Plasticity Enhancement Processes in NiAl and MoSi_2

This paper demonstrates that plasticity enhancement processes previously observed in bcc metalsand associated with the presence of surface films and precipitates or dispersoids are operative in or-dered intermetallic compounds.' Some specific results are given for NiAl-and MoSi_2-basedmaterials.The plasticity of NiAl and related B2 ordered alloys at room temperature during monotonicdeformation can be enhanced by application of surface films such as electroless nickel platings.Sig-nificant effects are also observed during cyclic deformation.The presence of ductile second phasessuch as fcc γ or the ordered phase γ' introduced by alloying also enhances the plasticity of NiAl.MoSi_2 exhibits similar effects of surface films and second phases,but primarily at elevated tempera-tures,T>900℃.In this paper,we illustrate the effects of ZrO_2 surface films deposited near roomtemperature and TiC particulate additions introduced by powder processing techniques.In all cases,the plasticity enhancement is associated with enhanced dislocation generation processes under theconditions of constrained deformation at the film-substrate or precipitate/dispersoid-matrix inter-face of the composite system.     

Recurrent condylomata acuminata: how routine immediate and delayed hypersensitivity parameters might provide a clue to their immunopathogenesis

In 30 male patients suffering from recurrent condylomata acuminata, immediate hypersensitivity parameters (total IgE, PTT and prick tests) and delayed hypersensitivity against seven recall antigens (multi test) were studied. Thirty healthy male volunteers, matched in age, were the controls. Significantly higher immediate hypersensitivity activity was shown in the patient group. Qualitative evaluation of delayed type hypersensitivity showed that controls had a positive test 16 times more often than patients. A rather homogeneous suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity was found in the patient group mainly as regards the presumably most common antigens vs. the control group. This suppression was proved to be related to disease duration. The hypothesis of a CD4+ Th-2 lymphocyte predominance in recurrent condylomata, owed to longstanding or repetitive antigenic stimulation seems to adequately explain the findings of the present study.     

Note on "Adverse impact from a psychometric perspective."

G. H. Ironson et al (see record 1982-29410-001) recommended the use of test characteristic curves (TCCs) in the study of adverse-impact ratios in selection. They demonstrated that a linear transformation of the Rasch ability estimate could reduce the incidence of adverse impact from the level that would result from the use of raw scores. The present authors reanalyzed their data and concluded that both the raw score scale and the ability estimates yield similar adverse-impact results. However, the authors agree with the Ironson et al proposal that relative adverse-impact ratios from different tests should be defined with TCCs because level of adverse impact can be influenced by the shape of TCCs. (3 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The correlation between follicular measurements, oocyte morphology, and fertilization rates in an in vitro fertilization program

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between follicle size and the morphology of the oocyte-cumulus-corona complex with fertilization rates in stimulated cycles of IVF. DESIGN: Retrospective comparison of measurements and observations of 2,429 oocytes from 215 patients undergoing 324 stimulated IVF cycles. SETTING: A large hospital-based IVF program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Individual follicles were measured by ultrasound before transvaginal aspiration and the size was recorded. The oocyte-cumulus-corona complex from each follicle was examined and classified. The oocytes were checked for evidence of fertilization 17 to 22 hours after insemination. RESULTS: The fertilization rate of all oocytes regardless of morphological type revealed a positive linear correlation with increasing follicle diameter. The fertilization rates of type I oocytes was marginally higher than type II oocytes, controlling for follicle diameter; however, this difference did not achieve statistical significance. Oocytes from follicles with a mean diameter > or = 16 mm had significantly higher fertilization rates than did oocytes from follicles with a mean diameter < or = 14 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Follicle size is a better predictor of fertilization than is morphological characterization of the oocyte-cumulus-corona complex in IVF.     

Paraquat resistance and starvation conditions in the selection of longevity extremes in Drosophila melanogaster populations previously selected for long and short developmental period

This paper analyzes the interaction between resistance to free radicals, development under starvation conditions, sex, and its consequences to the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster populations selected for developmental time and longevity. Our data suggest that the interaction between these physiological and environmental parameters is modulated largely by the pre-imaginal developmental time, since the response to selection for longevity extremes depends strongly on the previous selection for developmental time extremes.     

Functional significance of coronary collateral vessels in patients with previous 'Q' wave infarction: relation to aneurysm, left ventricular end diastolic pressure and ejection fraction

The importance of coronary collateral circulation in relation to the left ventricular function, aneurysm formation and size was investigated in 100 patients with previous 'Q' wave myocardial infarction who underwent coronary angiography. Aneurysms were present in 20% of patients. The majority of these (80%) patients had severe or total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. Thirty four percent of patients without aneurysm had significant collaterals whereas 25% of patients with aneurysms had collaterals (P > 0.05). However, the size of the aneurysm was smaller when adequate collateral circulation was present (Collateral Index 2 or above). The incidence of hypertension and diabetes was similar in both groups. Collateral circulation was more frequently seen in the anterior (60%) as compared to inferior myocardial infarction (40%), but Collateral Index was higher in right coronary artery disease. The number of patients with an elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (> 12) or poor ejection fraction was similar in the two groups with and without collaterals. Thus, there was no beneficial effect of collateral circulation on left ventricular function. The incidence of aneurysm was not significantly lower, although the size of the aneurysm was significantly smaller in the presence of collateral circulation.     

Laser radar component technology

The development of the laser soon led to recognition of its potential in radar applications. As radar systems were designed and implemented, however, it became clear that major refinement of the laser sources was needed to meet specific radar transmitter requirements in terms of waveforms, spectral purity, stability, beam quality, and power. The sensitivity and bandwidth of receivers were also in some cases insufficient, and new enabling detector technologies had to be created. This article provides a framework for much of the component development by describing the wideband high-power carbon dioxide (CO₂) imaging radar system at the Firepond Laser Radar Research Facility. The paper also details the critical components developed for the Firepond CO ₂ range-Doppler imaging laser radar transmitter as well as transmitters for short-range CO₂ radars