Synthesis of Bioactive Side‐Chain Analogues of TAN‐2483B

The fungal metabolite TAN‐2483B has a 2,6‐trans‐relationship across the pyran ring of its furo[3,4‐b]pyran‐5‐one core, which has thwarted previous attempts at its synthesis. We have now developed a chiral pool approach to this core and prepared side‐chain analogues of TAN‐2483B. The synthesis relies on ring expansion of a reactive furan ring‐fused dibromocyclopropane and alkynylation of the resulting pyran. The furan ring is constructed by palladium‐catalysed carbonylative lactonisation. Various side‐chains are appended through Wittig‐type chemistry. The prepared analogues showed micromolar activity towards cancer cell lines HL‐60, 1A9 and MCF‐7 and certain human disease‐relevant kinases, including Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk).     

Dynamic pulsed-beam shaping using a TAG lens in the near UV

The ability to dynamically shape the spatial intensity profile of an incident laser beam enables new ways to modify and structure surfaces through pulsed laser processing. Here we describe a method to generate doughnut-shaped beams from an input Gaussian source using a tunable acoustic gradient index (TAG) lens. The TAG lens is capable of modulating between focused beams and annular rings of variable size, using sinusoidal driving frequencies. Laser micromachining is accomplished by synchronizing the TAG lens to a 355 nm pulsed nanosecond laser. Results in polyimide demonstrate the ability to generate adjacent surface features with different shapes and sizes.     

A finite element model for ultrasonic cutting

Using a single-blade ultrasonic cutting device, a study of ultrasonic cutting of three very different materials is conducted using specimens of cheese, polyurethane foam and epoxy resin. Initial finite element models are created, based on the assumption that the ultrasonic blade causes a crack to propagate in a controlled mode 1 opening, and these are validated against experimental data from three point bend fracture tests and ultrasonic cutting experiments on the materials. Subsequently, the finite element model is developed to represent ultrasonic cutting of a multi-layered material. Materials are chosen whose properties allow a model to be developed that could represent a multi-layer food product or biological structure, to enable ultrasonic cutting systems to be designed for applications both in the field of food processing and surgical procedures. The model incorporates an estimation of the friction condition between the cutting blade and the material to be cut and allows adjustment of the frequency, cutting amplitude and cutting speed.     

History and many-worlds quantum theory

We suggest that, contrary to what is sometimes stated, the only way we can make reliable statements about history, using information available at the present, is to use unitary evolution backwards in time. We give some discussion of how this might work in practice, and point out that additional inputs, e.g. certain prejudices, are also required.     

Flow imaging by use of femtosecond-laser-induced two-photon fluorescence

A novel technique is demonstrated for the imaging of turbulent flows in which a single window to the flow is the only optical access required. A femtosecond laser is used to excite two-photon fluorescence in a disodium-fluorescein-seeded water jet. The fluorescence signal is generated at only the focal point of the laser because of the highly nonlinear nature of the two-photon absorption, and it is collected in a direction counterpropagating to the excitation beam. Tight focusing of the laser is used to limit the probe volume, and the two-dimensional mean and rms concentration images are collected by raster scanning the laser.     

Why is position special?

Quantum theory does not distinguish between different complete commuting sets of Hermitian operators. The world of experience clearly does. Possible reasons are discussed.     

Using pyridine amidoximes in 3d-metal cluster chemistry: a novel ferromagnetic Ni12 complex from the use of pyridine-2-amidoxime

The use of pyridine-2-amidoxime in reaction with NiCl2.6H2O in the presence of NaOMe has led to a cationic NiII 12 cluster with novel structural features; each cluster molecule is a ferromagnet with a spin ground state of S = 6 arising from ferromagnetic exchange between the six octahedral NiII ions, but with intercationic interactions also affecting the magnetic properties.     

Synthesis and application of alkenylstannanes derived from base-sensitive cyclopropenes

In the presence of stoichiometric potassium fluoride, a range of base-sensitive cyclopropenes undergo direct stannylation using (pentafluoroethyl)tributylstannane. The resulting stannylcyclopropenes serve as precursors to a variety of tetrasubstituted cyclopropenes that might otherwise be difficult to access using alternative methods.     

A mixed-method optimisation and simulation framework for supporting logistical decisions during offshore wind farm installations

With a typical investment in excess of £100 million for each project, the installation phase of offshore wind farms (OWFs) is an area where substantial cost-reductions can be achieved; however, to-date there have been relatively few studies exploring this. In this paper, we develop a mixed-method framework which exploits the complementary strengths of two decision-support methods: discrete-event simulation and robust optimisation. The simulation component allows developers to estimate the impact of user-defined asset selections on the likely cost and duration of the full or partial completion of the installation process. The optimisation component provides developers with an installation schedule that is robust to changes in operation durations due to weather uncertainties. The combined framework provides a decision-support tool which enhances the individual capability of both models by feedback channels between the two, and provides a mechanism to address current OWF installation projects. The combined framework, verified and validated by external experts, was applied to an installation case study to illustrate the application of the combined approach. An installation schedule was identified which accounted for seasonal uncertainties and optimised the ordering of activities.