Impact of surface adhesion and sample heterogeneity on the multiscale mechanical characterisation of soft biomaterials

Funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/L505602/1) is gratefully acknowledged

Performance and characterization of the SPT-3G digital frequency-domain multiplexed readout system using an improved noise and crosstalk model

The third-generation South Pole Telescope camera (SPT-3G) improves upon its predecessor (SPTpol) by an order of magnitude increase in detectors on the focal plane. The technology used to read out and control these detectors, digital frequency-domain multiplexing (DfMUX), is conceptually the same as used for SPTpol, but extended to accommodate more detectors. A nearly 5× expansion in the readout operating bandwidth has enabled the use of this large focal plane, and SPT-3G performance meets the forecasting targets relevant to its science objectives. However, the electrical dynamics of the higher-bandwidth readout differ from predictions based on models of the SPTpol system due to the higher frequencies used and parasitic impedances associated with new cryogenic electronic architecture. To address this, we present an updated derivation for electrical crosstalk in higher-bandwidth DfMUX systems and identify two previously uncharacterized contributions to readout noise, which become dominant at high bias frequency. The updated crosstalk and noise models successfully describe the measured crosstalk and readout noise performance of SPT-3G. These results also suggest specific changes to warm electronics component values, wire-harness properties, and SQUID parameters, to improve the readout system for future experiments using DfMUX, such as the LiteBIRD space telescope

An experimental and analytical study of the elasticity of model polyurethane networks crosslinked by tri- and quadriisocyanate

The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com : http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00396-009-2145-6?LI=truePolyurethane networks have been prepared from a mix of tri- and quadriisocyanate and from two types of diols, polyether-based (with molar masses of 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 g/mol) and polyester-based (1,035 g/mol). The weight fraction of sol has been measured, as well as the elastic shear modulus of the gels. It has been found that the statistical theory of network formation predicts a weight fraction of sol in agreement with the experimental results, but its standard combination with the theory of rubber elasticity disagrees significantly with the elastic modulus measured. This suggests a discrepancy between theory and experiment in terms of elastically active chains. In contrast, the assumption that all nodes in the gel, or even in the system, are elastically active gives much better predictions for the system considered.ANR JCJC MELA

Equivalent performance with half the clinker content using

Abstract In response to growing pressures to reduce the clinker content in cement, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA A3001-08) introduced a new classification of cement in 2008, this being Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) containing up to 15% limestone. This paper presents data from laboratory and field studies on the properties of concrete produced with portland limestone cement (PLC) and moderate to high levels of supplementary cementing materials (SCM). The test data indicate that PLC with up to 15% limestone can be manufactured to produce equivalent performance to a portland cement (PC) in terms of concrete strength and other properties, including durability. The equivalent performance is achieved by optimizing the PLC with regards to composition and particle-size distribution, and requires intergrinding rather than blending of the portland cement and limestone. The performance of concrete produced with PLC in combination with a wide range of SCM is also equivalent to that of concrete produced with PC and the same SCM. Full-scale field trials have been conducted with concretes with blends of PLC and SCM and these concretes provide similar or improved performance compared to PC concrete; in one case the clinker content represented less than 50% of the total cementitious material. A clinker reduction of 50% represents a very significant reduction in the carbon footprint associated with the production of portland cement clinker

Spinal cord arteriovenous malformation in a neonate

✓ A 2-day-old neonate with a spinal cord arteriovenous malformation developed severe paraparesis. The abrupt neurological deterioration was not associated with hemorrhage or aneurysmal dilatation. Ischemic damage of the spinal cord is suggested as the cause of the clinical manifestation.</jats:p

Interstitial radiotherapy of the base of the tongue. Improved non-looping afterloading technique.

P6modification of the non-looping afterloading interstitial technique for tongue-cancer therapy is described. The subsequent risk of tearing or breaking of the tubes, resulting in radioactive sources left as foreign bodies in soft tissues, is reduced. In addition, evaluation of implant position is simplified by the use of radioopaque tubes