1,162 research outputs found
Nanosized patterns as reference structures for macroscopic transport properties and vortex phases in YBCO films
This paper studies the striking correlation between nanosized structural
patterns in YBCO films and macroscopic transport current. A nanosized network
of parallel Josephson junctions laced by insulating dislocations is almost
mimicking the grain boundary structural network. It contributes to the
macroscopic properties and accounts for the strong intergranular pinning across
the film in the intermediate temperature range. The correlation between the two
networks enables to find out an outstanding scaling law in the (Jc,B) plane and
to determine meaningful parameters concerning the matching between the vortex
lattice and the intergranular defect lattice. Two asymptotic behaviors of the
pinning force below the flux flow regime are checked: the corresponding vortex
phases are clearly individuated.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
A new apparatus for deep patterning of beam sensitive targets by means of high-energy ion beam
The paper reports on a high precision equipment designed to modify over
3-dimensions (3D) by means of high-energy gold ions the local properties of
thin and thick films. A target-moving system aimed at creating patterns across
the volume is driven by an x-y writing protocol that allows one to modify beam
sensitive samples over micrometer-size regions of whatever shape. The apparatus
has a mechanical resolution of 15 nm. The issue of the local fluence
measurement has been particularly addressed. The setup has been checked by
means of different geometries patterned on beam sensitive sheets as well as on
superconducting materials. In the last case the 3D modification consists of
amorphous nanostructures. The nanostructures create zones with different
dissipative properties with respect to the virgin regions. The main analysis
method consists of magneto-optical imaging that provides local information on
the electrodynamics of the modified zones. Features typical of non-linear
current flow hint at which pattern geometry is more functional to applications
in the framework of nanostructures across superconducting films.Comment: 7 page
Health-related quality of life and functional changes in DMD:A 12-month longitudinal cohort study
Family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) live stressful lives in which they spend most of their time caring for their loved ones and managing difficult situations, thereby reducing the time spent in taking care of themselves. This situation may last several years. Previous literature has widely highlighted that this situation reduces caregivers' quality of life and increases their psychological distress and risk of health problems, but there is a lack of studies that focus on psychological interventions for these situations. This qualitative study examined a pilot experience of two mutual support groups for family caregivers of people with ALS. The aim was to identify caregivers' needs, the prominent aspects of their experience, and to understand whether and how this intervention strategy might help them. Six partners (four men and two women) and six adult children (five women and one man) participated in the groups, which were conducted in northern Italy. After the support groups finished, participants underwent semi-structured interviews. The authors conducted a content analysis of the transcripts of the interviews and the 20 group sessions. The thematic areas identified were "caregiving," "being the son/daughter of a person with ALS," "being the partner of a person with ALS," "group experience" and "group evaluation." The caregiving experience was profoundly different depending on whether the caregiver was a son/daughter or a partner of a patient with ALS. Moreover, comparison with peers and mutual support helped participants to better cope with ALS and its consequences, to improve their care for their relatives and to overcome typical caregiver isolation. These results suggest the usefulness of involving communities in caregiver support in order to create new networks and activate personal and social resources for well-being
Validation of a score tool for measurement of histological severity in juvenile dermatomyositis and association with clinical severity of disease.
OBJECTIVES: To study muscle biopsy tissue from patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in order to test the reliability of a score tool designed to quantify the severity of histological abnormalities when applied to biceps humeri in addition to quadriceps femoris. Additionally, to evaluate whether elements of the tool correlate with clinical measures of disease severity. METHODS: 55 patients with JDM with muscle biopsy tissue and clinical data available were included. Biopsy samples (33 quadriceps, 22 biceps) were prepared and stained using standardised protocols. A Latin square design was used by the International Juvenile Dermatomyositis Biopsy Consensus Group to score cases using our previously published score tool. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and scorer agreement (α) by assessing variation in scorers' ratings. Scores from the most reliable tool items correlated with clinical measures of disease activity at the time of biopsy. RESULTS: Inter- and intraobserver agreement was good or high for many tool items, including overall assessment of severity using a Visual Analogue Scale. The tool functioned equally well on biceps and quadriceps samples. A modified tool using the most reliable score items showed good correlation with measures of disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: The JDM biopsy score tool has high inter- and intraobserver agreement and can be used on both biceps and quadriceps muscle tissue. Importantly, the modified tool correlates well with clinical measures of disease activity. We propose that standardised assessment of muscle biopsy tissue should be considered in diagnostic investigation and clinical trials in JDM
Nanostructuring of high-TC superconductors into micro-sized zones
A special apparatus was designed in order to âwriteâ, with nanometric resolution, microsizeâconfined nanostructures in oxide samples. The nanostructures are produced by high energy heavy ion irradiation that allows nanostructuring the sample over its full thickness. The properties of the nanostructured areas can be further modulated by choosing the proper energy and fluence of the incoming ion beam. We present this setâup and different kinds of nanostructured patterns created on high temperature superconducting films. We used the magnetoâoptical analysis to directly show the effect of the confined nanostructures on the micron scale. The confined nanostructured area, embedded in the virgin matrix, is demonstrated to be a fruitful element for designing a new class of devices
Autologous tooth graft after endodontical treated used for socket preservation: A multicenter clinical study.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the tooth extracted use as autologous tooth graft after endodontic root canal therapies used for socket preservation. To this purpose, the Tooth Transformer shredding and decontamination machine has been used. The graft obtained in this way, was inserted at the time of the extraction or at a second surgery altogether with the chosen regenerative therapy. This clinical trial enrolled patients with post-estractive defects requiring the restoration bone dimension and shape in the maxillary and mandibular zone. In addition, 98 patients with 119 extraction sockets were enrolled across 10 standardized centers. An innovative preparation method, using the dedicated automated device Tooth Transformer, able to transform autologous teeth in suitable grafting material, has been used. The extracted tooth was cleaned and treated using a Tooth Transformer and made a socket preservation. Thirteen Biopsies were realized to analyze the histologic outcomes at the average time of four months to demonstrate that the autologous tooth graft made from root after endodontic therapy should be used in human bone regeneration as graft for dental implant placement
New data on OZI rule violation in bar{p}p annihilation at rest
The results of a measurement of the ratio R = Y(phi pi+ pi-) / Y(omega pi+
pi-) for antiproton annihilation at rest in a gaseous and in a liquid hydrogen
target are presented. It was found that the value of this ratio increases with
the decreasing of the dipion mass, which demonstrates the difference in the phi
and omega production mechanisms. An indication on the momentum transfer
dependence of the apparent OZI rule violation for phi production from the 3S1
initial state was found.Comment: 11 pages, 3 PostScript figures, submitted to Physics Letter
Measurements of the reaction of antiproton annihilation at rest at three hydrogen target densities
The proton-antiproton annihilation at rest into the final state
was measured for three different target densities: liquid hydrogen, gaseous
hydrogen at NTP and at a low pressure of 5 mbar. The yield of this reaction in
the liquid hydrogen target is smaller than in the low-pressure gas target. The
branching ratios of the channel were calculated on the basis of
simultaneous analysis of the three data samples. The branching ratio for
annihilation into from the protonium state turns out to be
about ten times smaller as compared to the one from the state.Comment: 10 pages, 3 Postscript figures. Accepted by Physics Letters
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