Analysis of two-dimensional shielded pole heads using singular expansion functions

We have used a series of singular expansion functions to represent the potential across the gap of a shielded pole head in the presence of a highly permeable underlayer. This method of analysis reduces the size of the system of equations to be solved for the series coefficients to the number of coefficients that will be used. Just two series terms suffice to evaluate the magnetic potential to within 1% of the pole potential at any point on the air-bearing surface for a large range of head dimensions. Here, we express the surface field spectrum analytically. Including just two series terms provides an excellent estimate.     

Selecting mating pairs with linear programming techniques

Mate selection can increase progency merit if overall merit is nonlinear for one or more component traits. An index of expected progeny merit could be calculated for all possible mating pairs, and the set of pairs with the highest progeny mean could be selected. There are serious computational problems for more than a few males and females. To select and mate f, females, and m, males, from n of each, with k0 females per male, would require (nf)(nm)f!/(k0!)m evaluations. Linear programming algorithms can determine the optimal strategy efficiently by considering only a subset of these possibilities. Let pi ij be the index of progency merit of the ith sire mated to the jth dam and Xij be the decision variable for that mating (restricted to 0 or 1). Then the problem of selecting mating pairs can be stated as: maximize sigma i sigma j pi ij Xij, subject to sigma i Xij less than or equal to 1, sigma j Xij less than or equal to k0, sigma i sigma j Xij = f, and Xij = 0 or 1. By including an artificial sire and an artificial dam and choosing appropriate merit values for the artificial matings, this problem can be solved by efficient "transportation" algorithms. These algorithms could be used to develop rational mating packages for dairy artificial insemination studs provided that an objective evaluation of progeny merit could be formulated, provided that merit is not simply additively inherited.     

Sympathetic response to stimulation of the pontine A5 region in conscious rabbits

OBJECT: This study is a retrospective analysis of clinical data obtained in 28 patients affected by obstructive hydrocephalus who presented with signs of midbrain dysfunction during episodes of shunt malfunction. METHODS: All patients presented with an upward gaze palsy, sometimes associated with other signs of oculomotor dysfunction. In seven cases the ocular signs remained isolated and resolved rapidly after shunt revision. In 21 cases the ocular signs were variably associated with other clinical manifestations such as pyramidal and extrapyramidal deficits, memory disturbances, mutism, or alterations in consciousness. Resolution of these symptoms after shunt revision was usually slow. In four cases a transient paradoxical aggravation was observed at the time of shunt revision. In 11 cases ventriculocistemostomy allowed resolution of the symptoms and withdrawal of the shunt. Simultaneous supratentorial and infratentorial intracranial pressure recordings performed in seven of the patients showed a pressure gradient between the supratentorial and infratentorial compartments, with a higher supratentorial pressure before shunt revision. Inversion of this pressure gradient was observed after shunt revision and resolution of the gradient was observed in one case after third ventriculostomy. In six recent cases, a focal midbrain hyperintensity was evidenced on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences at the time of shunt malfunction. This rapidly resolved after the patient underwent third ventriculostomy. CONCLUSIONS: It is probable that in obstructive hydrocephalus, at the time of shunt malfunction, the development of a transtentorial pressure gradient could initially induce a functional impairment of the upper midbrain, inducing upward gaze palsy. The persistence of the gradient could lead to a global dysfunction of the upper midbrain. Third ventriculostomy contributes to equalization of cerebrospinal fluid pressure across the tentorium by restoring free communication between the infratentorial and supratentorial compartments, resulting in resolution of the patient's clinical symptoms.     

Analysis of various numerical techniques applied to thin-wire scatterers

Several numerical schemes for solving Pocklington's and Hallén's equations for thin-wire scatterers are investigated. Convergence rates of solutions obtained from seven methods are given and reasons for different rates are delineated.     

Analysis and synthesis of an impedance-loaded loop antenna using the singularity expansion method

The singularity expansion method (SEM) is used to represent the current on a loaded loop antenna. The shift in the poles of the loop due to impedance loading can be analyzed using contour plots in the complex frequency plane of the Fourier modal impedance transfer functions. The same plot may also be used to determine a loading function which will yield a specified pole pattern leading to frequency or time domain synthesis. A simple example of time-domain synthesis is presented.     

Off-Track and Azimuth Angle Effects in Perpendicular Replay

We investigated the effects of transition curvature on T₅₀ and V_p-p for a shielded giant magnetoresistive (GMR) element reading a single, isolated transition recorded on a perpendicular medium in the presence of a soft magnetic underlayer. We considered displacement and rotation of the read head relative to the recorded track and a range of read head geometries. The curvature of the transition adversely affects T₅₀, which also increases with azimuth angle. Both T₅₀ and V_p-p decrease as either the GMR element or the element-side shield spacing is reduced     

Safety system logic solver availability, 1oo2D and TMR

Four simplifications in the calculation of safety instrumented system logic solver performance measures (mean time to failure and risk reduction factor) clarify the dependence on the various factors involved. These include failure rate, fail safe fraction, diagnostics coverage and common cause. Approximate MTTF and RRF formulas are developed for 1oo2D and TMR logic solvers. These provide an explicit indication of which factors have the greatest influence on improving safety.     

Loss of the thalamic nuclei for "head direction" impairs performance on spatial memory tasks in rats.

This study sought to characterize the effects of removing the nuclei of primary importance in relaying the thalamic head direction signal to the hippocampal formation (the anterior dorsal [AD] and lateral dorsal [LD] nuclei) on the performance of a variety of spatial and nonspatial tasks. The results indicate that combined excitotoxic lesions of the AD and LD nuclei produce marked deficits on a variety of spatial tasks. These tasks included T-maze alternation and the ability to locate a hidden platform set at a fixed distance and fixed direction from a beacon in a Morris water maze. Although object recognition appeared unaffected, marked impairments were found in the ability to detect when an object was placed in a novel position (object-in-place memory). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)