Our data suggest that at short times carbohydrates reduce A beta(1-42) toxicity through different mechanisms both dependent and independent of AGE formation.”
“A total of 180 food samples

including meat (raw lean beef, frozen lean beef, and frozen chicken) and High Content Screening dairy products (raw milk, Zabady and Kareesh cheese) were analysed for Listeria. Isolates were differentiated using morphological, cultural, and biochemical tests and an API-Listeria kit. Zabady cheese was completely free of Listeria. The highest incidence rate (13.33%) was in frozen lean beef. Raw lean beef and milk products showed an incidence rate of 6.67%. The lowest incidence rate (3.33%) was in Kareesh cheese and frozen chicken meat samples. L. monocytogenes showed

the lowest incidence rate (0.55%), isolated from one frozen lean beef sample. L. ivanovii Copanlisib mw and L. grayi showed the highest incidence rate (2.22%), isolated from 4 samples. L. innocua and L. seeligeri were positive in 3 samples (1.67%), and L. welshimeri in 2 samples (1.11%). L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii were positive for virulence factors (hemolytic properties, and extracellular enzyme activities).”
“Magnetostriction and its inverse effect (also referred to as a magnetomechanical effect) in the Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe2 alloy have been investigated based on the three dimensional Stoner-Wohlfarth model in this paper. The solutions of direction cosines of magnetization under a compressive stress and a field both

applied along the [112] axis have been obtained by following a conventional minimization procedure in which the nonlinear equations for equilibrium conditions have been solved numerically. With a more accurate computation presented here, some new theoretical results have been achieved. These results are in good agreement with experimental observations reported previously. In the demagnetized state the resultant anisotropy for the alloy is determined by the combination of the magnetocrystalline and stress-induced anisotropy energies, and degenerates from cubic into uniaxial at a critical stress. When a field is applied to the alloy along the selleck chemicals [112] axis, the alloy under the compressive stress is more difficult to magnetize and can attain a maximum change in bulk magnetostriction at the critical stress. The main reason for the large bulk magnetostriction is that the fractional occupancy of the [(1) over bar(1) over bar1] or [11 (1) over bar]-oriented domains increases from 1/8 to 1/2 with the stress. This more accurate computation has been proposed for similar investigations and the results will also be helpful for a better understanding of the magnetostriction in materials such as the FeGa alloys. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.

(C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3622318]“
“The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in 2109 females inhabiting five cities of Colombia was determined. Of the 49.2% with an HPV infection, 59.8% were infected with more than one viral type. Species 7 (of the the genus Alphapapillomavirus) was associated with multiple infections. Analysis of the socio-demographic data revealed a statistically significant protective effect associated with the status of civil union (civil recognition of cohabitation without marriage), and indigenous LY3009104 ethnicity proved to be a risk factor for HPV infection. This is the first study comparing HPV infection

among women from geographical regions of Colombia with different socio-cultural structures.”
“Although neuroinflammation is known to play an important role in the pathogeneses of neurodegenerative diseases, few studies have been conducted on the association between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which is the

most studied biomarker of systemic inflammation. Therefore, we conducted MI-503 molecular weight this study to determine the clinical correlates of hs-CRP levels in early PD patients by comparing findings with those of normal controls. Sixty-three drug-na < ve patients with early PD and 117 healthy subjects were recruited, and hs-CRP level differences were investigated in these two groups. It was found that hs-CRP levels in the early PD group were higher than those of healthy controls. Furthermore, when compared with normal controls, the odds ratio for PD based on hs-CRP level cut-off of 0.5 was 2.094 (95% CI = 1.017-4.311, P = 0.045). In this study, our findings support the hypothesis that neuroinflammatory reactions play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD.”
“Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the major pathological

changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid beta-peptide (A beta), a neurotoxic peptide, accumulates in the brain of AD subjects and mediates mitochondrial and neuronal stress. Therefore, protecting mitochondrion from A beta-induced toxicity holds potential benefits for halting and treating and perhaps preventing AD. Here, we report that administration of ginsenoside Rg1, a known neuroprotective drug, to primary cultured cortical neurons, BEZ235 research buy rescues A beta-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction as shown by increases in mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP levels, activity of cytochrome c oxidase (a key enzyme associated with mitochondrial respiratory function), and decreases in cytochrome c release. The protective effects of Rg1 on mitochondrial dysfunction correlate to neuronal injury in the presence of A beta. This finding suggests that ginsenoside Rg1 may attenuate A beta-induced neuronal death through the suppression of intracellular mitochondrial oxidative stress and may rescue neurons in AD.”
“A nanobeam resonator is a key mechanical component of a nano-electromechanical system.

The operating time, transection time, blood loss during transection, and time of hemostasis were measured on the day of LLR (postoperative day 0/POD 0). Animals were re-explored on postoperative day 7 (POD 7) and the transection surface of remnant liver was observed for fluid collection (hematoma, biloma, and abscess), necrosis, and other pathologies. A biopsy was taken from the area of transection for histopathological examination.

All animals

survived until POD 7. Operating www.selleckchem.com/products/lazertinib-yh25448-gns-1480.html time and transection time of the liver parenchyma on POD 0 was significantly shorter in the stapler group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of blood loss during transection, time of hemostasis and

number of sutures for hemostasis on POD 0, morbidity rate, as well as the histopathological examination on POD 7. Furthermore, the material costs were significantly higher in the stapler group than in the LVSS group.

In this standardized chronic animal study concerning transection of the parenchyma in liver surgery, LVSS seems not only to be safe, but also comparable with the stapler technique in Prexasertib clinical trial terms of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, LVSS significantly reduces material costs. However, the transection time is significantly longer for LVSS than for the stapler resection technique.”
“BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to pulmonary hypertension

and cor pulmonale, which are predictors of mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of increased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in COPD patients without resting hypoxaemia, and to characterise COPD patients with increased PAP.

DESIGN: A study of 117 COPD patients from the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease (KOLD) cohort who had measurable tricuspid regurgitant flow under transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and no resting hypoxaemia.

RESULTS: The mean patient age was 67 years. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) was 47% predicted, mean haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was 145 g/l and mean systolic PAP (sPAP) was 33 mmHg. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Hb was the only factor Selleckchem Ralimetinib independently associated with sPAP (beta = -1.752,P = 0.005). Cluster analysis using FEV(1)% predicted, sPAP and Hb concentration as variables indicated three patient clusters: Cluster 1 (n = 36; mean FEV(1) 44% predicted, mean sPAP 39 mmHg, mean Hb 132 g/l), Cluster 2 (n = 45; FEV(1) 35% predicted, sPAP 31 mmHg, Hb 154 g/l), and Cluster 3 (n = 36; FEAT, 65% predicted, sPAP 29 mmHg, Hb 148 g/l).

CONCLUSION: Elevated PAP was linked to low haemoglobin levels in COPD without resting hypoxaemia.”
“Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect and affects approximately 8 out of every 1,000 infants born each year.

Results Endolymphatic hydrops was observed 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the last sensitization in the OLO-Hy (-) group but was not observed in the OLO-Hy

(+) group. Quantitative analysis of the increase ratios (IRs) of the cross-sectional area of the scala media revealed that the IRs of the OLO-Hy (-) group were significantly greater compared with those of the control group (p < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in the IRs between the OLO-Hy (-) and OLO-Hy (+) groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion The systemic sensitization with DNP-As produced allergy-induced experimental EH by type 1 hypersensitivity allergic reaction, and the development of this EH was prevented by histamine H-1-receptor antagonists.”
“The present study is based on a PubMed search and compares the clinical validity of classical

Quizartinib purchase semen parameters (CSP) and the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) in different clinical contexts. The PubMed database was searched using keywords on the sperm diagnostic test for pregnancy in three clinical scenarios: (i) couples attempting to conceive; CA4P ic50 (ii) couples who had been attempting to conceive for 12 months without success; and (iii) couples treated with intrauterine insemination (IUI). There was a considerable heterogeneity among the studies included. For couples attempting to conceive following a SCSA that produced an abnormal result, the likelihood of mate factor infertility ranged from a pre-test value of 7.5% to a post-test value of 32.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 15.7-54.5], white after CSP with an abnormal result, the post-test probability was 17.3% (95% CI 11.8-24.5). For a pre-test prevalence of mate factor infertility of 50%, the post-test probability of mate factor infertility after an abnormal test mTOR 抑制�?therapy is very similar for both

SCSA and CSP. In couples treated with IUI, the clinical validity of SCSA is higher than that of sperm morphology alone, but not enough to introduce SCSA as a test in mate infertility work-up. (C) 2009, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“OBJECTIVE: To estimate the change in indications for scheduled deliveries during the Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative’s initiative to decrease scheduled deliveries for nonmedical indications before 39 weeks of gestation.

METHODS: Documented indications for scheduled deliveries between 36 0/7 and 38 6/7 weeks were categorized as: strong medically accepted reasons for delivery; intermediate acceptability; and unnecessary before 39 weeks. We describe each of these indication categories as a proportion of all deliveries in the participating hospitals between October 2008 and December 2009.

RESULTS: The percentage of scheduled deliveries that were unnecessary before 39 weeks or had intermediate indications decreased over time (P=.03).

Though its probability of correctly selecting a superior arm might be reduced, it still performs reasonably well. It also reduces the probability of selecting an ARN-509 cost inferior arm.

Conclusions: SSD provides an easy to implement randomised Phase II design that selects the most promising treatment that has shown sufficient evidence of activity, with available R codes to evaluate its operating characteristics.”
“Background: PubMed translations of OvidSP Medline search filters offer searchers improved

ease of access. They may also facilitate access to PubMed’s unique content, including citations for the most recently published biomedical evidence. Retrieving this content requires a search strategy comprising natural language terms (‘textwords’), rather than Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).

We describe a reproducible methodology that uses a validated PubMed search filter translation to create a textword-only strategy to extend retrieval to PubMed’s unique heart failure literature.

Methods: We translated an OvidSP Medline heart failure search filter for PubMed and established version equivalence in terms of indexed literature retrieval. The PubMed version was then run within PubMed to identify citations retrieved by the filter’s MeSH terms (Heart failure, Left ventricular dysfunction, and Cardiomyopathy). It was then rerun with the same MeSH terms restricted to searching on title and abstract fields (i.e. as ‘textwords’). Citations retrieved by the MeSH search but find more not the textword search were isolated. Frequency analysis of their titles/abstracts identified natural language alternatives for those MeSH terms that performed less effectively as textwords. These terms were tested in combination to determine the best performing search string for reclaiming this ‘lost set’. This string,

restricted to searching on PubMed’s unique content, was then combined with the validated PubMed translation to extend the filter’s performance in this database.

Results: The PubMed heart failure filter retrieved 6829 citations. Of these, 834 (12%) failed to be retrieved when MeSH terms were converted to textwords. Frequency analysis Bromosporine order of the 834 citations identified five high frequency natural language alternatives that could improve retrieval of this set (cardiac failure, cardiac resynchronization, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and LV dysfunction). Together these terms reclaimed 157/834 (18.8%) of lost citations.

Conclusions: MeSH terms facilitate precise searching in PubMed’s indexed subset. They may, however, work less effectively as search terms prior to subject indexing. A validated PubMed search filter can be used to develop a supplementary textword-only search strategy to extend retrieval to PubMed’s unique content. A PubMed heart failure search filter is available on the CareSearch website (www.caresearch.com.au) providing access to both indexed and non-indexed heart failure evidence.

(C) 2009 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.”
“Non-cirrhotic patients having

acute liver decompensation in flares of hepatitis B can recover spontaneously or die without liver transplantation. Criteria for identifying patients in need of liver transplantation are lacking. Fifty-one non-cirrhotic patients having acute liver decompensation in flares of hepatitis B were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups: group A patients (n = 18) recovered from acute liver decompensation BMS-754807 spontaneously; group B patients (n = 22) died of acute liver failure; and group C patients (n = 11) had liver transplantation. Model of end-stage liver

disease (MELD) scores were evaluated to identify the criteria for liver transplantation. The cut-off point of MELD scores for liver transplantation was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Comparing group A and B patients, MELD score was an independent factor to predict prognosis. By analysing ROC curve, a MELD score > 30 was the most optimal cut-off point to indicate liver transplantation; however, the false positive rate was 11.1%. By weekly measurement of MELD scores, subsequent increase GDC-0068 mouse in MELD scores could help to avoid false positives. Moreover, a MELD score > 34 yielded 0% false selleck inhibitor positive rate and indicated the necessity of definite liver transplantation. For group C patients, ten of 11 patients were saved by liver transplantation. In conclusion, for the patients having acute liver decompensation in flares

of hepatitis B, liver transplantation is definitely indicated by MELD scores > 34. Liver transplantation is also indicated if the MELD score increases in the subsequent 1-2 weeks. Liver transplantation has a good outcome if performed on time.”
“The electrocaloric effect of BaTiO3 multilayer thick film structure was investigated by direct measurement using differential scanning calorimeter. The samples show a giant electrocaloric effect of 0.89 J/g under E=176 kV/cm, which also depends on the varying rate of applied field, following a general power-law relation. Based on the large net-cooling (0.37 J/g) resulting from the difference in the varying rates of rising and falling fields, the kinetic electrocaloric effect provides a solution for the design of refrigeration cycle in ferroelectric microrefrigerator. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.

“
“The purpose of this study was to synthesize and determine the in vitro transdermal penetration LCL161 in vitro of cytarabine and its 5′-alkyl esters and to establish a correlation, if any, with selected physicochemical properties. The n-alkyl esters were synthesized by acylation of cytarabine (1) at its pharmacophoric 5′-OH. The

transdermal flux values of (1) and its esters were determined in vitro using Franz diffusion cell methodology. Aqueous solubility and log D (pH 7.4) values were determined and assessed for correlation to transdermal flux. An inverse relation was observed between the water solubility (S(w)) and log D values. Of all esters, (4) exhibited the highest flux value of 22.2 nmol.cm(-2).h(-1), which is significantly different to that of the parent drug cytarabine (3.70 nmol.cm(-2).h(-1)). No trend was found between water solubility and flux values.”
“Background: There is little research on the long-term outcomes of open carpal tunnel release. The purpose of this

retrospective study was to determine the functional and symptomatic outcomes of patients at a minimum of ten years postoperatively.

Methods: Two hundred and eleven patients underwent open carpal tunnel release from 1996 to 2000 performed by the same hand Y-27632 fellowship-trained surgeon. Follow-up with validated self-administered questionnaire instruments was conducted an average of thirteen years after surgery. The principal outcomes included the Levine-Katz symptom and function scores, ranging from 1 point (best) to 5 points (worst), and satisfaction with the results of surgery. The patients self-reported current comorbidities.

Results: After a mean follow-up of thirteen years (range, eleven to seventeen

years), 92% (194) of 211 patients were located. They included 140 who were still living and fifty-four who had died. Seventy-two percent (113) of the 157 located, surviving patients responded to the questionnaire. Tariquidar ic50 The mean Levine-Katz symptom score (and standard deviation) was 1.3 +/- 0.5 points, and 13% of patients had a poor symptom score (>= 2 points). The mean Levine-Katz function score was 1.6 +/- 0.8 points, and 26% had a poor function score (>= 2 points). The most common symptom-related complaint was weakness in the hand, followed by diurnal pain, numbness, and tingling. The least common symptoms were nocturnal pain and tenderness at the incision. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were either completely satisfied or very satisfied with the surgery. Seventy-four percent reported their symptoms to be completely resolved. Thirty-three percent of men were classified as having poor function compared with 23% of women. Two (1.8%) of 113 patients underwent repeat surgery.

Conclusions: At an average of thirteen years after open carpal tunnel release, the majority of patients are satisfied and free of symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Graft loss occurred in 90 patients, of whom 71 died with a functioning graft and 19 returned to dialysis. CRP, SAA and neopterin (NEOP) levels were all elevated

post-operatively. High levels of NEOP, in contrast to Selleckchem LGX818 SAA or SCRP, were associated with poorer graft and patient survival (p < 0.05), specifically with death from cardiovascular events and cytomegalovirus IgG positivity.

These findings strongly suggest that early post-transplant macrophage activation, as reflected by NEOP levels, is associated with poorer long-term graft and patient survival.”
“Successful operation of a magnetic cooling device depends crucially on the performance of active magnetic refrigerant material. Extensive research activity has been concentrated on optimizing the magnetic properties of these materials by chemical composition modification. Here, it is shown how the design of appropriate microstructure can be used to control the magnetic properties as well as mechanical stability of refrigerant materials experiencing a first-order magnetic phase

transition. In particular, introducing porosity in LaFe13-xSix alloys provides long-term stability by sacrificing only a small fraction of the magnetocaloric effect and results in the desired reduction of the magnetic and thermal hysteresis by a factor of 5, as compared to bulk alloys. Reducing crystallite size down to the nanometer range is shown to substantially lower magnetic hysteresis. On the other hand, the magnetocaloric effect is weakened by about 40% Pexidartinib and 60% in alloys with grain size of 70 and 44 nm, respectively. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3540372]“
“Chronic inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction. Infliximab improves inflammatory disease activity in AS patients, but its effect on endothelial dysfunction has still not been

tested in these patients. Twelve anti-TNF naive AS patients (mean age, 32.6 +/- 3.94 years; disease MG-132 purchase duration, 5.6 +/- 0.8 years) with high disease activity [Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI score > 4)] despite treatment with stable doses of conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were investigated. Inflammatory disease activity [BASDAI and Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels], serum nitrite concentration, and endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilation of the brachial artery were measured at baseline and 12 weeks of therapy after single intravenous infusion of infliximab (5 mg/kg). Previous DMARD(s) regimen remained unchanged throughout the study period. After treatment with infliximab, flow-mediated vasodilation improved from 9.81 +/- 1.70% to 26.93 +/- 2.34% (p < 0.

25 D was present in most cataract surgery candidates; it was higher in about 22%, with slight differences between the various age ranges. This information is useful for intraocular lens (IOL) manufacturers to evaluate which age ranges concentrate the parameters most frequently needed in sphere and cylinder powers and for surgeons to evaluate which IOLs provide the most effective power range.”
“Antipsychotics are frequently used in elderly patients JIB-04 clinical trial to treat a variety of conditions, including schizophrenia. While extensively studied for their impact in younger populations, there is comparatively limited evidence about the effectiveness of these agents in older patients. Further complicating

this situation are the high co-morbidity rates (both psychiatric and medical) in the elderly; age-related changes in pharmacokinetics leading to a heightened proclivity for adverse effects; and the potential for multiple, clinically relevant drug interactions. With this background in mind, we review

diagnostic and treatment-related issues specific to elderly patients suffering from schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions, focusing on the potential role of aripiprazole.”
“Introduction: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the usefulness of measurement of axial penile rigidity, compared with radial penile rigidity. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two patients, aged 21-75 years old Nirogacestat (a mean of 50), with erectile dysfunction underwent axial penile rigidity measurements by the digital inflection rigidometer (DIR) as well as radial penile rigidity measurements by the RigiScan Plus during intracavernous pharmacological erection testing. Results: A significant correlation was recognized

between axial rigidity, and radial rigidity at the tip (p = 0.0024) and base (p = 0.0098) of the penis. In 10 patients, the DIR revealed axial rigidity of 550 g or more, and they also had radial rigidity of 60% or more at the tip and base. In 14 and 17 subjects, radial rigidity of 60% or more was observed at the tip and base, respectively. Four of the former 14 and 7 Caspase 抑制�?临床试验 of the latter 17 had axial rigidity < 550 g. Conclusions: A RigiScan results of radial rigidity of 60% or more should be interpreted cautiously and not necessarily regarded as normal. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Poisons information is accessed around the clock in the British Isles from six centres of which two are in Ireland at Dublin and Belfast accompanied by consultant toxicologist advisory service. The numbers of calls in Ireland are down to about 40 per day due to easy access to online data bases. Access to Toxbase, the clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service is available to National Health Service (NHS) health professionals and to Emergency Departments and Intensive Care units in the Republic of Ireland. There are 59 Toxbase users in the Republic of Ireland and 99 % of activity originates in Emergency Departments.

“
“Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is the most extensively used general anesthetic-sedative agent and it is employed in clinical patients. It has been shown that propofol exhibits anticancer activities. However, there is no available information to address propofol-induced LY2603618 research buy cytotoxic effects and affected gene expressions on murine leukemia cells. Therefore, we investigated the effects of propofol on the levels of protein and gene expression, which are associated with apoptotic death in mouse leukemia RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. Results indicated that propofol induced cell morphological changes, cytotoxicity, and induction of apoptosis in

RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. Western blot analysis demonstrated that propofol promoted Fas, cytochrome c, caspase-9 and -3 active form and Bax levels, but inhibited Bcl-xl protein level which led to cell apoptosis. Furthermore, cDNA microarray assay indicated that propofol significantly enhanced 5 gene expressions (Gm4884; Gm10883; Lce1c; Lrg1; and LOC100045878) and significantly suppressed 26 gene expressions (Gm10679; Zfp617; LOC621831; LOC621831; Gm5929; Snord116; Gm3994; LOC380994; Gm5592;

LOC380994; Gm4638; LOC280487; Gm4638; Tex24; A530064D06Rik; BC094916; EG668725; Gm189; Hist2h3c2; Gm8020; Snord115; Gm3079; Olfr198; Tdh; Snord115; and Olfr1249). Based on these observations, propofol-altered apoptosis-related proteins might result from induction of apoptotic gene expression and inhibition of cell growth gene expression, which finally led to apoptosis in a mouse leukemia cell line (RAW 264.7) in vitro. Epigenetics inhibitor (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 28: 471-478, 2013.”
“We have investigated the microwave oscillations due to a spin transfer effect induced by direct current in ferromagnetic nanocontact SYN-117 mw magnetoresistive (NCMR) elements with a current-perpendicular-to-plane spin-valve structure consisting of an FeCo/FeCo-AlO(x) nano-oxide layer/FeCo multilayer for the reference/spacer/free layers, respectively.

Characteristic microwave oscillations were observed in the NCMR elements at different magnetization states induced by the application of a spin-polarized current, which are considered to be related to the introduction of a ferromagnetic NC to spacer layer (large interlayer coupling) and the resonance concerning the stability of the magnetization states of the free and reference layers around the NCs. A marvelously narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 10-20 MHz is observed under a high applied magnetic field where the reference layer magnetization is slightly off axis relative to the pinned direction. By contrast, a wider FWHM of 80-600 MHz is observed at the magnetization state where the magnetization of the free layer just aligned to the antiparallel configuration against the magnetization of the reference layer. These characteristic results are discussed in terms of a spin dynamics mechanism induced by spin transfer torque in the free and reference layers around NCs.