Modified Weak Energy Condition for the Energy Momentum Tensor in Quantum Field Theory

The weak energy condition is known to fail in general when applied to expectation values of the the energy momentum tensor in flat space quantum field theory. It is shown how the usual counter arguments against its validity are no longer applicable if the states |\psi \r for which the expectation value is considered are restricted to a suitably defined subspace. A possible natural restriction on |\psi \r is suggested and illustrated by two quantum mechanical examples based on a simple perturbed harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian. The proposed alternative quantum weak energy condition is applied to states formed by the action of scalar, vector and the energy momentum tensor operators on the vacuum. We assume conformal invariance in order to determine almost uniquely three-point functions involving the energy momentum tensor in terms of a few parameters. The positivity conditions lead to non trivial inequalities for these parameters. They are satisfied in free field theories, except in one case for dimensions close to two. Further restrictions on |\psi \r are suggested which remove this problem. The inequalities which follow from considering the state formed by applying the energy momentum tensor to the vacuum are shown to imply that the coefficient of the topological term in the expectation value of the trace of the energy momentum tensor in an arbitrary curved space background is positive, in accord with calculations in free field theories.Comment: 27 pages, 1 figure, uses harvmac, epsf and boldmath (included). Change of title and some text changes, form to be publishe

Age estimation of the auricular surface of the ilium : a comparison between physical examination and photographic evidence

The critical development of an age at death estimation for an individual in forensic anthropology is usually estimated directly from physical skeletal remains, but in certain circumstances it may be pertinent to utilise photographic evidence. Unfortunately, the validity of currently established age estimation methods for use on photographic evidence has not been satisfactorily examined. The aim of this study was to test three age estimation methods using photographs of the auricular surface of the ilium. The three methods: Lovejoy, Meindl, Pryzbeck & Mensforth (1985), Buckberry & Chamberlain (2002) and Osborne, Simmons & Nawrocki (2004); were tested on photographs of the auricular surface of the ilium housed in the Raymond A. Dart Collection. The Lovejoy et. al. (1985) method was the least accurate for photographic age estimation despite the sex or population affinity of the individual, with 20 out of 429 individuals (5%) correctly estimated. Meanwhile, both the Buckberry & Chamberlain (2002) and Osborne, Simmons & Nawrocki (2004) methods correctly estimated a much larger group of individuals, respectively estimating 351and 341 individuals (~80%) correctly regardless of sex or population affinity. It was concluded that the Lovejoy et al. (1985) method may not suitable for photographic evidence, while the Buckberry & Chamberlain (2002) and Osborne, Simmons & Nawrocki (2004) methods have the potential to be valid age estimation methods for photographic evidence. Therefore, it is possible that the Buckberry & Chamberlain (2002) and Osborne, Simmons & Nawrocki (2004) methods may be able to form the basis of a digital system of skeletal remains for comparative age estimation purposes. The validation of age estimation methods using photographic evidence provides the opportunity for remote forensic anthropological age estimations for academic and medico-legal purposes

Can mimetics, a theatre based practice, open possibilities for young people with learning disabilities - a capability approach?

Whilst the significance of the social model of disability for articulating inclusive approaches in education is recognised, the application of capability theory to education is less developed. We consider how a particular theatre based practice, here described as ‘mimetics’, can alter and extend the aspirations and achievements of children and young people with learning disabilities, and might be understood as applied capability theory or ‘capability practice’. Mimetics has been crafted from experimental psycho-physical actor training processes by Open Theatre Company working in collaboration with actors with learning disabilities, and adapted to support the learning and development of young people with learning disabilities. We draw upon an action research project set up by Creative Partnerships with Open Theatre Company and a special school, where children demonstrated increased motivation and capacity for communication and socialisation, improved well-being, learning and wider achievement. To illustrate the process we offer the case of one child with an autistic spectrum disorder

Ni(salen): Development of a two-week introduction to synthesis and characterization in general chemistry

As introductions to organic and inorganic synthesis, safe and expedient preparations of salen (N,N′- ethylenebis(salicylimine)) and its nickel complex have been developed for execution in the General 19 Chemistry II laboratory. Preparation and isolation can be completed in no more than 45 minutes. Prepared compounds are then analyzed by an assortment of characterization methods: melting point determination, mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectrophotometry and 13C NMR spectroscopy. These lab exercises are meant to serve as soft introductions for methods and instrumentation that will be utilized more heavily in the subsequent chemistry courses. Students are given basic training in analyzing data for each method to begin learning their utility for identifying product presence and purity. Simulated and modeled spectra are also used as accompaniment to experimental data to aid in analysis and interpretation training

Exploration of New Half-Sandwich Ruthium(II) Curcuminoid Complexes

Ruthenium complexes and curcuminoid species have both independently been shown to exhibit a number of biologically relevant properties. The complex (η6-cymene)Ru(Cl)(curcuminate) has been shown to exhibit enhanced cytotoxic properties with respect to its precursors, but no direct analogues have been reported to date. Using a straight forward method, several (cymene)Ru(Cl)( curc ) have been prepared using an array of synthetic curcumin analogues.1H and13C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffractometry have all been utilized to characterize these compounds