NMR and μ+\mu^{+}SR detection of unconventional spin dynamics in Er(trensal) and Dy(trensal) molecular magnets

Measurements of proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectra and relaxation and of Muon Spin Relaxation ($\mu^{+}$SR) have been performed as a function of temperature and external magnetic field on two isostructural lanthanide complexes, Er(trensal) and Dy(trensal) featuring crystallographically imposed trigonal symmetry. Both the nuclear 1/T1 and muon $\lambda$ longitudinal relaxation rates, LRR, exhibit a peak for temperatures T lower than 30K, associated to the slowing down of the spin dynamics, and the width of the NMR absorption spectra starts to increase significantly at T ca. 50K, a temperature sizably higher than the one of the LRR peaks. The LRR peaks have a field and temperature dependence different from those previously reported for all Molecular Nanomagnets. They do not follow the Bloembergen-Purcell-Pound scaling of the amplitude and position in temperature and field and thus cannot be explained in terms of a single dominating correlation time $\tau$c determined by the spin slowing down at low temperature. Further, for T lower than 50K the spectral width does not follow the temperature behavior of the magnetic susceptibility chi. We suggest, using simple qualitative considerations, that the observed behavior is due to a combination of two different relaxation processes characterized by the correlation times $\tau$LT and $\tau$HT, dominating for T lower than 30K and T higher than 50K, respectively. Finally, the observed flattening of LRR for T lower than 5K is suggested to have a quantum origin

Magnetic Anisotropy Trends along a Full 4f-Series: The fn+7Effect

[Image: see text] The combined experimental and computational study of the 13 magnetic complexes belonging to the Na[LnDOTA(H(2)O)] (H(4)DOTA = tetraazacyclododecane-N,N′,N″,N‴-tetraacetic acid and Ln = Ce–Yb) family allowed us to identify a new trend: the orientation of the magnetic anisotropy tensors of derivatives differing by seven f electrons practically coincide. We name this trend the f(n+7) effect. Experiments and theory fully agree on the match between the magnetic reference frames (e.g., the easy, intermediate, and hard direction). The shape of the magnetic anisotropy of some couples of ions differing by seven f electrons might seem instead different at first look, but our analysis explains a hidden similarity. We thus pave the way toward a reliable predictivity of the magnetic anisotropy of lanthanide complexes with a consequent reduced need of computational and synthetical efforts. We also offer a way to gain information on ions with a relatively small total angular momentum (i.e., Sm(3+) and Eu(3+)) and on the radioactive Pm(3+), which are difficult to investigate experimentally

Long-term survival of patients with critical limb ischemia treated with iloprost: response rate and predictive criteria. A retrospective analysis of 102 patients

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients have poor long-term prognosis. We showed that iloprost improves outcomes (major amputation and survival) up a 5-year follow-up, but it is not known if in this length of time the survival curves, of clinical responders and non-responders, differ

Perceived importance of components of asynchronous music in circuit training

This study examined regular exercisers’ perceptions of specific components of music during circuit training. Twenty-four men (38.8 years, s = 11.8 years) and 31 women (32.4 years, s = 9.6 years) completed two questionnaires immediately after a circuit training class. Participants rated the importance of 13 components of music (rhythm, melody, etc.) in relation to exercise enjoyment, and each completed the Affect Intensity Measure (Larsen, 1984) to measure emotional reactivity. Independent t tests were used to evaluate gender differences in perceptions of musical importance. Pearson correlations were computed to evaluate the relationships between affect intensity, age and importance of musical components. Consistent with previous research and theoretical predictions, rhythm response components (rhythm, tempo, beat) were rated as most important. Women rated the importance of melody significantly higher than did men, while men gave more importance to music associated with sport. Affect intensity was found to be positively and significantly related to the perceived importance of melody, lyrical content, musical style, personal associations and emotional content. Results suggest that exercise leaders need to be sensitive to personal factors when choosing music to accompany exercise. Qualitative research that focuses on the personal meaning of music is encouraged

Redesign and initial validation of an instrument to assess the motivational qualities of music in exercise: The Brunel Music Rating Inventory-2

In the present study, a measure to assess the motivational qualities of music in exercise was redesigned, extending previous research efforts (Karageorghis et al., 1999). The original measure, the Brunel Music Rating Inventory (BMRI), had shown limitations in its factor structure and its applicability to non-experts in music selection. Redesign of the BMRI used in-depth interviews with eight participants (mean age 31.9 years, s¼8.9 years) to establish the initial item pool, which was examined using a series of confirmatory factor analyses. A single-factor model provided a good fit across three musical selections with different motivational qualities (comparative fit index, CFI: 0.95 – 0.98; standardized root mean residual, SRMR: 0.03 – 0.05). The single-factor model also demonstrated acceptable fit across two independent samples and both sexes using one piece of music (CFI: 0.86 – 1.00; SRMR: 0.04 – 0.07). The BMRI was designed for experts in selecting music for exercise (e.g. dance aerobic instructors), whereas the BMRI-2 can be used both by exercise instructors and participants. The psychometric properties of the BMRI-2 are stronger than those of the BMRI and it is easier to use. The BMRI-2 provides a valid and internally consistent tool by which music can be selected to accompany a bout of exercise or a training session. Furthermore, the BMRI-2 enables researchers to standardize music in experimental protocols involving exercise-related tasks

Electronic Structure and Magnetic Anisotropy in Single-Ion Magnets with C3 Symmetry: The Ln(trenovan) Series

International audienc

Use of Digital Devices to Assess Vaccine Hesitancy and Promote Pertussis Vaccination Among Pregnant Women

The pertussis vaccination in pregnancy represents the main preventive strategy against this disease in the first trimester of life. The purpose of the study is to develop an e-health tool for assessing vaccination attitudes and to evaluate three types of communication for pregnant women, providing efficient information for their vaccination choice. One-hundred-and-five participants were assessed using a psychometric questionnaire implemented on a tablet and subsequently, they were exposed to different communication formats based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). The participants in each group receive the same information contents on vaccination and pertussis in a different format (two provided by digital devices and one by leaflet). The difference between the post-intervention scores on vaccination intention showed that a video containing an expert-patient conversation was equivalent to the information provided by a collaborator delivering the leaflet and these two formats were significantly more efficient compared to the information provided through interactive infographics. These results demonstrate the importance of interpersonal exchange as a key factor also in the e-health tool to provide persuasive health information

RISCHIO DI TRASMISSIONE DI KPC-PRODUCING KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE IN ENDOSCOPIA DIGESTIVA

Introduzione L’endoscopia digestiva, in particolare l’uso dei duodenoscopi nella colangiopancreatografia retrograda endoscopica (ERCP), è stata recentemente associata a cluster di infezioni/colonizzazioni da Enterobatteri Resistenti ai Carbapenemi (CRE), con aumento della morbosità e mortalità per i pazienti esposti. Metodi A seguito della segnalazione di due casi di batteriemia da Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC-producing temporalmente riconducibili all’effettuazione di ERCP all’interno di un ospedale di alta specializzazione, al fine di evidenziare criticità nel reprocessing degli endoscopi sia di ordine ambientale-strutturale che strettamente operativo, sono stati applicati gli strumenti valutativi proposti nel documento dell’ARS Toscana “Il reprocessing in endoscopia digestiva: criticità e strumenti per la sicurezza del percorso”. Risultati L’indagine ha evidenziato alcune criticità nei percorsi pulito-sporco degli strumenti, nell’inadeguatezza delle procedure di detersione manuale, oltre a carenze strutturali all’interno di uno dei locali di reprocessing. Non conformità all’analisi microbiologica, riconducibili a cariche microbiche superiori ai limiti e alla presenza di indicatori microbici (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, ecc), sono derivate dal mancato ottenimento della disinfezione di alto livello degli endoscopi trattati con alcune coppie macchina/prodotto. In particolare, Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC-producing è stata isolata nel liquido di lavaggio dei canali interni di due duodenoscopi. Conclusioni In situazioni endemo-epidemiche per K. pneumoniae KPC-producing è fondamentale un’analisi proattiva del rischio infettivo derivante dalla non corretta applicazione della procedura di reprocessing degli endoscopi. La disinfezione di alto livello può non essere in grado di raggiungere livelli elevati di sicurezza, laddove la detersione manuale non sia stata adeguatamente condotta