A Finite Size Scaling Study of Lattice Models in the three-dimensional Ising Universality Class

We simulate the spin-1/2 Ising model and the Blume-Capel model at various values of the parameter D on the simple cubic lattice. We perform a finite size scaling study of lattices of a linear size up to L=360 to obtain accurate estimates for critical exponents. We focus on values of D, where the amplitudes of leading corrections are small. Furthermore we employ improved observables that have a small amplitude of the leading correction. We obtain nu=0.63002(10), eta=0.03627(10) and omega=0.832(6). We compare our results with those obtained from previous Monte Carlo simulations and high temperature series expansions of lattice models, by using field theoretic methods and experiments.Comment: 25 pages, 6 figures, typos corrected, references added, conclusions extende

Observations of changes in marine boundary layer clouds

Recent research outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the response of marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds to warming associated with increasing greenhouse gases as a major contributor to uncertainties in model projections of climate change. Understanding how MBL clouds respond to increasing temperatures is hampered by the relative scarcity of marine surface observations and the difficulty of retrieving accurate parameters remotely from satellites. In this study we combine data from surface observations with that from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP), CloudSat and CALIPSO, with a view to investigating the spatial distribution and variations in MBL cloud fraction and cloud liquid water path (LWP). These results are then compared with the treatment of MBL clouds in the UK Met Office HadGEM models. Future work will assess how variations in LWP impact the top of atmosphere radiative energy balance using data from the Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB), in order to quantify the response of MBL clouds on interannual timescales to a changing climat

A comparison of variable valve strategies at part load for throttled and un-throttled SI engine configurations

The presented work concerns the study of the fuel consumption and emissions benefits achieved at part load by employing a fully variable valve train in a 1.6L SI gasoline engine. The benefits achieved when using variable valve timing alone, and combined with an early intake closing strategy for un-throttled operation were explored in order to highlight the merits of throttle versus un-throttled engine operation in conjunction with variable valve timing and lift. In addition, particular interest was given to the presence of internal Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and its ability to reduce pumping loss at part load. An engine model employing multiple sub models to handle variable valve operation was constructed using a commercial gas dynamics engine code, allowing detailed analysis of three valve strategies. Using the engine model, a theoretical study validated by experimentally available data was carried out to study key valve timing cases. A detailed breakdown of the mechanisms present in each case allowed a comprehensive understanding of the influence of valve timing on gas exchange efficiency and fuel consumption

Mott Transition in Quasi-One-Dimensional Systems

We report the application of the density-matrix renormalization group method to a spatially anisotropic two-dimensional Hubbard model at half-filling. We find a deconfinement transition induced by the transverse hopping parameter $t_y$ from an insulator to a metal. Therefore, if $t_y$ is fixed in the metallic phase, increasing the interaction $U$ leads to a metal-to-insulator transition at a finite critical $U$. This is in contrast to the weak-coupling Hartree-Fock theory which predicts a nesting induced antiferromagnetic insulator for any $U>0$.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

On the universality class of the Mott transition in two dimensions

We use the two-step density-matrix renormalization group method to elucidate the long-standing issue of the universality class of the Mott transition in the Hubbard model in two dimensions. We studied a spatially anisotropic two-dimensional Hubbard model with a non-perfectly nested Fermi surface at half-filling. We find that unlike the pure one-dimensional case where there is no metallic phase, the quasi one-dimensional modeldisplays a genuine metal-insulator transition at a finite value of the interaction. The critical exponent of the correlation length is found to be $\nu \approx 1.0$. This implies that the fermionic Mott transition, belongs to the universality class of the 2D Ising model. The Mott insulator is the 'ordered' phase whose order parameter is given by the density of singly occupied sites minus that of holes and doubly occupied sites.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figure

Universal amplitude ratios in the 3D Ising Universality Class

We compute a number of universal amplitude ratios in the three-dimensional Ising universality class. To this end, we perform Monte Carlo simulations of the improved Blume-Capel model on the simple cubic lattice. For example, we obtain A_+/A_-=0.536(2) and C_+/C_-=4.713(7), where A_+- and C_+- are the amplitudes of the specific heat and the magnetic susceptibility, respectively. The subscripts + and - indicate the high and the low temperature phase, respectively. We compare our results with those obtained from previous Monte Carlo simulations, high and low temperature series expansions, field theoretic methods and experiments.Comment: 18 pages, two figures, typos corrected, discussion on finite size corrections extende

Impact of contraception and IVF hormones on metabolic, endocrine, and inflammatory status

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) represent commonly utilized management strategies for infertility with multifactorial causes (including genetically predisposed diseases). Amongst ART, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most popular. IVF treatment may predispose the mother to increased risks and complications during pregnancy, and there may be adverse fetal outcomes. Hormonal therapies, including oral contraceptives, may impair glucose and lipid metabolism, and promote insulin resistance and inflammation. IVF treatment involves administration of reproductive hormones, similar in composition but in much higher doses than those used for oral contraception. The provision of IVF reproductive hormones to mice associates with glucose intolerance. In addition, the physiological and hormonal changes of pregnancy can trigger an inflammatory response, and metabolic and endocrine changes. There is controversy regarding the potential effects of IVF hormonal therapies in the promotion of diabetogenic and inflammatory states, additional to those that occur during pregnancy, and which may therefore predispose women with IVF-conceived pregnancies to adverse obstetric outcomes compared with women with spontaneously conceived pregnancies. This review summarizes the limited published evidence regarding the effect of IVF-based fertility therapies on glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, cardio-metabolic profile, and markers of inflammation