Identifying magnetic phases in chemically ordered and disordered FeAl thin films.

Direct magnetic writing of ferromagnetic nanoscale elements provides an alternative pathway for potential application in data storage or spintronic devices. Magnetic patterning due to local chemical disordering of FeAl thin films results in adjacent nanoscale regions that possess two different phases, a low-magnetization and high-coercive chemically ordered phase (non-irradiated ferromagnetic area, NIFM) and a high-magnetization and low-coercive chemically disordered phase (irradiated ferromagnetic area, IMF). Depending on the volume of NIFM and IFM phases, different interaction mechanisms were revealed.

Acute pericardial postischemic inflammatory responses: Characterization using a preclinical porcine model.

Background: Pericardial fluid (PF) contains cells, proteins, and inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteinases. To date, we lack an adequate understanding of the inflammatory response that acute injury elicits in the pericardial space.

Objective: To characterize the inflammatory profile in the pericardial space acutely after ischemia/reperfusion.

Current concepts in the epigenetic regulation of cardiac fibrosis.

Cardiac fibrosis is a significant driver of congestive heart failure, a syndrome that continues to affect a growing patient population globally. Cardiac fibrosis results from a constellation of complex processes at the transcription, receptor, and signaling axes levels. Various mediators and signaling cascades, such as the transformation growth factor-beta pathway, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiac tissue fibrosis.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cardiac tissue fibrosis: On the precipice of personalized and precision medicine.

Cardiac fibrosis is a significant contributor to heart failure, a condition that continues to affect a growing number of patients worldwide. Various cardiovascular comorbidities can exacerbate cardiac fibrosis. While fibroblasts are believed to be the primary cell type underlying fibrosis, recent and emerging data suggest that other cell types can also potentiate or expedite fibrotic processes.

Simulating mitral repair: lessons learned.

Purpose Of Review: With the growing complexity of cardiac surgical cases, increased focus on patient safety, and minimally invasive techniques, simulation-based training has experienced a renaissance. This review highlights important elements of simulation-based training, focusing specifically on available simulators for mitral valve repair and the uses for simulation.

Recent Findings: Referring to simulators as being high or low fidelity is oversimplified.

Temporal Evaluation of the Surface Area of Treated Skin Ulcers Caused by Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and Relation with Optical Parameters in an Animal Model: A Proof of Concept.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease caused by an intracellular parasite of the genus. CL lacks tools that allow its understanding and treatment follow-up. This article presents the use of metrical and optical tools for the analysis of the temporal evolution of treated skin ulcers caused by CL in an animal model.

Tuning of the Titanium Oxide Surface to Control Magnetic Properties of Thin Iron Films.

We describe the magnetic properties of thin iron films deposited on the nanoporous titanium oxide templates and analyze their dependance on nanopore radius. We then compare the results to a continuous iron film of the same thickness. Additionally, we investigate the evolution of the magnetic properties of these films after annealing.

Solid-State Dewetting as a Driving Force for Structural Transformation and Magnetization Reversal Mechanism in FePd Thin Films.

In this work, the process of solid-state dewetting in FePd thin films and its influence on structural transformation and magnetic properties is presented. The morphology, structure and magnetic properties of the FePd system subjected to annealing at 600 °C for different times were studied. The analysis showed a strong correlation between the dewetting process and various physical phenomena.

Magnetic anisotropy in the exchange-biased laser-patterned thin Co/CoO films.

Materials exhibiting an exchange bias effect are a class of magnetic systems that have a wide range of possible technological applications e.g. in sensors, read heads, and spintronic devices.

Ischemic heart disease: Cellular and molecular immune contributions of the pericardium.

Ischemic heart disease promotes complex inflammatory and remodeling pathways which contribute to the development of chronic heart failure. Although blood-derived and local cardiac mediators have traditionally been linked with these processes, the pericardial space has more recently been noted as alternative contributor to the injury response in the heart. The pericardial space contains fluid rich in physiologically active mediators, and immunologically active adipose tissue, which are altered during myocardial infarction.

Post-Operative Adhesions: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms.

Post-surgical adhesions are common in almost all surgical areas and are associated with significant rates of morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs, especially when a patient requires repeat operative interventions. Many groups have studied the mechanisms driving post-surgical adhesion formation. Despite continued advancements, we are yet to identify a prevailing mechanism.

Template-Assisted Iron Nanowire Formation at Different Electrolyte Temperatures.

We studied the morphology, structure, and magnetic properties of Fe nanowires that were electrodeposited as a function of the electrolyte temperature. The nucleation mechanism followed instantaneous growth. At low temperatures, we observed an increase of the total charge reduced into the templates, thus suggesting a significant increase in the degree of pore filling.

Prevention of Post-Operative Adhesions: A Comprehensive Review of Present and Emerging Strategies.

Post-operative adhesions affect patients undergoing all types of surgeries. They are associated with serious complications, including higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Given increased hospitalization, longer operative times, and longer length of hospital stay, post-surgical adhesions also pose a great financial burden.

Diffuse Reflectance Parameters of Treated Leishmaniasis Cutaneous Ulcers and Association with Histopathologies in an Animal Model: A Proof of Concept.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease that produces chronic skin ulcers. Although it has a worldwide presence, it is a neglected disease that still requires novel tools for its management. In order to study the use of optical tools in CL, this article presents a preliminary study of the correlation between CL histopathological and optical parameters.

Electrical Transport and Magnetic Properties of Metal/Metal Oxide/Metal Junctions Based on Anodized Metal Oxides.

In this paper, we describe magnetoelectric properties of metal/metal-oxide/metal junctions based on anodized metal oxides. Specifically, we use Ti and Fe metallic layers separated by the porous metal-oxides of iron or titanium formed by the anodization method. Thus, we prepare double junctions with at least one ferromagnetic layer and measure magnetoresistance, as well as their current-voltage and magnetic characteristics.

An overview of human pericardial space and pericardial fluid.

The pericardium is a double-layered fibro-serous sac that envelops the majority of the surface of the heart as well as the great vessels. Pericardial fluid is also contained within the pericardial space. Together, the pericardium and pericardial fluid contribute to a homeostatic environment that facilitates normal cardiac function.

Comparison of inherited neural tube defects in companion animals and livestock.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital malformations resulting from the improper or incomplete closure of the neural tube during embryonic development. A number of similar malformations of the protective coverings surrounding the central nervous system are also often included under this umbrella term, which may not strictly fit this definition. A range of NTD phenotypes exist and have been reported in humans and a wide range of domestic and livestock species.

Mechanical Properties of Different Nanopatterned TiO Substrates and Their Effect on Hydrothermally Synthesized Bioactive Hydroxyapatite Coatings.

Nanotechnology is a very attractive tool for tailoring the surface of an orthopedic implant to optimize its interaction with the biological environment. Nanostructured interfaces are promising, especially for orthopedic applications. They can not only improve osseointegration between the implant and the living bone but also may be used as drug delivery platforms.

Magnetization Reversal Mechanism in Exchange-Biased Spring-like Thin-Film Composite.

Development of modern spintronic devices requires materials exhibiting specific magnetic effects. In this paper, we investigate a magnetization reversal mechanism in a [Co/Pd]/CoO/[Co/Pd] thin-film composite, where an antiferromagnet is sandwiched between a hard and a soft ferromagnets with different coercivities. The antiferromagnet/ferromagnet interfaces give rise to the exchange bias effect.

Weak Antilocalization Tailor-Made by System Topography in Large Scale Bismuth Antidot Arrays.

Using a two-carriers model and the Hikami-Larkin-Nagaoka (HLN) theory, we investigate the influence of large area patterning on magnetotransport properties in bismuth thin films with a thickness of 50 nm. The patterned systems have been produced by means of nanospheres lithography complemented by RF-plasma etching leading to highly ordered antidot arrays with the hexagonal symmetry and a variable antidot size. Simultaneous measurements of transverse and longitudinal magnetoresistance in a broad temperature range provided comprehensive data on transport properties and enabled us to extract the values of charge carrier densities and mobilities.

CuO-GaO Thin Films as a Gas-Sensitive Material for Acetone Detection.

The p-n heterostructures of CuO-GaO obtained by magnetron sputtering technology in a fully reactive mode (deposition in pure oxygen) were tested under exposure to low acetone concentrations. After deposition, the films were annealed at previously confirmed conditions (400 °C/4 h/synthetic air) and further investigated by utilization of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray reflectivity (XRR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The gas-sensing behavior was tested in the air/acetone atmosphere in the range of 0.

Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Modified with Silica Layers as Potential Agents for Lung Cancer Treatment.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are promising drug delivery carriers and hyperthermia agents for the treatment of cancer. However, to ensure their safety in vivo, SPIONs must be modified in order to prevent unwanted iron release. Thus, SPIONs were coated with silica layers of different morphologies: non-porous (@SiO), mesoporous (@mSiO) or with a combination of non-porous and mesoporous layers (@SiO@mSiO) deposited via a sol-gel method.

Estimation of Biological Parameters of Cutaneous Ulcers Caused by Leishmaniasis in an Animal Model Using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease that requires novel tools for its understanding, diagnosis, and treatment follow-up. In the cases of other cutaneous pathologies, such as cancer or cutaneous ulcers due to diabetes, optical diffuse reflectance-based tools and methods are widely used for the investigation of those illnesses. These types of tools and methods offer the possibility to develop portable diagnosis and treatment follow-up systems.

Ion induced ferromagnetism combined with self-assembly for large area magnetic modulation of thin films.

A highly versatile and scalable path to obtain buried magnetic nanostructures within alloy thin films, while maintaining a flat topography, is described. A magnetic pattern of nanoscale periodicity is generated over ∼cm2 areas by employing a B2 → A2 structural transition in the prototype Fe60Al40 thin alloy films. The phase transition was induced in the confined regions via ion-irradiation through self-assembled nanosphere masks.