Phase separation in La0.5_{0.5}Ca0.5_{0.5}MnO3_3 doped with 1% 119^{119}Sn detected by M\"ossbauer spectroscopy

1% $^{119}$Sn-doped La$_{0.5}$Ca$_{0.5}$MnO$_3$ was studied by M\"ossbauer spectroscopy, magnetic moment and resistivity measurements. The M\"ossbauer spectra below the charge-ordering temperature are explained with ferromagnetic (FM), antiferromagnetic (AF), and ferromagnetic spin cluster (CL) components. The magnetic and thermal hystereses of the relative intensities of the components observed in the M\"ossbauer spectra, and of the bulk properties such as magnetic moment and electrical resistivity, in the temperature range 125-185 K, are characteristic of phase equilibrium in a first-order transition, i.e. of phase separation in the system below the charge-ordering (CO) transition. The cluster component displays a significant hyperfine field up to $\sim 125$ K. Above this temperature it exhibits superparamagnetism, becoming the dominant component above the charge-ordering transition. These results are discussed in the framework of recent investigations of the manganite system with other techniques which also show phase separation.Comment: Accepted in Phys. Rev.

Sensitivity analysis of the probabilistic damage stability regulations for RoPax vessels

In the light of the newly developed harmonised probabilistic damage stability regulations, set to come into force in 2009, this article presents a systematic and thorough analysis of the sensitivity of the Attained Subdivision Index with reference to a wide range of related design parameters. The sensitivity of the probabilistic regulations was investigated for a typical large RoPax vessel, with variation of parameters, such as the number, positioning and local optimisation of transverse bulkheads; the presence and position of longitudinal bulkheads below the main vehicle deck; the presence of side casings; and the height of the main deck and double bottom. The effects of water on deck and of operational parameters (draught, centre of gravity and trim) were also investigated. The results of the study, presented in graphical form, can provide valuable assistance to the designer when determining subdivision characteristics at the very early stage of the design process, resulting in optimal, efficient and safe ships

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Lesioning of the Suprascapular Nerve for the Management of Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Case Series

Purpose: The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the analgesic effects of continuous radiofrequency lesioning of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) for chronic shoulder pain. The authors sought to obtain insight into the time-sensitive analgesic success and complications of this therapy. Patients and methods: This study was a retrospective case series involving patients with unremitting shoulder pain that had lasted for at least 12 months. Patients were selected if they showed a reduction of at least 50% in pain intensity during the anesthetic phase after SSN block, no additional motor weakness of the shoulder, and pain relief lasting for less than 2 months after separate treatments of the SSN with depot corticosteroids and pulsed radiofrequency. Nine patients were referred to the Arnold Pain Management Center. Of these nine patients, six patients who had significant chronic shoulder pain unresponsive to oral medications and intra-articular injections and who were not considered surgical candidates were selected. These patients were treated with a single radiofrequency lesion of the SSN at 80$^\circ$C for 60 seconds. The primary outcome was a reduction in pain intensity by 50%, as determined by the numeric rating scale, and duration of this effect. The secondary outcome was improvement in either the passive or the active range of motion (ROM). Patients were also monitored for adverse effects such as weakness or increased pain. Results: The pooled mean numeric rating scale score before the procedure was 7.2 $\pm$ 1.2; this fell to 3.0 $\pm$ 0.9 at 5–7 weeks post procedure. The duration of pain relief ranged from 3 to 18 months, and all patients underwent at least one additional treatment. The change in baseline ROM improved from an average of 60$^\circ$ $\pm$ 28$^\circ$ (flexion) and 58$^\circ$ $\pm$ 28$^\circ$ (abduction) to 99$^\circ$ $\pm$ 46$^\circ$ (flexion) and 107$^\circ$ $\pm$ 39$^\circ$ (abduction). No adverse side effects were observed. Conclusion: Continuous radiofrequency lesioning of the SSN seems to be an effective treatment for chronic shoulder pain. There can be improved ROM of the shoulder following this treatment. More formal, controlled studies are required to confirm these observations

{\it Ab initio} calculations of magnetic structure and lattice dynamics of Fe/Pt multilayers

The magnetization distribution, its energetic characterization by the interlayer coupling constants and lattice dynamics of (001)-oriented Fe/Pt multilayers are investigated using density functional theory combined with the direct method to determine phonon frequencies. It is found that ferromagnetic order between consecutive Fe layers is favoured, with the enhanced magnetic moments at the interface. The bilinear and biquadratic coupling coefficients between Fe layers are shown to saturate fast with increasing thickness of nonmagnetic Pt layers which separate them. The phonon calculations demonstrate a rather strong dependence of partial iron phonon densities of states on the actual position of Fe monolayer in the multilayer structure.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figure

Incorporating macadamia oil and butter to reduce dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake

Aim: Claims have been made that the level of omega-6 fats in the diet is too high and that this cannot be reduced without increasing the saturated fat intake. The aim of this study was to design a diet within the framework of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) which would supply <2% energy (% E) from the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), linoleic acid, compared with the 4-5% E in the current Australian diet. Methods: Separate seven-day diet plans were designed using FoodWorks (version 2009) for males (10000kJ)/day) and females (8000kJ/day). The reduction in dietary omega-6 PUFA content was achieved by replacing standard plant-based oils and spreads used in cooking and baking (canola and sunflower oils) with macadamia oil and butter, and restricting the intake of some processed foods. All diets complied with the AGHE. Results: We successfully designed diets which complied with the AGHE and which had a linoleic acid (LA) content of 1.80% E and 1.75% E in females and males, respectively. In both cases, the omega-6:omega-3 ratio was reduced to 5.1:1, compared with ∼12:1 in the typical Australian diet, and the saturated fat content was <10% E. Conclusion: These results suggest that reducing the LA content of the diet can be readily achieved within the boundaries set by the AGHE, without an increase in saturated fat intake. © 2013 The Authors Nutrition & Dietetics © 2013 Dietitians Association of Australia.Katie E. Wood, Evangeline Mantzioris, Robert A. Gibson and Beverly S. Muhlhausle

Hyperthermia Suppresses Post - In Vitro Proliferation and Tumor Growth in Murine Malignant Melanoma and Colon Carcinoma

Background: Several studies have highlighted hyperthermia’s ability to enhance the effectiveness of radiation and chemotherapy in various in vitro and in vivo cancer models. Materials and Methods: In vivo murine models of malignant melanoma and colon carcinoma were utilized for demonstrating hyperthermia’s therapeutic effectiveness by examining levels of caspase 3, COX-2 and phospho-H2A.X (Ser139) as endpoints of apoptosis, proliferation and DNA damage respectively. Results: Hyperthermia induced in vitro cytotoxicity in malignant melanoma (B16-F10) and colon carcinoma (CT26) cell lines. In addition, it reduced post-in vitro proliferation and suppression of tumor growth by inducing the expression of caspase-3 and phospho-H2A.X (Ser139) while reducing the expression of COX-2 in both murine cancer models. Conclusion: Hyperthermia can exert therapeutic effectiveness against melanoma and colon carcinoma by inhibiting a number of critical cellular cascades including apoptosis, proliferation and DNA damage

National strategic framework for research & innovation. 2014-2020

SAFE Professor Michalis Haliassos was a member of the National Council for Research and Technology (ESET) established by the Government of Greece for the period 2010-2013. The council, consisting of eleven scientists from a range of disciplines, has now published their communiqué "National Strategic Framework for Research and Innovation 2014-2020". To promote the advancement of research, technology and innovation in Greece, the strategic plan proposed by the authors seeks to identify areas of existing research strength and excellence that can be further advanced to become engines for progress and growth in Greece, as well as flaws inherent to the present system. The authors stress the need to address current constraints to growth, which include the declining education system; the confusion and weaknesses of R&D governance and management; the discontinuities and inefficiencies of resource allocation and investment; the lack of adaptation to clearly-defined national priorities; and the inadequate opportunities and funding for high-quality research and development to flourish. They stress the need for prioritisation and efficient allocation; stability of the policy frame; predictability of planning; provision of opportunity; recognition of excellence; and responsiveness to current and future needs

Detailed analysis of allergic cutaneous reactions to spinal cord stimulator devices

The use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices to treat chronic, refractory neuropathic pain continues to expand in application. While device-related complications have been well described, inflammatory reactions to the components of these devices remain underreported. In contrast, hypersensitivity reactions associated with other implanted therapies, such as endovascular and cardiac rhythm devices, have been detailed. The purpose of this case series is to describe the clinical presentation and course of inflammatory reactions as well as the histology of these reactions. All patients required removal of the entire device after developing inflammatory reactions over a time course of 1–3 months. Two patients developed a foreign body reaction in the lead insertion wound as well as at the implantable pulse generator site, with histology positive for giant cells. One patient developed an inflammatory dermatitis on the flank and abdomen that resolved with topical hydrocortisone. “In vivo” testing with a lead extension fragment placed in the buttock resulted in a negative reaction followed by successful reimplantation of an SCS device. Inflammatory reactions to SCS devices can manifest as contact dermatitis, granuloma formation, or foreign body reactions with giant cell formation. Tissue diagnosis is essential, and is helpful to differentiate an inflammatory reaction from infection. The role of skin patch testing for 96 hours may not be suited to detect inflammatory giant cell reactions that manifest several weeks post implantation