Dense matter equation of state for neutron star mergers

In simulations of binary neutron star mergers, the dense matter equation of state (EOS) is required over wide ranges of density and temperature as well as under conditions in which neutrinos are trapped, and the effects of magnetic fields and rotation prevail. Here we assess the status of dense matter theory and point out the successes and limitations of approaches currently in use. A comparative study of the excluded volume (EV) and virial approaches for the $np\alpha$ system using the equation of state of Akmal, Pandharipande and Ravenhall for interacting nucleons is presented in the sub-nuclear density regime. Owing to the excluded volume of the $\alpha$-particles, their mass fraction vanishes in the EV approach below the baryon density 0.1 fm$^{-3}$, whereas it continues to rise due to the predominantly attractive interactions in the virial approach. The EV approach of Lattimer et al. is extended here to include clusters of light nuclei such as d, $^3$H and $^3$He in addition to $\alpha$-particles. Results of the relevant state variables from this development are presented and enable comparisons with related but slightly different approaches in the literature. We also comment on some of the sweet and sour aspects of the supra-nuclear EOS. The extent to which the neutron star gravitational and baryon masses vary due to thermal effects, neutrino trapping, magnetic fields and rotation are summarized from earlier studies in which the effects from each of these sources were considered separately. Increases of about $20\% (\gtrsim 50\%)$ occur for rigid (differential) rotation with comparable increases occurring in the presence of magnetic fields only for fields in excess of $10^{18}$ Gauss. Comparatively smaller changes occur due to thermal effects and neutrino trapping. Some future studies to gain further insight into the outcome of dynamical simulations are suggested.Comment: Revised manuscript with one additional figure and previous Fig. 4 replaced, 19 additional references and new tex

Alterations in Lipids and Adipocyte Hormones in Female-to-Male Transsexuals

Testosterone therapy in men and women results in decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). We sought to determine whether testosterone therapy has this same effect on lipid parameters and adipocyte hormones in female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals. Twelve FTM transsexuals provided a fasting lipid profile including serum total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides prior to and after 1 year of testosterone therapy (testosterone enanthate or cypionate 50–125mg IM every two weeks). Subjects experienced a significant decrease in mean serum HDL (52 ± 11 to 40 ± 7mg/dL) (P < .001). The mean LDL (P = .316), triglyceride (P = .910), and total cholesterol (P = .769) levels remained unchanged. In a subset of subjects, we measured serum leptin levels which were reduced by 25% but did not reach statistical significance (P =.181) while resistin levels remained unchanged. We conclude that testosterone therapy in FTM transsexuals can promote an increased atherogenic lipid profile by lowering HDL and possibly reduce serum leptin levels. However, long-term studies are needed to determine whether decreases in HDL result in adverse cardiovascular outcomes.National Institutes of Health (M01RR000533

Coping Ability of Medical and Nursing Students: A Cause of Concern

Background: Medical students today are subject to a variety of stress; academic, social, emotional or stress in the form of affliction of health during their stay at medical school. The physiological response to these depends on various factors including their inherent coping abilities. This study was designed to examine the coping ability of medical and nursing students at the time of admission to medical school. Materials and Methods: 42 medical and 34 nursing students volunteered for the study. They were administered the BAI questionnaire and classified as good and poor adjusters based on their score. Results: The study revealed an unsatisfactory overall coping ability to be prevalent among medical and nursing students. Conclusion: This study showed that there is a need for orientation and counselling of medical and nursing students at the start of college

Empirical Analysis of Production and Productivity of Indian Spices

The aim of this paper is to compare the growth rate in the production as well as productivity of the King and Queen of spices i.e., Black Pepper and Cardamom in two states, Kerala and Karnataka which are the leading producers of spices in India, the paper makes use of secondary data. the article highlights that the spice growers are switching their crops from pepper to cardamom and other plants. This can be caused by the reduction in productivity of pepper, and also in general, pepper cannot be grown as cardamom or paddy again on the same piece of land. Besides, the pepper price fluctuation is smaller than cardamom and other crops. However, the decrease in pepper productivity is above the degree of pepper price stability and this study highlights the plantation sector, more specifically, spices which contribute largely to the Indian economy, and which is often an underutilized sector despite its vast potential

Improvement in Renal Function and Reduction in Serum Uric Acid with Intensive Statin Therapy in Older Patients: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SAGE Trial.

BackgroundImprovement in renal function and decreases in serum uric acid (SUA) have been reported following prolonged high-intensity statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) therapy. This post hoc analysis of the SAGE trial examined the effect of intensive versus less intensive statin therapy on renal function, safety, and laboratory parameters, including SUA, in elderly coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (65-85 years) with or without chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsPatients were randomized to atorvastatin 80 mg/day or pravastatin 40 mg/day and treated for 12 months. Patients were stratified using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) in CKD (eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) and non-CKD populations.ResultsOf the 893 patients randomized, 858 had complete renal data and 418 of 858 (49%) had CKD (99% Stage 3). Over 12 months, eGFR increased with atorvastatin and remained stable with pravastatin (+2.38 vs. +0.18 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively; p &lt; 0.0001). MDRD eGFR improved significantly in both CKD treatment arms; however, the increased eGFR in patients without CKD was significantly greater with atorvastatin (+2.08 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) than with pravastatin (-1.04 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Modest reductions in SUA were observed in both treatment arms, but a greater fall occurred with atorvastatin than with pravastatin (-0.52 vs. -0.09 mg/dL, p &lt; 0.0001). Change in SUA correlated negatively with changes in eGFR and positively with changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Reports of myalgia were rare (3.6% CKD; 5.7% non-CKD), and there were no episodes of rhabdomyolysis. Elevated serum alanine and aspartate transaminase to &gt;3 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 4.4% of atorvastatin- and 0.2% of pravastatin-treated patients.ConclusionIntensive management of dyslipidemia in older patients with stable coronary heart disease may have beneficial effects on renal function and SUA