NMR Detection of Temperature-Dependent Magnetic Inhomogeneities in URu2Si2

We present 29Si-NMR relaxation and spectral data in URu2Si2. Our echo-decay experiments detect slowly fluctuating magnetic field gradients. In addition, we find that the echo-decay shape (time dependence) varies with temperature T and its rate behaves critically near the Neel temperature TN, indicating a correlation between the gradient fluctuations and the transition to small-moment order. T-dependent broadening contributions become visible below 100 Kelvin and saturate somewhat above TN, remaining saturated at lower temperatures. Together, the line width and shift suggest partial lattice distortions below TN. We propose an intrinsic minority phase below $T_{\rm N}$ and compare our results with one of the current theoretical models.Comment: 2 pages RevTeX, 1 figure, SCES 99-Japan, to appear in Physica

Ultrasound attenuation in gap-anisotropic systems

Transverse ultrasound attenuation provides a weakly-coupled probe of momentum current correlations in electronic systems. We develop a simple theory for the interpretation of transverse ultrasound attenuation coefficients in systems with nodal gap anisotropy. Applying this theory we show how ultrasound can delineate between extended-s and d-wave scenarios for the cuprate superconductors.Comment: Uuencode file: 4 pages (Revtex), 3 figures. Some references adde

Impact of in vitro embryo culture and transfer on blood pressure regulation in early postnatal life

First published online: 13 November 2020Nutrition during the periconceptional period influences postnatal cardiovascular health. We determined whether in vitro embryo culture and transfer, which are manipulations of the nutritional environment during the periconceptional period, dysregulate postnatal blood pressure and blood pressure regulatory mechanisms. Embryos were either transferred to an intermediate recipient ewe (ET) or cultured in vitro in the absence (IVC) or presence of human serum (IVCHS) and a methyl donor (IVCHSþM) for 6 days. Basal blood pressure was recorded at 19–20 weeks after birth. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured before and after varying doses of phenylephrine (PE). mRNA expression of signaling molecules involved in blood pressure regulation was measured in the renal artery. Basal MAP did not differ between groups. Baroreflex sensitivity, set point, and upper plateau were also maintained in all groups after PE stimulation. Adrenergic receptors alpha-1A (αAR1A), alpha-1B (αAR1B), and angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) mRNA expression were not different from controls in the renal artery. These results suggest there is no programmed effect of ET or IVC on basal blood pressure or the baroreflex control mechanisms in adolescence, but future studies are required to determine the impact of ET and IVC on these mechanisms later in the life course when developmental programming effects may be unmasked by age.Monalisa Padhee, I. Caroline McMillen, Song Zhang, Severence M. MacLaughlin, James A. Armitage, Geoffrey A. Head, Jack R. T. Darby, Jennifer M. Kelly, Skye R. Rudiger, David O. Kleemann, Simon K. Walker and Janna L. Morriso

Zero and finite field. mu. SR in spin glass Ag:Mn

Muon spin rotation data taken in both zero and finite fields are presented for a Ag:Mn (1.6 at %) spin glass sample. The data enable determination of the fluctuation rate of the Mn ions as a function of temperature. (GHT

Muon spin relaxation in spin glass PdMn

Muon spin relaxation (..mu..SR) rates have been measured in transverse, longitudinal, and zero applied field for the spin glass PdMn (7 at. %), and are compared with a previous study of the disordered ferromagnet PdMn (2 at. %). The calculated paramagnetic state transverse field relaxation rate for noninteracting spins is much larger than the observed rate in spin glass PdMn, but is in good agreement with ferromagnetic PdMn. The zero field relaxation rate shows a sharp cusp at T/sub g/=5K. An applied longitudinal field of 5 kG is insufficient to suppress this cusp in spin glss PdMn, but will suppress a similar cusp in ferromagnetic PdMn. Below T/sub g/=5K. An applied longitudinal field of 5 kG is insufficient to suppress this cusp in spin glass PdMn, but will suppress a similar cusp in ferromagnetic PdMn. Below T/sub g/, a distribution of quasistatic local fields is observed in zero field, which has the same temperature dependence for both samples. Comparisons with model calculations are discussed

PowerPoint Slides for: Does Intragastric Balloon Treatment for Obesity in Chronic Kidney Disease Heighten Acute Kidney Injury Risk

<p><b><i>Background:</i></b> The outcomes of intragastric balloon (IGB) placement to achieve weight loss in obese patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been reported to date. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the IGB as a weight-loss treatment among this patient population. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A prospective, single-arm, ‘first in CKD' interventional study was conducted in patients with a body mass index >35 kg/m² and CKD stages 3-4, referred for weight loss. After clinical assessment, the IGB was endoscopically inserted into the stomach and kept in place for 6 months. Complications, adverse events, acceptability, weight loss and metabolic responses were monitored over 6 months. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Eleven participants were recruited over 18 months. Two patients withdrew (1 prior to IGB insertion and 1 early removal after 3 days due to persistent vomiting) from the study; 9 patients completed the study. There were 5 episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI), occurring in 3 patients. After 6 months, the mean body mass decreased by 9.6% (SD ±6.8). Median waist circumference and total cholesterol decreased significantly (-7.7 cm; interquartile range (IQR) -15.3 to -3.9; and -0.2 mmol/l; IQR -0.6 to -0.05, respectively), with no changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, triglycerides, adipokines, inflammation, or arterial stiffness measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. At IGB removal, there was 1 new case each of gastritis and esophagitis. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Treatment with IGB has only moderate efficacy on weight loss; yet it results in a high rate of complications in obese patients with established CKD. The risk of AKI may be raised due to increased risk of dehydration secondary to gastrointestinal symptoms associated with IGB placement and reduced baseline kidney function.</p