Critical Review of Theoretical Models for Anomalous Effects (Cold Fusion) in Deuterated Metals

We briefly summarize the reported anomalous effects in deuterated metals at ambient temperature, commonly known as "Cold Fusion" (CF), with an emphasis on important experiments as well as the theoretical basis for the opposition to interpreting them as cold fusion. Then we critically examine more than 25 theoretical models for CF, including unusual nuclear and exotic chemical hypotheses. We conclude that they do not explain the data.Comment: 51 pages, 4 Figure

LiAsF6 in propylene carbonate—acetonitrile for primary lithium batteries

1M LiAsF6 in 50% v/v propylene carbonate—acetonitrile (PC-AN) is an electrolyte solution which offers improved cathode utilization, improved energy efficiency and more stable discharge voltages when used in primary lithium batteries with MnO2, TiS2, Cu2S, CuS, MoO3, V2O5, V6O13 and NbSe3 cathodes. Incorporation of solvated Li+ into the cathodic material may be part of the cathodic process, and the lower viscosity and lower molar volume of acetonitrile, which is a solvator of Li+ in PC/AN mixtures, are thought to be responsible for the major improvement over LiAsF6 in PC as electrolyte solution for these cells

An attempt to assess knowledge about tobacco dependence among students at the Medical University in Wroclaw

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is still one of the greatest, avoidable, singular causes of death. Although students of medical faculties are expected to have solid knowledge about smoking hazards, a significant number of them still smoke. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess knowledge on tobacco dependence in a sample of students at the Medical University in Wroclaw. Material and methods: Between 2009-2011, non-compulsory lectures on the diagnosis and treatment of tobacco dependence were provided for 3rd to 6th year students of medicine at the Medical University in Wroclaw (170 students). The questionnaire contained 10 questions about smoking-related diseases and medicines used in tobacco dependence treatment. Results: 21% of students smoked cigarettes and 79% were never smokers. 36% of the study group was exposed to passive smoking at the university. Nearly 80% of survey respondents agreed with the statement that cigarette smoking can lead to psychological addiction as strong as drug addiction, but more than 12% of the respondents perceived smoking just as a strong habit. Only 6 out of 10 surveyed students recognised tobacco dependence as an illness classified in an international classification of diseases and health problems (ICD-10). The correct amount of the chemical substances to be found in tobacco smoke was known by 67.1% of all surveyed students. The vast majority of the surveyed students indicated correctly 2 brands of nicotine replacement therapy, but none of them could name even one chemical and corresponding trade name of the pharmaceutical with central effect. Conclusions: The level of knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of tobacco dependence among the students of the Medical Faculty in Wroclaw Medical University is low, and requires improvement through educational activities at both facultative and compulsory study level. Special attention should be paid to pharmaceutical treatment of the tobacco dependence syndrome