Nuclear charge radii of (21-32)Mg

Charge radii of all magnesium isotopes in the sd shell have been measured, revealing evolution of the nuclear shape throughout two prominent regions of assumed deformation centered on (24)Mg and (32)Mg. A striking correspondence is found between the nuclear charge radius and the neutron shell structure. The importance of cluster configurations towards N=8 and collectivity near N=20 is discussed in the framework of the fermionic molecular dynamics model. These essential results have been made possible by the first application of laser-induced nuclear orientation for isotope shift measurements.

Sparse representation via ℓ1-minimization for underdetermined systems in classification of tumors with gene expression data

The development of cancer diagnosis models and cancer discovery from DNA microarray data are of great interest in bioinformatics and medicine. In pattern recognition and machine learning, a classification problem refers to finding an algorithm for assigning a given input data into one of several categories. Many natural signals are sparse or compressible in the sense that they have short representations when expressed in a suitable basis. Motivated by the recent successful algorithm developments for sparse signal recovery, we apply the selective nature of sparse representation to perform the above mentioned classification. In order to find such sparse representation we implement an ℓ(1)-minimization algorithm. This methodology overcomes the lack of robustness with respect to outliers. In contrast to other classification algorithms, no model selection dependency is involved. The minimization algorithm is a convex relaxation-like that has been proven to efficiently recover sparse signals. To study its performance, the proposed method is applied to six tumor gene expression datasets and numerically compared with various support vector machine methods (SVM). The numerical results show that the ℓ(1)-minimization algorithm proposed performs at least comparably and often better than SVMs.

Effect of aracnotoxin from Latrodectus mactans on bovine sperm function: modulatory action of bovine oviduct cells and their secretions

Latrodectus mactans' aracnotoxin (Atx) induces changes in sperm function that could be used as a co-adjuvant in male contraceptive barrier methods. This effect includes the suppression of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), an event necessary for capacitation, chemotaxis and acrosome reaction (AR). The sperm that are not trapped by the barrier method can reach the oviduct before fertilisation and be exposed to the secretions of the oviducts. This study evaluated the effect of bovine tubal explants (TU) and conditioned media (CM) from the ampullar and isthmal regions on spermatozoa exposed to Atx. Thawed bovine sperm were incubated with Atx, TU and CM from the ampullar and isthmal regions for 4 h and then DNA integrity, intracellular ROS and lysophosphatidylcholine-induced AR were determined. Spermatozoa exposed to Atx and co-incubated with TU and CM for 4 h produced an increase in sperm DNA damage, a decrease in ROS production and a decrease in %AR, compared with the control. A similar result was obtained from the co-incubation of spermatozoa with Atx. In conclusion, the effect of Atx is not modified by tubal cells or their secretions and this opens the door to future studies to evaluate the application of synthetic peptides obtained from Atx as a co-adjuvant of contraceptive barrier methods.

Effectiveness and use of linezolid in hospitalisation wards

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use and effectiveness of linezolid as an alternative treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

METHOD

Demographic, clinical and safety data were collected from hospitalised patients. The information sources were the clinical records and the pharmacy programme.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were treated with linezolid (median age 69.3, 63% male). The median duration of treatment was 8 days. The most prevalent indication was soft tissues and skin infections (46.7%). The indications were off-label in 40% of cases. Linezolid was used as a targeted therapy in 53%, especially for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Clinical healing occurred in 83.3%, and microbiological healing in 40%. Three patients (10%) experienced side effects from using linezolid.

CONCLUSION

The effectiveness and safety of linezolid is similar to that described in the trials. Its off-label use and the high number of empirical treatments mean that new strategies must be developed.

Visual and numerical methods to measure patient skin doses in interventional procedures using radiochromic XR-RV2 films

Radiochromic XR-RV2 films are considered as one of the best dosemeters to measure patient skin doses in fluoroscopy-guided interventional procedures. To fulfil this purpose, they need to be calibrated with diagnostic energies and doses beyond several Gray. The vendor provides a visual calibration strip to estimate the absorbed dose. Differences between visual dose estimation versus film digitisation were investigated. The influence of backscatter radiation on film sensitivity was also investigated and the sources of uncertainty were analysed when skin doses were measured with these films. When based on the visual comparison with the strip, the estimation of the dose resulted in an error of 50 % (2 Gy in the region around 4 Gy). However, when using numerical methods after film digitisation, the uncertainty in dose measurement fell to 7-14 % in the dose range of interest. Calibration under backscatter conditions demonstrates that the  'in air' calibration underestimates the doses by 7 %. When the dose was measured with a calibration method based on 16 bits grey digitisation, uncertainty was twice higher than when the red channel from red, green, blue digitised images was used.

Increases in patient doses need to be avoided when upgrading interventional cardiology systems to flat detectors

The aim of this study was to evaluate patient doses in two interventional cardiology laboratories over a period of 1 y in which the imaging devices were changed from image intensifier (II) to flat detector (FD). Dosimetric data from a total of 1040 coronary angiography (CA) procedures and 1087 percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedures were gathered. During the period studied with II imaging, median values of dose area product were 28 Gy cm(2) for CA and 57 Gy cm(2) for PTCA. In the first half of the year with FD imaging, median values were 37 Gy cm(2) for CA and 89 Gy cm(2) for PTCA. A significant increase in patient doses was noticed in the early stages of use of FD technology for imaging IC procedures, while fluoroscopy time and number of images remained similar. A careful setting of the X-ray systems, after upgrading the imaging system, is essential to avoid unjustified increases in patient doses.

A national programme for patient and staff dose monitoring in interventional cardiology

A national programme on patient and staff dose evaluation in interventional cardiology made in cooperation with the haemodynamic section of the Spanish Society of Cardiology has recently been launched. Its aim is to propose a set of national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for patients as recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and to initiate several optimisation actions to improve radiological protection of both patients and staff. Six hospitals have joined the programme and accepted to submit their data to a central database. First to be acquired were the quality control data of the X-ray systems and radiation doses of patients and professionals. The results from 9 X-ray systems, 1467 procedures and staff doses from 43 professionals were gathered. Provisional DRLs resulted in 44 Gy cm(2) for coronary angiography and 78 Gy cm(2) for interventions. The X-ray systems varied up to a factor of 5 for dose rates in reference conditions. Staff doses showed that 50 % of interventional cardiologists do not use their personal dosemeters correctly.

Cryoprotectant-free vitrification of fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss) spermatozoa: first report

The aims of this investigation were to test a novel technology comprising cryoprotectant-free vitrification of the spermatozoa of rainbow trout and to study the ability of sucrose and components of seminal plasma to protect these cells from cryo-injuries. Spermatozoa were isolated and vitrified using three different media: Group 1: standard buffer for fish spermatozoa, Cortland(®) medium (CM, control); Group 2: CM + 1% BSA + 40% seminal plasma; and Group 3: CM + 1% BSA + 40% seminal plasma + 0.125 m sucrose. For cooling, 20-μl suspensions of cells from each group were dropped directly into liquid nitrogen. For warming, the spheres containing the cells were quickly submerged in CM + 1% BSA at 37 °C with gentle agitation. The quality of spermatozoa before and after vitrification was analysed by the evaluation of motility and cytoplasmic membrane integrity with SYBR-14/propidium iodide staining technique. Motility (86%, 81% and 82% for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively) (P > 0.1) was not decreased significantly. At the same time, cytoplasmic membrane integrity of spermatozoa of Groups 1, 2 and 3 was changed significantly (30%, 87% and 76% respectively) (P < 0.05). All tested solutions can be used for vitrification of fish spermatozoa with good post-warming motility. However, cytoplasmic membrane integrity was maximal in Group 2 (CM + 1% BSA + 40% seminal plasma). In conclusion, this is the first report about successful cryoprotectant-free cryopreservation of fish spermatozoa by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen (vitrification). Vitrification of fish spermatozoa without permeable cryoprotectants is a prospective direction for investigations: these cells can be successfully vitrified with 1% BSA + 40% seminal plasma.

Severe odontogenic infections: epidemiological, microbiological and therapeutic factors

OBJECTIVES

A retrospective study is made of the odontogenic infections treated in La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain) during 2007 and 2008, with an epidemiological and microbiological analysis of a large group of patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective descriptive study was made, involving the consecutive inclusion of all patients with odontogenic infection requiring admission to our hospital in the period between January 2007 and December 2008.

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients were included, with a mean age of 40.3 years and a balanced gender distribution. The most frequently affected teeth were those located in the posterior mandibular segments, caries being the main underlying cause. Most isolates comprised mixed flora, particularly viridans streptococci, different species of Prevotella, Micromonas micros, and different species of Actinomyces. Susceptibility analysis of the microbial isolates showed a high percentage resistance to clindamycin (42.8% of all isolates), particularly among Viridans Streptococci.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of antibiotics in head and neck infections requires updated protocols based not only on the existing scientific evidence but also on the epidemiological reality of each center. On the other hand, identification is required of the surgical factors determining infection and how they influence morbidity associated with this type of pathology.

SPECT-CT with 67Ga-citrate in the management of spondylodiscitis

Spondylodiscitis affects a small proportion of all patients with locomotor system infections, however its early diagnosis is important due to its potential morbidity. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic method of choice. Nonetheless, it has certain limitations and is not suitable for all patients. The conventional scintigraphic studies for evaluating spondylodiscitis are those performed with (99m)Tc-HDP and (67)Ga-citrate. However, their poor image resolution is a disadvantage of these techniques. The use of hybrid Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography-Computed Tomography (SPECT-CT) improves detection of the disease by combining functional and anatomical images. We present 9 patients with suspicion of spondylodiscitis who underwent sequential bone scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-HDP and SPECT-CT with (67)Ga-citrate, with positive findings confirmed by clinical monitoring for at least 6 months.

Sperm membrane functionality in the dog assessed by flow cytometry

The objective assessment of sperm function increases the chances of predicting the fertilizing capacity of a fresh semen sample or diagnosing infertility problems. In this study, the available flow cytometry technique was used to determine the membrane functional capacity of canine spermatozoa. The second fractions of ejaculates from six dogs were pooled, and samples (n = 26) processed to determine the variables: sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity by Sybr-14/Pi staining; phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation by Annexin-V-FITC/PI labelling; acrosome membrane integrity by FITC-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin/PI labelling; and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) by staining with JC-1. Means for the 26 examined samples indicated that 82.66 ± 2.8% of the viable spermatozoa showed an intact plasma membrane, 8.4 ± 2.6% were moribund, 72.7 ± 16% had an intact acrosome, 80.9 ± 17% had high ΔΨm and 8.1 ± 11% had PS translocation with a PS translocation index of 2.1 ± 3%. Motility was only correlated with PS translocation (R = 0.3901; p = 0.0488), and acrosome membrane integrity was correlated with PS translocation (R = -0.5816; p = 0.0018). This study provides objective physiological data on the functional capacity of canine spermatozoa.

Repigmentation of vitiligo lesions in a child with celiac disease after a gluten-free diet

There is a well-established association of vitiligo with autoimmune conditions, and circulating autoantibodies to melanocytes have been demonstrated in the serum of patients with vitiligo. We present a case of repigmentation of vitiligo lesions in a girl with celiac disease after initiating a gluten-free diet, which to our knowledge has not been reported.

Fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss) spermatozoa cryoprotectant-free vitrification: stability of mitochondrion as criterion of effectiveness

The aim of the present investigations was to test a novel technology comprising cryoprotectant-free vitrification of the spermatozoa of rainbow trout and to study the ability of sucrose and components of seminal plasma to protect these cells from cryoinjuries. Spermatozoa were isolated and vitrified using five different mediums: Group 1: standard buffer for fish spermatozoa, Cortland(®)-medium (CM, control); Group 2: CM+1% bovine serum albumin (BSA); Group 3: CM+1% BSA+0.125 M sucrose; Group 4: CM+1% BSA+40% seminal plasma; and Group 5: CM+1% BSA+40% seminal plasma+0.125 M sucrose. For cooling, 20 μL suspensions of cells from each group were dropped directly into liquid nitrogen. For warming, the spheres containing the cells were quickly submerged in CM+1% BSA at 37 °C with gentle agitation. The quality of spermatozoa before and after vitrification was analysed by the evaluation of motility, cytoplasmic membrane integrity (SYBR-14/propidium iodide staining technique), and mitochondrial membrane integrity (JC-1 staining). Motility (86%, 71%, 80%, 81%, and 82%, for Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively) and cytoplasmic membrane integrity (90%, 82%, 83%, 84%, and 87%, respectively) of spermatozoa in all the 5 groups were not decreased significantly. All tested solutions can be used for vitrification of fish spermatozoa with good post-warming motility and cytoplasmic membrane integrity. However, mitochondrial membrane potentials of the spermatozoa in Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were changed significantly (6%, 50%, 37%, 55%, and 34%, respectively) (P(1,2,3,4,5)<0.001; P(2,3,4,5) <0.01)(P(3-5)>0.1). This rate was maximal in Group 4 (CM+1% BSA+40% seminal plasma). In conclusion, this is the first report about successful cryoprotectant-free cryopreservation of fish spermatozoa by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen (vitrification). Vitrification of fish spermatozoa without permeable cryoprotectants is a prospective direction for investigations: these cells can be successfully vitrified with 1% BSA+40% seminal plasma without significant loss of important physiological parameters.

Neutrophil CD64: diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value in patients presenting to the emergency department

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of neutrophil CD64 expression for bacterial infection in febrile adult patients presenting to our hospital emergency department. We prospectively included 132 patients with fever ≥ 38ºC (≥ 100.4ºF) during the last 24 hours and we measured CD64 expression on neutrophils the day after admission at the emergency department. We followed the patients until full recovery or death. There were 115 (87%) patients with bacterial infection and 108 (94%) of them survived. There were 17 (13%) patients without bacterial infection and 12 (71%) of them survived. Patients with bacterial infection and patients who survived showed a CD64 index higher when compared with patients without bacterial infection and patients who died, respectively (3.7 ± 3.2 vs. 2.5 ± 2.3; p = 0.03; and 3.7 ± 3.1 vs. 1.7 ± 0.6; p = 0.002; Mann-Whitney U test). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for detecting bacterial infection and predicting survival with the CD64 index showed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.52-0.8; p = 0.03) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.57-0.85; p = 0.01), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of CD64 expression was good in adult patients with fever.

Participation of the sperm proteasome during in vitro fertilisation and the acrosome reaction in cattle

In this work, we have investigated the role of the bovine sperm proteasome during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and the acrosome reaction (AR). Motile spermatozoa, obtained by a swim-up method in Sperm-Talp medium, were capacitated for 3.5 h and incubated in the presence or absence of the specific proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin for 30 and 60 min. Then, the spermatozoa were co-incubated with mature bovine cumulus oocytes and after 48 h the cleavage rate of inseminated oocytes was evaluated. In addition, we evaluated the participation of the sperm proteasome during the progesterone-induced AR. Capacitated spermatozoa were incubated for 30 min with or without epoxomicin, then progesterone was added and the ARs were evaluated using the dual fluorescent staining technique 'Hoechst and chlortetracycline'. The results indicate that the proteasome inhibitor decreased the cleavage rate of oocytes inseminated with treated spermatozoa. In addition, acrosomal exocytosis levels were statistically significantly higher in the samples treated with the AR inducer progesterone than in control samples in the absence of the inducer. However, the progesterone-induced AR was significantly reduced by previous treatment of the spermatozoa with epoxomicin (P < 0.001). These observations indicate that the bovine sperm proteasome participates in the IVF and AR processes.

Exploitation of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin from Hesperaloe funifera

This work seeks the integral use of all major components of Hesperaloe funifera, separating hemicelluose by hydrothermal treatments; cellulose by pulping processes; and exploitation of lignin of pulping liquor by pyrolysis and gasification processes. By using sulfuric acid in the hydrothermal treatment (150-190 °C, 0-20 min after reaching operating temperature, 6-10 liquid/solid ratio, 0.1-0.5% sulfuric acid), the glucose and xylose of liquid fraction increase from 1.5% to 5.9%, and 4.0% to 12.4%, respectively; the yields of solid fraction decrease from 91.6% to 79.5%, and the lignin content increase from 23% to 32%. Pulps and paper sheets obtained from solid fractions hydrothermal treatments and from raw material pulped with diethanolamine, are worse than those obtained with soda-anthraquinone (Yield 57.8%; kappa number 24.9; Viscosity 711 mL/g; Brightness 54.8%; Tensile index 73.6 Nm/g; Stretch 2.84%; Burst index 6.13 kN/g and Tear index 1.69 mNm2/g). By acidification (pH 6) of soda pulping liquor it separate lignin-rich solids, which by pyrolysis gave a gas containing 1.13% H2, 31.79% CO and 1.86% CH4 by weight. Gasification of the same sample provided a gas containing 0.18% H2, 24.50% CO and 17.75% CH4.

Characterization of subcortical structures during deep brain stimulation utilizing support vector machines

In this paper we discuss an efficient methodology for the characterization of Microelectrode Recordings (MER) obtained during deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson's disease using Support Vector Machines and present the results of a preliminary study. The methodology is based in two algorithms: (1) an algorithm extracts multiple computational features from the microelectrode neurophysiology, and (2) integrates them in the support vector machines algorithm for classification. It has been applied to the problem of the recognition of subcortical structures: thalamus nucleus, zona incerta, subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra. The SVM (support vector machines) algorithm performed quite well achieving 99.4% correct classification. In conclusion, the use of a computer-based system, like the one described in this paper, is intended to avoid human subjectivity in the localization of the subcortical structures and mainly the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for neurostimulation.

Experimental observation of increased threshold electric field for runaway generation due to synchrotron radiation losses in the FTU Tokamak

The threshold electric field for runaway generation has been investigated during runaway suppression experiments by means of electron-cyclotron-resonance heating in the flattop phase of FTU discharges. Runaway suppression has been experimentally found to occur at electric fields substantially larger than those predicted by the relativistic collisional theory of runaway generation, ER=nee3lnΛ/4πε0(2)mec2. These experimental results are consistent with an increase of the critical electric field due to the electron synchrotron radiation losses. No runaway electrons are found in FTU experiments below the radiation threshold. These results support evidence for a new threshold electric field for runaway generation that accounts for the effect of the synchrotron losses, and which should be considered when making predictions on runaway generation and mitigation in devices such as ITER.

[Incorporation of a psychologist into a nephrology service: criteria and process]

Chronic kidney disease is associated with a wide range of stressful situations causing important physical and psychological repercussions. It is not usual that psychology professionals are active members of the nephrology teams. In consequence, these alterations are not properly assisted. Our aim is to present the introduction process of a psychologist in a nephrology department and its preliminary results. We designed a clearly defined introduction process, starting with a therapeutic communication training program for all the staff. In the model we have priorized pre-emptive interventions in order to promote the adaptation process, far from simple psychological symptom control. It is assumed the binomial patient-family as the major objective for care, choosing an interdisciplinary approach. We worked more from a health psychology perspective than from a mental health perspective. Over the year 2008 the number of patients assisted by the psychologist were 571 (mean 48 patients/month). The total number of interventions was 1,022. Majority of cases (45.2%) were derived from the advanced chronic kidney disease program, mostly related to demands about emotional impact of renal replacement therapy commencement. Others were: suspect of depression episode, adherence, primary caregiver emotional overwhelming, bereavement, anxiety and support in decision making process. This experience is a stimulus for the integral approach of the renal patient.

[Neurolymphomatosis: diagnosis of extension and assessment of response to treatment with PET-CT]

Neurolymphomatosis is a rare neurological manifestation of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and it may be its first and sole manifestation. Diagnosis is often difficult and nerve biopsy is generally required. However, this it is not always possible to perform or is not conclusive. We present the case of a 66-year-old woman diagnosed with giant B-cell NHL. After 6 cycles of chemotherapy, imaging and molecular biology techniques showed complete remission. At four months after treatment, the patient complained of low back pain of radicular distribution. CT and MRI imaging showed signs of lymphoproliferative activity of L5 and also lesions to thoracic nerve roots. A PET-CT was requested in order to complete the diagnosis and plan the treatment. Imaging confirmed the presence of tumor recurrence with neurolymphomatosis and also indicated lesions on the chest and abdominal level. Thus, it was decided to start a new line of chemotherapy, without performing the histological study through biopsy. This case illustrates the important role played by PET-CT imaging in neurolymphomatosis diagnosis. This technique can help the patient avoid more aggressive procedures, such as a biopsy, and can also be useful in the follow-up and assessment of the treatment response to NHL-diagnosed patients.

Short daily versus conventional hemodialysis quality of life: a cross-sectional multicentric study in Spain

BACKGROUND

End-stage renal disease is a major health problem worldwide nowadays. Although conventional hemodialysis is the most widely used modality, short daily hemodialysis has been proposed as a more physiologic treatment. The objective of this article is to compare the quality of life of patients on each hemodialysis modality.

METHODS

A multicentric cross-sectional study was performed in 9 Spanish hospitals. Patients treated for at least 3 months with conventional or short daily hemodialysis were included and quality of life measured using the Euroqol-5D quality of life questionnaire. Bayesian models were used for analyzing quality of life results.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients were included, 27 were on daily hemodialysis and 66 on conventional hemodialysis. All models demonstrated a better quality of life for daily hemodialysis versus conventional hemodialysis. Only 14% of the patients on conventional hemodialysis were willing to change to a daily schedule.

CONCLUSIONS

Short daily hemodialysis shows a better quality of life than conventional hemodialysis with all Bayesian approaches considered.

High glucose-induced changes in steroid production in adrenal cells

BACKGROUND

Increased activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in enhanced adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and serum glucocorticoid levels, has been described in patients with diabetes mellitus and in animal models of this disease; however, altered steroid production by adrenocortical cells could result from local changes triggered by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), induced in turn by chronic hyperglycaemia. Experiments were designed (1) to analyse the effects of incubating murine adrenocortical cells in hyperglycaemic media on the generation of oxidative stress, on steroid synthesis and on its modulation by the activity of haeme oxygenase (HO); and (2) to evaluate the effect of antioxidant treatment on these parameters.

METHODS

Y1 cells were incubated for 7 days with either normal or high glucose (HG, 30 mmol/L) concentrations, with or without antioxidant treatment. Parameters of oxidative stress and expression levels of haeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nitrite levels, L-arginine uptake and progesterone production were determined.

RESULTS

HG augmented ROS and lipoperoxide production, decreasing glutathione (GSH) levels and increasing antioxidant enzymes and HO-1 expression. Basal progesterone production was reduced, while a higher response to ACTH was observed in HG-treated cells. The increase in HO-1 expression and the effects on basal steroid production were abolished by antioxidant treatment. Inhibition of HO activity increased basal and ACTH-stimulated steroid release. Similar results were obtained by HO-1 gene silencing while the opposite effect was observed in Y1 cells overexpressing HO-1.

CONCLUSIONS

HG induces oxidative stress and affects steroid production in adrenal cells; the involvement of HO activity in the modulation of steroidogenesis in Y1 cells is postulated.

Nuclear charge radii of 7,9,10Be and the one-neutron halo nucleus 11Be

Nuclear charge radii of ;{7,9,10,11}Be have been determined by high-precision laser spectroscopy. On-line measurements were performed with collinear laser spectroscopy in the 2s_{1/2}-->2p_{1/2} transition on a beam of Be+ ions. Collinear and anticollinear laser beams were used simultaneously, and the absolute frequency determination using a frequency comb yielded an accuracy in the isotope-shift measurements of about 1 MHz. Combining this with accurate calculations of the mass-dependent isotope shifts yields nuclear charge radii. The charge radius decreases from 7Be to 10Be and then increases for the halo nucleus 11Be. When comparing our results with predictions of ab initio nuclear-structure calculations we find good agreement. Additionally, the nuclear magnetic moment of 7Be was determined to be -1.3995(5)micro_{N} and that of 11Be was confirmed with an accuracy similar to previous beta-NMR measurements.

Soda-anthraquinone pulping of palm oil empty fruit bunches and beating of the resulting pulp

The influence of soda-anthraquinone pulping variables (temperature, time and soda concentration) and beating (number of PFI beating revolution) of palm oil empty fruit bunches (EFB) on the resulting paper sheets was studied, with a view to identifying the optimum operating conditions. Equations were derived that reproduced the properties of the paper sheets with errors less than 10-12% in 90-95% of cases. An optimum compromise was found as regards operating conditions (15% soda, 170 degrees C, 70 min and 2400 number of PFI beating revolutions) that provided paper properties departing by less than 12% from their optimum values (59.63 Nm/g tensile index, 4.48% stretch, 4.17 kN/g burst index and 7.20 m Nm(2)/g tear index), and a beating grade of 47.5 degrees SR, acceptable to obtain paper sheets. Because these conditions involve a lower soda, temperature, time and beating than those required to maximize the studied paper properties, they can save chemical reagents, energy and immobilized capital for industrial facilities. On the other hand, the stretch properties of these pulp beaten are higher than those of others non-wood pulps, as wheat straw and olive wood.

Pulp and paper from vine shoots: neural fuzzy modeling of ethylene glycol pulping

The influence of operational variables in the pulping of vine shoots by use of ethylene glycol [viz. temperature (155-185 degrees C), cooking time (30-90 min) and ethylene glycol concentration (50-70% v/v)] on the properties of the resulting pulp (viz. yield, kappa number and viscosity) and paper sheets (breaking length, stretch, burst index, tear index and brightness) was studied. A central composite factorial design was used in conjunction with the software ANFIS Edit Matlab 6.5 to develop fuzzy neural model that reproduced the experimental results of the dependent variables with errors less than 5%. The model is therefore effective with a view to simulating the ethylene glycol pulping process.

Nature of transport across sheared zonal flows in electrostatic ion-temperature-gradient gyrokinetic plasma turbulence

It is shown that the usual picture for the suppression of turbulent transport across a stable sheared flow based on a reduction of diffusive transport coefficients is, by itself, incomplete. By means of toroidal gyrokinetic simulations of electrostatic, collisionless ion-temperature-gradient turbulence, it is found that the nature of the transport is altered fundamentally, changing from diffusive to anticorrelated and subdiffusive. Additionally, whenever the flows are self-consistently driven by turbulence, the transport gains an additional non-Gaussian character. These results suggest that a description of transport across sheared flows using effective diffusivities is oversimplified.

Use of Barcelona Test for cognitive assessment of patients with schizophrenia

INTRODUCTION

In recent years different neuropsychological batteries have been developed to assess cognitive performance in schizophrenia. However, no test has been validated in Spanish for this purpose. The Barcelona Test has been one of the tests used. This present article has aimed to present a specific neurocognitive battery for schizophrenia by selecting specific subtests from the Barcelona Test. Normative data for patients with schizophrenia are presented and the influence of a number of variables is taken into account.

METHODS

The sample included 209 patients. The relationship between cognitive performance and gender, age, educational level, age of onset, duration of illness and symptomatology were assessed. Symptomatology was collected with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia.

RESULTS

More of the 50% of the sample had cognitive impairment when compared with standardized percentile scores of the Barcelona Test. No significant relationships between cognitive performance and variables assessed were found, except for in the educational level. Thus, percentile scores for the total sample and for the sample in terms of educational level were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

The high percentage of patients with cognitive impairment when standardized percentile scores were used reinforces the need to use normative data appropriate for the schizophrenia group. The lack of relationship between cognitive performance and the variables assessed supports the hypothesis that cognitive impairment is a core feature in schizophrenia.