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Transition curvature in heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) can limit the linear recording density. In this work, we propose a write-head design that can reduce transition curvature. The split-pole write head incorporates a nanocoil that generates a field in the opposite direction to the main pole excited by the head coil winding, allowing transition curvature to be greatly reduced.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and prognoses of central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CVC-BSIs) with peripheral venous catheter-associated BSIs (PVC-BSIs). Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted between April 2011 and March 2013 at a teaching hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Adult patients who developed CVC-BSIs and PVC-BSIs more than 2 days after admission were included. Patients with both CVC-BSIs and PVC-BSIs were excluded. Clinical characteristics of patients with CVC-BSIs and PVC-BSIs were obtained from medical records, and 30-day all-cause mortality was measured as the clinical outcome. Results: We enrolled 124 PVC-BSI cases and 110 CVC-BSI cases. Median age, age-adjusted Charlson score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, sex, and ward type at BSI onset did not differ significantly between the two groups. The median duration of catheter indwelling was significantly shorter in the PVC-BSI group than in the CVC-BSI group. Staphylococcus aureusand Gram-negative bacilli infections were more frequent and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and Candidaspp. infections were less frequent in the PVC-BSI group than in the CVC-BSI group. The prevalence of oxacillin resistance among causative S. aureusand CNS, 30-day all-cause mortality, and appropriateness of empirical and definitive antimicrobial therapies did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion: The pathogen species distribution varies between PVC-BSIs and CVC-BSIs. However, all-cause mortality does not differ between the two groups. PVCs are not safer than CVCs with respect to BSIs; therefore, it is necessary to use similar precautions relevant to CVC use in order to avoid unnecessary use of PVCs.