Search

Hard magnetic MnBi films were obtained by appropriate heat treatments of pulsed laser deposited (PLD) (Bi/Mn) films. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated a slight texture of MnBi crystallites and magnetometry measurements showed a slight preferential growth of the crystallites with their c-axis perpendicular to the film plane. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) measurements displayed the presence of magnetic domains, whose size was in the micrometer range, and which were correlated to the MnBi grains observed in the sample. The addition of extra Mn layers did not modify significantly the previous structural and magnetic results. Nevertheless, the size of the magnetic domains increased to a few microns. However, on adding extra Bi layers, upon annealing, the MnBi grains grew with their c-axes perpendicular to the film plane. A perpendicular to the film magnetic anisotropy was deduced from the hysteresis loops, where an increase in the remanence of the magnetization was measured when the magnetic field was applied perpendicular to the film plane. In these samples, by measuring the magnetic domain configuration of the samples by MFM, we observed that the size of the magnetic domains exceeded the dimensions of the grains. This change in the magnetic structure of the films was assumed to be due to the coupling of the magnetization in the neighboring grains, and it was responsible for the decrease of the coercivity in the Bi rich samples. The authors acknowledge the partial finantial support from Universidad Publica de Navarra and from Gobierno de Espana. Open access funding by Universidad Publica de Navarra.

The magnetic and transport properties of pulsed laser-deposited Co100−x–Cux thin films were tailored through their nano-morphology and composition by controlling for the deposition geometry, namely normal or oblique deposition, and their Cu content. All films were composed of an amorphous Co matrix and a textured growth of Cu nanocrystals, whose presence and size d increased as x increased. For x = 50, all films were superparamagnetic, regardless of deposition geometry. The normally deposited films showed no in-plane magnetic anisotropy. On the contrary, controllable in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in both direction and magnitude was generated in the obliquely deposited films. The magnetic anisotropy field Hk remained constant for x = 0, 5 and 10, Hk ≈ 35 kAm−1, and decreased to 28 and 26 kAm−1 for x = 20 and 30, respectively. This anisotropy had a magnetostatic origin due to a tilted nano-sheet morphology. In the normally deposited films, the coercive field Hc increased when x increased, from 200 (x = 0) to 1100 Am−1 (x = 30). In contrast, in obliquely deposited films, Hc decreased from 1500 (x = 0) to 100 Am−1 (x = 30) as x increased. Activation energy spectra corresponding to structural relaxation phenomena in obliquely deposited films were obtained from transport property measurements. They revealed two peaks, which also depended on their nano-morphology and composition.

Charged magnetic domain walls have been visualized in soft magnetic nanostructured Fe thin films under both static and dynamic conditions. A transition in the core of these zigzagged magnetic walls from N&eacute, el-type to Bloch-type through the formation of crosstie walls has been observed. This transition in charged zigzagged walls was not previously shown experimentally in Fe thin films. For film thicknesses t &lt, 30 nm, N&eacute, el-type cores are present, while at t &asymp, 33 nm, walls with crosstie cores are observed. At t &gt, 60 nm, Bloch-type cores are observed. Along with the visualization of these critical parameters, the dependence on the film thickness of the characteristic angle and length of the segments of the zigzagged walls has been observed and analyzed. After measuring the bistable magneto-optical behavior, the values of the wall nucleation magnetic field and the surface roughness of the films, an energetic fit to these nucleation values is presented.

Background Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is common practice in critical care patients with acute renal failure. Objectives To evaluate the adequacy of antimicrobial doses calculated based on the total drug clearance and dose recommended by different guides in critically ill patients undergoing CRRT. Methods Retrospective observational study. Patients admitted to a critical care unit during May 2014 to May 2016 and subjected to CRRT were included. The recommended dose was established as the product of the usual dose of the drug by total drug clearance. Results 177 antimicrobial agents, used in 64 patients were analysed; 45 (25.4%) antimicrobials were given in an insufficient dose (

Este es un libro introductorio al electromagnetismo con los siguientes contenidos: electrostática y magnetostática en el vacío, campos dependientes del tiempo en el vacío (formulación maxwelliana básica), aspectos básicos sobre circuitos eléctricos en regímenes estacionarios y transitorios, propiedades electromagnéticas de los medios materiales, ondas electromagnéticas, óptica geométrica y óptica física., Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas

Este trabajo fue realizado en colaboración entre el Laboratório da Hidroquímica de la FURG (Brasil) y la Escola Politècnica Superior de Gandia (UPV). Las muestras analizadas fueron obtenidas junto a un cultivo de peces en la región costera de Sagunt (València). Estos trabajos son desenvueltos por la empresa Acuimed, que utiliza el método de jaulas flotantes en el mar. El objetivo de este trabajo es reunir y aplicar la metodología de análisis de metales trazo en el ambiente, en sedimentos, agua y organismos, para poder utilizarlo en la EPSG para futuros análisis de metales en esas matrices, además, de evaluar si las actividades de la piscifactoría pueden ser encuadradas como una acción contaminante en el ambiente con relación a los metales Fe, Mn, Zn e Cu. Para ello, muestras liofilizadas de sedimentos y organismos fueron transportadas a Brasil para determinación de los niveles de metales pesados, usando la técnica de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. Las muestras de organismos fueron obtenidas de dentro de las jaulas. Los peces analizados fueron Sparus aurata (Dorada) y Dicentrarchus labrax (Lubina) y los organismos filtradores fueron Mytilus galloprovincialis e Sagartia elegans. Además, se colectaron testimonios de sedimentos, hasta 11 cm de profundidad, debajo de las jaulas y en punto control. Fue comprobado a través del análisis de los niveles de Cu en los organismos que existe un aporte excesivo de este elemento. Pero, mediante los resultados obtenidos, no se puede ser enfático en afirmar la existencia de contaminación en el ambiente provocada por la acción del cultivo de peces.

Thin films of Co-Hf (≈ 86-14 % at.) were grown over Si micro-cantilevers using a glancing-angle deposition technique. A controlled easy direction of magnetisation (anisotropy field μoHk ≈ 0.1 T) in the longitudinal or in the transverse direction of the micro-cantilevers was generated. The mechanical properties of the films under the action of a magnetic field were opposite depending on the magnetisation’s easy direction: i) their deflection was either zero or the maximum value depending on the direction of the applied magnetic field with respect to the parallel or transverse easy direction of magnetisation; ii) the shift in the resonance frequency under a longitudinal or transverse magnetic field was also different depending on the longitudinal or transverse easy direction of magnetisation. The use of these coated devices with micromagnet-like films for sensors and transducers is discussed.

Background Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy(PML) is caused by JC virus (JCV) and has severe consequences for the central nervous system. PML is an opportunistic infection, affecting HIV positive patients. There is no curative treatment, and the current approach is focused on immune reconstitution and antiviral therapy. 1 Purpose This is a case report of two patients with PML associated with HIV infection treated with aldesleukin/interleukin-2 (IL-2). Material and methods We report two cases, both men, aged 48 years (patient A) and 57 years (patient B), HIV diagnosed in 1992 and 1993, who developed LMP opportunistic JCV infection. Antiretrovirals were the only therapy previously employed. Patient A developed progressive neurological impairment, slow psychic reactions and right upper limb strength loss. Symptoms in patient B were progressive cognitive impairment, memory loss, lack of coordination, dysarthria, strength loss and right facial paralysis. Both patients showed hypodensity of white matter in the semi-oval centre on cranial CT. Results IL-2 was administered intravenously to both patients at 0.5 MU/m²/day for 4 weeks. Patient-A: IL-2 treatment (from 8 February 2010 to 7 March 2010) was well tolerated, although a self-limited fever and eosinophilia were reported without clinical correlations. The patient showed improvements in image tests (disappearance of signal hyperintensity and cytotoxic oedema on CT and MRI) and clinical outcomes (improvement of neurological symptoms), although progressive spasticity and dysarthria were maintained. JCV load was undetectable in February 2011. Patient A was treated for 1 year with mefloquine 250 mg/24 hours with good tolerance and stabilisation of PML, but without resolution. The patient died in December 2012 following intraparenchymal cerebral haemorrhage. Patient-B: therapy with IL-2 and mirtazapine (from 8 September 2016 to 5 October 2016) was well tolerated, but the infusion was discontinued once by a fever episode. Cranial CT showed no significant changes. The patient´s neurological impairment, hemiparesis and dysarthria persisted, but a slight improvement was observed. JCV load declined from >100 million to 12 million copies/mL, HIV from 645 to 147 copies/mL and CD4 T lymphocytes increased. Conclusion IL-2 could be an effective and well tolerated therapy in LMP, without severe adverse events. Patient A showed improvements in neurological and image tests, and undetectable viral load, whereas the response in patient B was only partial, with a decline in JCV and HIV, but maintaining neurological deterioration. References and/or acknowledgements 1. Pavlovic D, et al. Ther Adv Neurol Disord2015;8:255–73. No conflict of interest

Background The preparation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is subject to a great deal of variability in clinical practice due to the complexity of TPN and the variety of professionals involved. Nutritional support is an important care activity in a pharmacy service. Purpose To evaluate the activity of a parenteral nutrition unit in a hospital pharmacy. Material and methods This was a retrospective study analysing TPN during 2015 in a pharmacy service of a tertiary hospital. Data were obtained from the pharmacy service’s nutritional database and the pharmacy service’s dashboard of activity and quality. Pharmaceutical care in adults patients is based on validating the indication to assess the patient’s nutritional status, calculating the nutritional requirements, developing a nutritional plan and deciding on the composition of the TNP. In paediatric patients, the clinical pharmacist´s functions with regard to TPN are to ensure the quality (stability and osmolarity) and safety of the solutions prepared. The formulations were prepared by the hospital pharmacy, in totally or from three compartment bags (commercial preparations), or prepared by an external service. Results During the study period, 1510 patients (698 adults, 812 children) were treated with TPN. 21 008 TPN were dispensed from the hospital pharmacy. In institutionalised patients, 16 576 TPN were dispensed (42% adults, 58% children); 4432 TPN were delivered to home patients (9% adults, 91% children). A total of 11 146 formulations were prepared in whole by the hospital pharmacy (37% adults, 63% children); 1197 TPN were commercial preparations (all in adults) and 8665 TPN were prepared by an external service (24% adults, 76% children). The prescribing units in adult TPN were: anaesthesia–intensive care medicine (40%); oncologic-haematologic patients (26%); surgery patients (26%); haemodialysis patients (2%); and other units (6%). In paediatric patients, the prescribing units were: neonatal–intensive care unit (71%); oncologic and haematologic patients (11%); surgery patients (11%); and other units (7%). Conclusion Most TPN (60%) were prepared by the hospital pharmacy and 40% of TPN were acquired through an external service. Most TPN were dispensed to paediatric patients (65%). They were mainly prepared for critically ill patients (46%). The department of pharmacy was involved in the management of TPN to support the clinical and therapeutic needs of the patient. No conflict of interest