Simplified methods for the inversion of thermophysical data

Simplified inversion techniques are described which enable the potential energy functions of molecules to be determined directly from thermophysical data without recourse to additional information. The accuracy of the methods is confirmed by applying them to the data for krypton, a substance for which the potential energy function is well established.     

Objective Detection of Oral Carcinoma with Multispectral Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging In Vivo

Successful early detection and demarcation of oral carcinoma can greatly impact the associated morbidity and mortality rates. Current methods for detection of oral cancer include comprehensive visual examination of the oral cavity, typically followed by tissue biopsy. A noninvasive means to guide the clinician in making a more objective and informed decision toward tissue biopsy can potentially improve the diagnostic yield of this process. To this end, we investigate the potential of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) for objective detection of oral carcinoma in the hamster cheek pouch model of oral carcinogenesis in vivo. We report that systematically selected FLIM features can differentiate between low‐risk (normal, benign and low‐grade dysplasia) and high‐risk (high‐grade dysplasia and cancer) oral lesions with sensitivity and specificity of 87.26% and 93.96%, respectively. We also show the ability of FLIM to generate “disease” maps of the tissue which can be used to evaluate relative risk of neoplasia. The results demonstrate the potential of multispectral FLIM with objective image analysis as a noninvasive tool to guide comprehensive oral examination.     

Tungsten‐loaded SMP foam nanocomposites with inherent radiopacity and tunable thermo‐mechanical properties

Shape memory polymer (SMP) foams have been developed for use in neurovascular occlusion applications. These materials are predominantly polyurethanes that are known for their biocompatibility and tunable properties. However, these polymers inherently lack X‐ray visibility, which is a significant challenge for their use as implantable materials. Herein, low density, highly porous shape memory polyurethane foams were developed with tungsten nanoparticles dispersed into the foam matrix, at increasing concentrations, to serve as a radiopaque agent. Utilizing X‐ray fluoroscopy sufficient visibility of the foams at small geometries was observed. Thermal characterization of the foams indicated altered thermal response and delayed foam actuation with increasing nanoparticle loading (because of restricted network mobility). Mechanical testing indicated decreased toughness and strength for higher loading because of disruption of the SMP matrix. Overall, filler addition imparted x‐ray visibility to the SMP foams and allowed for tuned control of the transition temperature and actuation kinetics for the material. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High-voltage microwave-triggered switches

The operation of three types of experimental high voltage microwave-triggered switches developed by the University of St. Andrews and DRA Malvern is described. The POLOTRON and the microwave-triggered three-gap-switch (MTGS) are closing switches and the microwave-triggered tacitron, (MITTON) is a closing and opening switch. The switches are robust hydrogen thyratron type devices, with an annular geometry, where closure is achieved using microwave fields to ionize the low pressure gas within the switch. In the case of the MITTON, the switch is opened by the application of a negative bias voltage to a large area metal grid. The POLOTRON is designed for fast switching applications. Its annular geometry results in an inherent low inductance and anode fall-times of less than 3 ns have been measured for a cold-cathode POLOTRON at charging voltages up to 30 kV. The MTGS, also a cold cathode switch, was developed for use in the DUOTRON transient generator (a voltage doubler). Output voltages of up to 16 kV have been measured at repetition rates of 90 Hz. The MITTON has closing characteristics similar to the POLOTRON and anode voltage fall-times of less than 10 ns have been measured at voltages up to 16 kV. Opening times of 0.5 μs have been achieved with an anode voltage of 10 kV and current of 10 A     

Quantum logic,state space geometry and operator algebras

The problem of characterising those quantum logics which can be identified with the lattice of projections in a JBW-algebra or a von Neumann algebra is considered. For quantum logics which satisfy the countable chain condition and which have no TypeI ₂ part, a characterisation in terms of geometric properties of the quantum state space is given.     

tert-butylcarbene from 1,1-diiodoneopentane

When 1,1-diiodoneopentane is passed through a hot tube containing methyllithium-coated Pyrex chips, 1,1-dimethylcyclopropane and 2-methyl-2-butene are produced in near quantitative yield. The ratio of products indicates that the intermediate carbene is the same as is produced from thermal or photosensitized decomposition of tert-butyldiazomethane but different from that formed by direct irradiation of the diazo compound.     

A Dixmier-Schaefer-Zhang theorem for operator algebras

Schaefer and Zhang have recently obtained an analogue, for sequentially order continuous functionals on , of a much earlier theorem of Dixmier. In this note it is shown that the Schaefer-Zhang Theorem has a natural generalisation to non-commutative -algebras. These results are obtained as consequences of our main theorem which is concerned with affine functions on compact convex sets.