Valence Orbitals Driving the Spin Dynamics in a Rare-Earth Single-Atom Magnet.

We combine spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy with quantum master equation analysis to investigate the spin dynamics of the single atom magnet Dy on graphene/Ir(111). By performing reading and writing experiments, we show that the strongly spin polarized 5d6s valence shells, as well as their intra-atomic exchange coupling to the 4f shell, determine the pathways for magnetization relaxation and thus the spin dynamics. The good quantum number that determines which states are stable and which mechanisms for reversal exist in a given crystal field is the atomic total angular momentum J_{z}^{tot} and not the commonly considered J_{z}^{4f} of the 4f shell only.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation of Dy Adatoms with In-Plane Magnetic Anisotropy on a Two-Dimensional Electron Gas.

We report on the magnetic properties of Dy atoms adsorbed on the (001) surface of SrTiO. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism reveals slow relaxation of the Dy magnetization on a time scale of about 800 s at 2.5 K, unusually associated with an easy-plane magnetic anisotropy.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in prostate cancer: a single centre experience in patients with low, intermediate or high-risk of progression.

Objective: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive treatment based on thermal ablation of tissues which are warmed up to 85 degrees C in the focal area. Clinical studies have shown such treatment modality to be safe and effective in the management of localised prostate cancer as well as of local recurrences after radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy.

Material And Methods: From May 2002 to June 2010, 171 patients with no previous treatment for prostate cancer, aged 44 to 86 years (mean 74.

A 1-year maintenance after early adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy has a limited efficacy in preventing recurrence of intermediate risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 1-year maintenance after a 6-week cycle of early intravesical chemotherapy, as the role of maintenance in intravesical chemotherapy is debated.

Patients And Methods: Between May 2002 and August 2003, 577 patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMI-BC) underwent transurethral resection (TUR) and early intravesical chemotherapy (epirubicin, 80 mg/50 mL). They were randomized between a 6-week induction cycle and the induction cycle plus maintenance with 10 monthly instillations.

Antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal prostatic biopsy: a prospective study of ciprofloxacin vs piperacillin/tazobactam.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of short-term parenteral prophylaxis with piperacillin/tazobactam (P/T) with long-term oral prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin in preventing infective complications after transrectal prostatic biopsy (TPB).

Patients And Methods: Patients scheduled for TPB were randomized to receive P/T (2250 mg intramuscular) twice daily for 2 days (Group 1), or ciprofloxacin (500 mg orally) twice daily for 7 days (Group 2), beginning on the evening before the procedure in both groups. All patients received a 100-mL phosphate enema 3 h before TPB.

Tunica albuginea plication for the correction of penile curvature.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of tunica albuginea plication (TAP) in the correction of congenital and acquired penile curvatures and determine key points for a successful outcome of this procedure.

Materials And Methods: From December 1995 to January 2001, 40 patients with penile curvature (10 congenital and 30 secondary to Peyronie's disease) underwent surgical correction by TAP. Indications were difficult or impossible penetration, normal erectile function, stable disease.

[Role of dynamic penile color Doppler echography in the evaluation of the patient with La Peyronie's disease].

From March 1995 to February 1996, sixteen consecutive patients with Peyronie's Disease (PD) were routinely submitted to penile dynamic colour-coded doppler ultrasonography (CCDU). The test yielded normal results in 6 patients who had no erectile problems and in other 4 patients who conversely complained of reduced erectile function. In the other 6 patients who complained of reduced erectile function, the test pointed out pure arteriogenic failure in 1 case, pure venogenic failure in 4, and mixed arteriogenic and venogenic failure in 1.

[Transrectal echography of the prostate in the long-term follow-up of prostatic carcinoma in advanced stage].

In the last eight years, 60 patients with carcinoma of the prostate in an advanced stage underwent transrectal ultrasound examinations of the prostate both before and after treatment with LHRH analogues, alone or associated with antiandrogens. Mean follow-up was 30 months (9-96 months) and mean survival 33 months (9-81). In all patients, the volume and echogeneicity of the prostate were assessed before treatment and once every three months thereafter.

[Transrectal echography in the evaluation of the effects of endocavitary laser therapy in patients with bacterial prostatitis].

104 patients with acute bacterial prostatitis were randomized to an antibiotic therapy group (group I) and an antibiotic plus laser therapy group (group II). Laser therapy was applied ever other day through a trans-rectally inserted fiberoptic probe. Resolution of the symptoms occurred in 87% of the patients in group I and 92% in group II (p < 0.