Characterization of the high frequency alternating current block in the rat sciatic nerve using cuff electrodes and macro-sieve electrodes

Tripolar cuff electrodes were designed, fabricated and non-chronically implanted in the sciatic nerve of two-month-old Lewis rats. A proximal constant current stimulus to the nerve was blocked by applying a high frequency sinusoidal signal to the distally placed tripolar cuff electrode. The frequency voltage characteristic of the blocking signal was obtained. Complete block was not achieved using variants of the tripolar cuff design and bipolar cuff electrodes. Single and dual macro-sieve electrode assemblies were designed, fabricated and chronically implanted in the sciatic nerve of Lewis rats. After a four-month period for regeneration four different electrode configurations were tested to enable a high frequency block. A complete and quickly reversible block was obtained using both the macro-sieve electrodes for the HFAC block – proximal macro-sieve as anode and distal macro-sieve as cathode. Finite element modelling and axon modelling was done to determine the optimal parameters for effecting a high frequency block in the nerve

Inflation expectations of households: do they influence wage-price dynamics in India?

This paper examines the usefulness of survey-based measures of inflation expectations to predict inflation using hybrid versions of New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC). While both 3 months ahead and 1-year ahead inflation expectations of households emerge statistically significant in explaining and predicting inflation in India, effectively they work as substitutes of backward looking expectations given that household expectations are found to be largely adaptive. Unlike in other countries, this paper does not find much evidence on flattening of the Phillips curve. Also, no robust evidence is found on expectations induced wage pressures influen-cing CPI inflation

Signature of an antiferromagnetic metallic ground state in heavily electron doped Sr2FeMoO6

Sr$_{2}$FeMoO$_6$ is a double perovskite compound, known for its high temperature behavior. Combining different magnetic and spectroscopic tools, we show that this compound can be driven to rare example of antiferromagnetic metallic state through heavy electron doping. Considering synthesis of Sr$_{2-x}$La$_x$FeMoO$_6$ (1.0 $\le{x}\le$ 1.5) compounds, we find compelling evidences of antiferromagnetic metallic ground state for $x\ge$1.4. The local structural study on these compounds reveal unusual atomic scale phase distribution in terms of La, Fe and Sr, Mo-rich regions driven by strong La-O covalency: a phenomenon hitherto undisclosed in double perovskites. The general trend of our findings are in agreement with theoretical calculations carried out on realistic structures with the above mentioned local chemical fluctuations, which reconfirms the relevance of the kinetic energy driven magnetic model.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

High-frequency alternating current block using macro-sieve electrodes: A pilot study

Background and objective High-frequency alternating current (HFAC) can yield a rapid-acting and reversible nerve conduction block. The present study aimed to demonstrate the successful implementation of HFAC block delivery via regenerative macro-sieve electrodes (MSEs). Methods Dual-electrode assemblies in two configurations [dual macro-sieve electrode-1 (DMSE-I), DMSE-II] were fabricated from pairs of MSEs and implanted in the transected and subsequently repaired sciatic nerves of two male Lewis rats. After four months of postoperative nerve regeneration through the MSEs\u27 transit zones, the efficacy of acute HFAC block was tested for both configurations. Frequencies ranging from 10 kHz to 42 kHz, and stimulus amplitudes with peak-to-peak voltages ranging from 2 V to 20 V were tested. Evoked muscle force measurement was used to quantify the nerve conduction block. Results HFAC stimulation delivered via DMSE assemblies obtained a complete block at frequencies of 14 to 26 kHz and stimulus amplitudes of 12 to 20 V p-p. The threshold voltage for the complete block showed an approximately linear dependence on frequency. The threshold voltage for the partial conduction block was also approximately linear. For those frequencies that displayed both partial and complete block, the partial block thresholds were consistently lower. Conclusion This study provides a proof of concept that regenerative MSEs can achieve complete and reversible conduction block via HFAC stimulation of regenerated nerve tissue. A chronically interfaced DMSE assembly may thereby facilitate the inactivation of targeted nerves in cases wherein pathologic neuronal hyperactivity is involved

Nonlinear variations in axisymmetric accretion

We subject the stationary solutions of inviscid and axially symmetric rotational accretion to a time-dependent radial perturbation, which includes nonlinearity to any arbitrary order. Regardless of the order of nonlinearity, the equation of the perturbation bears a form that is similar to the metric equation of an analogue acoustic black hole. We bring out the time dependence of the perturbation in the form of a Li\'enard system, by requiring the perturbation to be a standing wave under the second order of nonlinearity. We perform a dynamical systems analysis of the Li\'enard system to reveal a saddle point in real time, whose implication is that instabilities will develop in the accreting system when the perturbation is extended into the nonlinear regime. We also model the perturbation as a high-frequency travelling wave, and carry out a Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin analysis, treating nonlinearity iteratively as a very feeble effect. Under this approach both the amplitude and the energy flux of the perturbation exhibit growth, with the acoustic horizon segregating the regions of stability and instability.Comment: 15 pages, ReVTeX. Substantially revised with respect to the previous version. One figure and a new section on travelling waves (Sec. VI) have been added. The bibliography has been revised. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1207.107

Feeding India’s babies: Insights on trends and patterns from the National Family Health Surveys, 2015-16 to 2019-21

Early life nutrition sets the stage for the health, nutrition, and development of young children. Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices begin with timely initiation of breastfeeding, followed by exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding. This Data Note provides an overview of trends and patterns in IYCF practices in India at the national-, state-, and district levels based on the 2015-16 and 2019-21 National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) data. IYCF indicators were created following World Health Organization and UNICEF’s 2021 guidelines.Non-PRIFPRI1; POSHAN; 2 Promoting Healthy Diets and Nutrition for all; CRP4Nutrition, Diets, and Health (NDH); Food and Nutrition Policy; SAR; A4NHCGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH

Inflation expectations of households: do they influence wage-price dynamics in India?

This paper examines the usefulness of survey-based measures of inflation expectations to predict inflation using hybrid versions of New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC). While both 3 months ahead and 1-year ahead inflation expectations of households emerge statistically significant in explaining and predicting inflation in India, effectively they work as substitutes of backward looking expectations given that household expectations are found to be largely adaptive. Unlike in other countries, this paper does not find much evidence on flattening of the Phillips curve. Also, no robust evidence is found on expectations induced wage pressures influen-cing CPI inflation

State nutrition profile: Madhya Pradesh

This Data Note describes the trends for a set of key nutrition and health outcomes, determinants, and coverage of interventions. The findings are based on estimates using unit-level data, data from national and state reports from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-3 (2005-2006) and NFHS-4 (2015-2016), and data from state factsheets and reports from NFHS-5 (2019-2021). In addition to standard prevalence-based analyses, this Data Note includes headcount-based analyses aligned to the POSHAN Abhiyaan monitoring framework to provide evidence that helps identify priority districts and number of districts in the state with public health concern as per the WHO guidelines. The Data Note includes a color-coded dashboard to compare the coverage of nutrition interventions across all the districts in the state. It concludes with key takeaways for children, women, and men, and identifies areas where the state has potential to improve.Non-PRIFPRI1; POSHAN; 2 Promoting Healthy Diets and Nutrition for all; DCAPHND; SA

State nutrition profile: Delhi

This Data Note describes the trends for a set of key nutrition and health outcomes, determinants, and coverage of interventions. The findings are based on estimates using unit-level data, data from national and state reports from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-3 (2005-2006) and NFHS-4 (2015-2016), and data from state factsheets and reports from NFHS-5 (2019-2021). In addition to standard prevalence-based analyses, this Data Note includes headcount-based analyses aligned to the POSHAN Abhiyaan monitoring framework to provide evidence that helps identify priority districts and number of districts in the state with public health concern as per the WHO guidelines. The Data Note includes a color-coded dashboard to compare the coverage of nutrition interventions across all the districts in the state. It concludes with key takeaways for children, women, and men, and identifies areas where the state has potential to improve.Non-PRIFPRI1; POSHAN; 2 Promoting Healthy Diets and Nutrition for all; DCAPHND; SA