnaires. Details of health and social care service usage will also be collected to inform the economic evaluation. The feasibility of recruiting services and stroke survivors to the trial and of collecting postal outcomes will be assessed and the potential for effectiveness will be investigated. An embedded process evaluation (reported separately) will assess implementation fidelity and explore and clarify causal assumptions regarding implementation. Discussion This feasibility trial with embedded process evaluation will allow us to gather important and detailed data regarding methodological and implementation issues to inform the design of a possible future definitive cRCT of this complex intervention. Trial Registration ISRCTN38920246. Registered 22 June 2016

Bacteria clustering by polymers induces the expression of quorum sense controlled phenotypes

Bacteria deploy a range of chemistries to regulate their behaviour and respond to their environment. Quorum sensing is one mean by which bacteria use chemical reactions to modulate pre-infection behaviour such as surface attachment. Polymers that can interfere with bacterial adhesion or the chemical reactions used for quorum sensing are thus a potential means to control bacterial population responses. Here we report how polymeric "bacteria sequestrants", designed to bind to bacteria through electrostatic interactions and thus inhibit bacterial adhesion to surfaces, induce the expression of quorum sensing controlled phenotypes as a consequence of cell clustering. A combination of polymer and analytical chemistry, biological assays and computational modelling has been used to characterise the feedback between bacteria clustering and quorum sensing signaling. We have also derived design principles and chemical strategies for controlling bacterial behaviour at the population leve