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The magnetoresistance of epitaxial Nd0.7Sr0.3MnOδ thin films has been studied. A giant magnetoresistance, with more than 4 orders of magnitude change in resistance (−ΔR/RH≳106%), was obtained at ∼60 K and a magnetic field of 8 T. This giant magnetoresistance (GMR) ratio is about one order of magnitude larger than the highest value reported previously which was observed in La–Ca–Mn–O film. We have also obtained a large GMR ratio with −ΔR/RH≳3000% for H=5 T in an in situ Nd0.7Sr0.3MnOδ thin film, a much larger effect than the previous results in doped manganese oxide films in which a large GMR ratio was obtained only in postannealed samples. Our results also show that the GMR effect in these films can be strongly influenced by the thin-film preparation conditions.

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Cervical kyphosis is an uncommon but potentially debilitating and challenging condition. We reviewed the etiology, presentation, clinical and radiological evaluation, and treatment of cervical kyphosis. Based on the current controversy as to the ideal mode of surgical management, we paid particular attention to the available surgical strategies. There are three approaches for cervical kyphosis: the anterior, posterior or combined procedures. The principal indication for the posterior strategy is a flexible kyphosis or kyphosis caused by ankylosing spondylitis. The main point of debate is between the choice of the anterior or the combined strategy. The two strategies were compared with regard to clinical outcome, correction of deformity, rate of fusion, complications, revision surgery, and mortality. The combined strategy appears to result in a greater degree of correction than the anterior-alone strategy, and it is more likely to improve the cervical alignment to achieve a lordosis. However, the procedure carries a higher rate of postoperative neurological deterioration, complications, revision surgery, and mortality. Although the anterioralone strategy achieves a smaller reduction of cervical kyphosis, it has a lower rate of postoperative neurological deterioration, complications, revision surgery, and mortality. We recommend that the surgical treatment of cervical kyphosis should be planned on an individual basis. A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled study would be necessary to determine the ideal mode of treatment for complex cervical kyphosis.