Deep superconducting magnetic traps for neutral atoms and molecules

The design, construction and testing of deep superconducting magnetic traps for neutral atoms and molecules were studied. The support structure was designed to be simple in order to avoid unforeseen stress concentrations which led to catastrophic mechanical failure. Optical access to the trapping region along the axial direction was provided by the 76.5 mm bore of the magnet. The results show that the magnet temperatures much below 4.2 K necessitate the use of a different material for the support structure in the applications which required the magnet to be run at low currents

Apathy and depressive mood in nursing home patients with early-onset dementia.

Item does not contain fulltextThe study explored whether apathy and depressive mood symptoms (DMS) are related to cognitive and functional features of dementia in 63 nursing home (NH) residents with early-onset dementia (EOD). All EOD residents from one NH (n = 41) and a random sample from another NH were assessed for depressive symptoms (Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS]), apathy (Neuropsychiatric Inventory [NPI]), global cognitive functions (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]), activities of daily living (ADL, Minimum Data Set-Resident Assessment Instrument [MDS-RAI]), and overall dementia severity (Global Deterioration Scale [GDS]). DMS were not associated with apathy and dementia severity. Regression analyses adjusted for age, gender, the type of dementia, and DMS revealed that dementia severity measures accounted, respectively, for 14% (ADL), 13% (GDS), and 9% (MMSE) of the variance in apathy. In line with previous research in older patients, the higher apathy scores were associated with more cognitive and functional problems in EOD

Antimicrobial titanium/silver PVD coatings on titanium

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Biofilm formation and deep infection of endoprostheses is a recurrent complication in implant surgery. Post-operative infections may be overcome by adjusting antimicrobial properties of the implant surface prior to implantation. In this work we described the development of an antimicrobial titanium/silver hard coating via the physical vapor deposition (PVD) process.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Coatings with a thickness of approximately 2 μm were deposited on titanium surfaces by simultaneous vaporisation of both metals in an inert argon atmosphere with a silver content of approximately 0.7 – 9% as indicated by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. On these surfaces microorganisms and eukaryotic culture cells were grown.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The coatings released sufficient silver ions (0.5–2.3 ppb) when immersed in PBS and showed significant antimicrobial potency against <it>Staphylococcus epidermis </it>and <it>Klebsiella pneumoniae </it>strains. At the same time, no cytotoxic effects of the coatings on osteoblast and epithelial cells were found.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Due to similar mechanical performance when compared to pure titanium, the TiAg coatings should be suitable to provide antimicrobial activity on load-bearing implant surfaces.</p

Quantitative comparison of different iron forms in the temporal cortex of Alzheimer patients and control subjects

Quantum Matter and Optic