Microwave absorption studies of MgB2 superconductor

Microwave absorption studies have been carried out on MgB₂ superconductor using a standard X-band EPR spectrometer. The modulated low-field microwave absorption signals recorded for polycrystalline (grain size ∼ 10 μm) samples suggested the absence of weak-link character. The field dependent direct microwave absorption has been found to obey a ✓H dependence with two different slopes, which indicated a transition from strongly pinned lattice to flux flow regime.     

A comparative study of parametric mortality projection models

The relative merits of different parametric models for making life expectancy and annuity value predictions at both pensioner and adult ages are investigated. This study builds on current published research and considers recent model enhancements and the extent to which these enhancements address the deficiencies that have been identified of some of the models. The England & Wales male mortality experience is used to conduct detailed comparisons at pensioner ages, having first established a common basis for comparison across all models. The model comparison is then extended to include the England & Wales female experience and both the male and female USA mortality experiences over a wider age range, encompassing also the working ages.     

Efficient Transformation of Furfuryl Alcohol Into Ethyl Levulinates via Alcoholysis Reaction Catalyzed by SnO2/H-Mordenite Catalyst

Catalysis Surveys from Asia - Catalytic production of ethyl levulinate by alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol with ethanol was investigated over H-mordenite supported Sn catalyst under atmospheric N2...     

Spectroscopic evidence for the direct coordination of the pertechnetate anion to the uranyl cation in [UO2(TcO4)(DPPMO2)2]+

We report the synthesis and structural characterization of [UO(2)(ReO(4))(DPPMO(2))(2)][ReO(4)] and [UO(2)(Cl)(DPPMO(2))(2)][Cl] (where DPPMO(2) = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane dioxide). In both complexes, the linear uranyl dication is coordinated to two bidentate DPPMO(2) ligands in the equatorial plane with one coordinated and one non-coordinated anion (either perrhenate or chloride). We have also prepared the pertechnetate analogue, and, through (31)P and (99)Tc NMR, we have shown that the cation, [UO(2)(TcO(4))(DPPMO(2))(2)](+), is stable in solution.     

Immunospecific NMR contrast agents

Most NMR contrast agents suggested to date have been paramagnetic. These agents, which include the transition and lanthanide metal ions as well as stable organic free radicals, do not provide effective contrast at concentrations much below 1 mM. However, the use of macromolecular ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic particles provides, for the first time, an NMR relaxation agent that is effective at subnanomolar concentrations. Two different sized superparamagnetic particles have been coupled to monoclonal antibodies with high affinity for a neuroblastoma-specific cell surface antigen. The specific binding of these particles, both in vivo and in vitro is demonstrated and the consequences for immunospecific NMR contrast are discussed.     

Perspectives on technology mediated learning in secondary school mathematics classrooms

The introduction of technology resources into mathematics classrooms promises to create opportunities for enhancing students’ learning through active engagement with mathematical ideas; however, little consideration has been given to the pedagogical implications of technology as a mediator of mathematics learning. This paper draws on data from a 3-year longitudinal study of senior secondary school classrooms to examine pedagogical issues in using technology in mathematics teaching — where “technology” includes not only computers and graphics calculators but also projection devices that allow screen output to be viewed by the whole class. We theorise and illustrate four roles for technology in relation to such teaching and learning interactions — master, servant, partner, and extension of self. Our research shows how technology can facilitate collaborative inquiry, during both small group interactions and whole class discussions where students use the computer or calculator and screen projection to share and test their mathematical understanding.     

Working group report: Heavy-ion physics and quark-gluon plasma

This is the report of Heavy Ion Physics and Quark-Gluon Plasma at WHEPP-09 which was part of Working Group-4. Discussion and work on some aspects of quark-gluon plasma believed to have created in heavy-ion collisions and in early Universe are reported.     

Effect of Nd3+ concentration on CW and pulsed performance of fiber-coupled diode laser pumped Nd:YVO4 laser at 1064 nm

The effect of Nd³⁺ concentration on the CW and Q-switched laser performances at 1064 nm from Nd: YVO₄ has been studied under diode laser pumping in identical laser configuration. The Nd³⁺ concentrations used were 1, 2 and 3 at.% in YVO₄ crystals. Under the CW operations we have compared the thermal lensing effect, slope efficiencies and also the beam quality at the fourth-order degeneracy configuration. Q-switching was done with the help of an acousto-optic modulator and we have compared the pulses obtained from Nd: YVO₄ laser with different doping concentration. It was found that the 1 at.%-doped crystal is the best, offering highest optical-to-optical conversion efficiency (55%), lowest fractional heat load (24%), highest pulse energy (80 μJ) and shortest pulse width (20 ns). It was also found that there was not much difference in performances for 2 and 3 at.%-doped crystals both in CW and Q-switched configurations.     

On age-period-cohort parametric mortality rate projections

An enhanced version of the Lee–Carter modelling approach to mortality forecasting, which has been extended to include an age modulated cohort index in addition to the standard age modulated period index, is described and tested for prediction robustness. Life expectancy and annuity value predictions, at pensioner ages and for various periods are compared, both with and without the age modulated cohort index, for the England & Wales male mortality experience. The simulation of prediction intervals for these indices of interest is discussed in detail.