Study of properties of high-field superconductors at elevated temperatures Final technical report, 27 Apr. - 26 Aug. 1966

Properties of high field superconductors at high temperatures - magnetization experiments on niobium and niobium compound

Study of properties of high field superconductors, ac field induced flux jumps Technical summary report, 21 Jun. 1965 - 26 Apr. 1966

Magnetization experiments in superimposed dc and audiofrequency ac magnetic fields on cold worked NbTi alloy samples - ac field induced flux jump

Thermal conductive connection and method of making same Patent

Thermal conductive, electrically insulated cleavable adhesive connection between electronic module and heat sin

Chromatic transit light curves of disintegrating rocky planets

Context. Kepler observations have revealed a class of short period exoplanets, of which Kepler-1520 b is the prototype, which have comet-like dust tails thought to be the result of small, rocky planets losing mass. The shape and chromaticity of the transits constrain the properties of the dust particles originating from the planet's surface, offering a unique opportunity to probe the composition and geophysics of rocky exoplanets. Aims. We aim to approximate the average Kepler long-cadence light curve of Kepler-1520 b and investigate how the optical thickness and transit cross-section of a general dust tail can affect the observed wavelength dependence and depth of transit light curves. Methods. We developed a new 3D model that ejects sublimating particles from the planet surface to build up a dust tail, assuming it to be optically thin, and used 3D radiative transfer computations that fully treat scattering using the distribution of hollow spheres (DHS) method, to generate transit light curves between 0.45 and 2.5 $\mu$m. Results. We show that the transit depth is wavelength independent for optically thick tails, potentially explaining why only some observations indicate a wavelength dependence. From the 3D nature of our simulated tails, we show that their transit cross-sections are related to the component of particle ejection velocity perpendicular to the planet's orbital plane and use this to derive a minimum ejection velocity of 1.2 kms$^{-1}$. To fit the average transit depth of Kepler-1520 b of 0.87%, we require a high dust mas-loss rate of 7 $-$ 80 M$_\oplus$ Gyr$^{-1}$ which implies planet lifetimes that may be inconsistent with the observed sample. Therefore, these mass-loss rates should be considered to be upper limits.Comment: 22 pages, 22 figures, accepted for publication in A&

The AXAF technology program: The optical flats tests

The results of a technology program aimed at determining the limits of surface polishing for reflecting X-ray telescopes is presented. This program is part of the major task of developing the Advanced X-ray Astrophysical Facility (AXAF). By studying the optical properties of state-of-the-art polished flat surfaces, conclusions were drawn as to the potential capability of AXAF. Surface microtopography of the flats as well as their figure are studied by X-ray, visual, and mechanical techniques. These techniques and their results are described. The employed polishing techniques are more than adequate for the specifications of the AXAF mirrors

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Established Community-Based Eccentric Viewing Rehabilitation Training Model—the EValuation Study

Purpose: This study evaluated the community-based eccentric viewing (EV) training offered across the United Kingdom by the Macular Society. Volunteer trainers deliver free one-to-one training, usually in learners' homes. They also share information about lighting, magnification, social support, and low-vision technology. Methods: The audio-recorded reading performance of learners was compared before and after training. Telephone questionnaires were used to assess life satisfaction, amount of reading performed, and health- and vision-related quality of life. Learners were also interviewed to obtain their subjective opinions. Results: A total of 121 learners completed all stages of the study. There was no significant change in maximum reading speed. A statistically significant (P < 0.001) but small improvement in both critical print size and threshold print size was found, but frequency and duration of reading did not increase. There was a borderline significant (P = 0.022) increase in “life satisfaction” for the learners, but a highly significant (P < 0.001) decrease in their “positive affect.” There was no change in health- or vision-related quality of life, or in the difficulty experienced in performing everyday tasks. However, according to learner interviews, 72% felt they had achieved a positive outcome from the training, and 75% felt they had received helpful advice in addition to the EV training. Conclusions: The lack of improvement of reading speed and modest improvement in threshold print size should be interpreted in the context of the unique features of this EV program, since many learners who would seem to have limited scope for improvement still undertake the training

Quantum duality and Bethe-ansatz for the Hofstadter problem on hexagonal lattice

The Hofstadter problem is studied on hexagonal lattice. We first establish a relation between the spectra for the hexagonal lattice and for its dual he triangular lattice. Following the idea of Faddeev and Kashaev, we then obtain the Bethe-ansatz equations for this system.Comment: 8 pages, latex, revised version for Phys. Lett.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the Macular Society Eccentric Viewing Rehabilitation Training - the evaluation study

Background: The Macular Society have provided Eccentric Viewing (EV) training across the UK since 2006, by training volunteers to deliver a community based model. Trainers deliver free one-to-one training during 1-3, 1 hour over a 2–3 month period, usually in learners’ homes. During sessions, trainers also share handy hints and tips about (e.g.) lighting, magnification, social support and technology. Methods: An independent research team evaluated the effectiveness of the programme using a wide range of outcome measures, including reading ability; well-being; and health- and vision-related quality of life. Learners were also interviewed for their opinions. Results: 121 learners completed all stages of the study. They perceived the trainers to be knowledgeable, well- trained and friendly. 75% of learners felt they had received helpful advice in addition to EV training; and 65% of learners felt they had achieved a positive outcome. Objective results were less encouraging. There was a borderline significant increase in “life satisfaction” for the learners, but a highly significant decrease in their “positive affect” (PANAS). There was no significant change in measured reading speed or acuity (MNRead-style test); or in health- or vision-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L; VisQoL; NEI-VFQ-7). There was, however, an increase in the proportion of learners reporting that they could read a newspaper with “little or no difficulty” (from 13% to 23%); and a significant decrease in the number reporting “extreme difficulty” whilst watching television (from 27% to 15%). Conclusion: The findings may be explained by some of the unique features of this programme: many learners who would seem to have limited scope for improvement still wish to undertake the training; the interval between training sessions is lengthy; and there is no link to a low vision assessment. Acknowledgements: Commissioned and funded by the Macular Society

The use of conjugase preparations in the microbiological assay of folic acid

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