Hybrid numeric + text sort?

jeffw

Is it possible to sort numerically at the start of a string, then revert to natural sort after a certain pattern (e.g. the first space found?) So that these

17.14 Political Economy
9.2J Neural Signal Processing
5.0 Physics
9.2 Advanced Neurochemistry

would sort as:

5.0 Physics
9.2 Advanced Neurochemistry
9.2J Neural Signal Processing
17.14 Political Economy

One wrinkle is the numbers at the start can have a trailing letter. Is this a possibility with data tables? (and thanks for a great product.)