Resonance measurement of nonlocal spin torque in a three-terminal magnetic device.

A pure spin current generated within a nonlocal spin valve can exert a spin-transfer torque on a nanomagnet. This nonlocal torque enables new design schemes for magnetic memory devices that do not require the application of large voltages across tunnel barriers that can suffer electrical breakdown. Here we report a quantitative measurement of this nonlocal spin torque using spin-torque-driven ferromagnetic resonance. Our measurement agrees well with the prediction of an effective circuit model for spin transport. Based on this model, we suggest strategies for optimizing the strength of nonlocal torque.

Urine aldosterone radioimmunoassay: validation of a method without chromatography.

A simplified radioimmunoassay of urinary aldosterone is reported. Acid-hydrolyzed urine was extracted with dichloromethane and the extract assayed without further purification, Urinary aldosterone values in patients with Cushing's syndrome, low and normal-renin essential hypertension, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and primary aldosteronism determined by this method agreed closely (r = 0.95, P less than 0.01) with values obtained using a standardized chromatographic method. This simplified assay represents a significant advance in out capabilitites for evaluating patients for abnormalities in aldosterone physiology.

Plasma K plus and insulin: changes during KCl infusion in normal and nephrectomized dogs.

Potassium chloride was administered by constant, intravenous infusion in splenectomized, but otherwise normal, dogs. The concentration of potassium, [K+], and of insulin, [insulin], in the arterial plasma was measured at frequent intervals. To assess the relative contributions of extrarenal and renal mechanisms toward the maintenance of normal plasma [K+], the results were compared with data obtained previously in splenectomized, nephrectomized dogs. During the infusion, plasma [K+] increased in the dogs with kidneys intact at a mean rate slightly less than that in the nephrectomized dogs. After the infusion was stopped, plasma [K+] declined to about 0.75 meq/liter above control values in both groups of animals. The results indicate the operation of both renal and extrarenal homoeostatic mechanisms. The renal mechanisms contributed measurably during the infusion of KCl, but not immediately after the infusion was stopped. Simultaneous measurements of plasma [K+] and plasma [insulin] indicate that insulin may be involved in the extrarenal homeostatic response.