Quantum Phase Transitions and the Extended Coupled Cluster Method

We discuss the application of an extended version of the coupled cluster method to systems exhibiting a quantum phase transition. We use the lattice O(4) non-linear sigma model in (1+1)- and (3+1)-dimensions as an example. We show how simple predictions get modified, leading to the absence of a phase transition in (1+1) dimensions, and strong indications for a phase transition in (3+1) dimensions

ApoE gene therapy: an overview and update

Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of death in industrialized societies. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is an attractive candidate to treat hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease, as it is a circulating protein with pleiotropic atheroprotective actions. Here, we describe several "gene addition" approaches and on-going developments to achieve efficient delivery and long-term expression. The use of recombinant viruses is discussed, including adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) where technological advances now allow the cross-packaging of different AAV serotypes. Nonviral delivery systems are also described, including plasmids and cell-based therapy. Finally, a radical, alternative technology to gene addition, which has the potential for permanent cure in many genetic diseases, is reviewed: "targeted gene repair", which aims to correct underlying point mutations in-situ. Synthetic oligonucleotides are designed to bind specifically to defective DNA, enabling the cell's own mismatch machinery to recognize and repair the faulty DNA. Although such gene editing technology has great potential it remains inconsistent and difficult to reproduce

On Spontaneous Wave Function Collapse and Quantum Field Theory

One way of obtaining a version of quantum mechanics without observers, and thus of solving the paradoxes of quantum mechanics, is to modify the Schroedinger evolution by implementing spontaneous collapses of the wave function. An explicit model of this kind was proposed in 1986 by Ghirardi, Rimini, and Weber (GRW), involving a nonlinear, stochastic evolution of the wave function. We point out how, by focussing on the essential mathematical structure of the GRW model and a clear ontology, it can be generalized to (regularized) quantum field theories in a simple and natural way.Comment: 14 pages LaTeX, no figures; v2 minor improvement

Progress report on fish counting on the Rivers Itchen and Test

This progress report summarises work on NSHEB Mark 10 fish counters which are installed at Woodmill on the River Itchen and Nurseling Mill and Connegar Bridge on the River Test. Counters are evaluated and salmon behaviour regarding the counters examined. The report includes a a list of equipment needed for the efficient running of the project in the future

On the putative class of B[e] X-ray binaries

We discuss the putative class of B[e] X-ray binaries, with reference to currently identified candidate systems, focusing on CI Cam and the newly identified class of highly obscured hard X-ray sources detected by INTEGRAL. We suggest that such a class will likely consist of two types of object in which the B[e] phenomenon is (i) intrinsic to the mass donor or (ii) a result of binarity. Finally, we discuss the difficulties inherent in observing B[e] X-ray binaries and the physical motivations for their study, which include the origin of the Galactic hard X-ray emission and the propagation of jets in dense media

Time Domain Steady-State Torque Calculation of Voltage Source Pulse-Width-Modulated Inverter Fed Induction Motors, Part I: Theoretical Analysis

Evaluation of torque pulsation associated with the harmonics of pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter-fed drives is important for a quiet and smooth operation. This paper discusses an analytical method for the steady state torque calculation of the voltage source PWM inverter fed induction motors. Equations derived from the 1-2-0 coordinate system are used. A sample calculation is included for the illustration of practical application.Center for Electromechanic

Household energy isn't all stoves

When people talk about 'household energy', most people automatically think of stoves. A lot of attention has been paid to improving stoves to make them more energy efficient and to reduce their pollution. This is one side of the 'stoves' approach, whilst others look at the 'supply' side of the problem by, for example, setting up woodlots. However, without wanting to take away from the very important work of trying to find solutions to meet this basic need, one should be asking 'Is this all there is to household energy? Once every household has an improved stove, will their energy problems be solved?' The answer is 'No'. This is because the energy needs of a household are more than what is needed to heat the cooking pot. There is the need for lighting, and in some places for heating. People are becoming more aware of the possibilities of electricity, for example, radios and sewing machines. Their needs are becoming more complex. This requires a change in approach about the way we consider household energy. We have to think more in terms of energy services to the household. Then we have to look beyond the walls of the household and see what goes on outside and how it relates the household and its energy needs

Review of Women and Violent Crime in Enlightenment Scotland

Female serial killers, women suicide bombers and the increasing number, and escalating violence, of girl gangs in the late twentieth century force us to question powerful cultural stereotypes that women are inherently nonaggressive. Women are more commonly cast as the victim of violent behaviour, not the aggressor, and yet female violence, which is still regarded as an aberration, is not a recent phenomenon as Kilday’s book on lowland women’s violent criminality between 1750 and 1815 makes clear

Modelling dielectric charged drop break up using an energy conservation method

In the light of experimental evidence a previously published model to predict the charge and mass redistribution when charged dielectric drops break up has been updated. In particular we have taken the dielectric nature of the liquid, the existence of an external electric field and used photographic evidence of drop break up as a basis for geometrical assumptions that are physically realistic. We have assessed the sensitivity of the charge redistribution assumption and the improved model compares well with the recent accurate experimental evidence. The results apply to ratio of quantities of mass and charge, making the model extremely simple and economical to apply to multi-dimensional charged spray computer codes in order to predict evaporating charged sprays accurately