Inclusive K(S);(0)K(S);(0) resonance production in ep collisions at HERA

Inclusive K_{S};{0}K_{S};{0} production in ep collisions at the DESY ep collider HERA was studied with the ZEUS detector using an integrated luminosity of 0.5 fb;{-1}. Enhancements in the mass spectrum were observed and are attributed to the production of f_{2}(1270)/a_{2};{0}(1320), f_{2};{'}(1525) and f_{0}(1710). Masses and widths were obtained using a fit which takes into account theoretical predictions based on SU(3) symmetry arguments, and are consistent with the Particle Data Group values. The f_{0}(1710) state, which has a mass consistent with a glueball candidate, was observed with a statistical significance of 5 standard deviations. However, if this state is the same as that seen in gammagamma-->K_{S};{0}K_{S};{0}, it is unlikely to be a pure glueball state.

Field induced vortex dynamics in magnetic Ni nanotriangles

The magnetization states in Ni triangular dots under an applied magnetic field have been studied using variable-field magnetic force microscopy (VF-MFM) imaging. In order to understand their dynamics we performed micromagnetic simulations which are in remarkable agreement with the experimental MFM results. The nanostructures present magnetic vortices as ground states which move under an external magnetic field. The combination of micromagnetic simulations and MFM imaging allows us to identify correctly the vortex chiralities and polarizations. The triangular geometry produces an improved contrast of the vortex core. Additionally, the vortices of different chiralities present clearly different MFM images under an applied field.

bioNMF: a web-based tool for nonnegative matrix factorization in biology

In the last few years, advances in high-throughput technologies are generating large amounts of biological data that require analysis and interpretation. Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) has been established as a very effective method to reveal information about the complex latent relationships in experimental data sets. Using this method as part of the exploratory data analysis, workflow would certainly help in the process of interpreting and understanding the complex biology mechanisms that are underlying experimental data. We have developed bioNMF, a web-based tool that implements the NMF methodology in different analysis contexts to support some of the most important reported applications in biology. This online tool provides a user-friendly interface, combined with a computational efficient parallel implementation of the NMF methods to explore the data in different analysis scenarios. In addition to the online access, bioNMF also provides the same functionality included in the website as a public web services interface, enabling users with more computer expertise to launch jobs into bioNMF server from their own scripts and workflows. bioNMF application is freely available at http://bionmf.dacya.ucm.es.

One-dimensional magnetopolymeric nanostructures with tailored sizes

Ultra-high aspect ratio nanofibers composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) and CoFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles (PVA/CoFe(2)O(4)) and moderate aspect ratio nanofibers composed of poly(vinyl chloride) and Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (PVC/Fe(3)O(4)) have been prepared. Magnetopolymeric one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures with any diameter and length can be prepared by template synthesis using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) followed by the replication methods presented in this work. These replication methods are very effective, and allow the nanomoulding of any polymer-nanoparticle 1D composite. A first magnetic characterization of the nanostructured composites reveals a modest magnetic anisotropy. The development of magnetopolymeric nanofibers with adjusted length and diameter opens new opportunities in a wide range of applications.

Self-organized magnetic nanowire arrays based on alumina and titania templates

Densely packed arrays of magnetic nanowires have been synthesized by electrodeposition filling of nanopores in alumina and titania membranes formed by self-assembling during anodization process. Emphasis is made on the control of the production parameters leading to ordering degree and lattice parameter of the array as well as nanowires diameter and length. Structural, morphological and magnetic properties exhibited by nanowire arrays have been studied for several nanowire compositions, different ordering degree and for different nanowire aspect ratios. The magnetic behaviour of nanowires array is governed by the balance between different energy contributions: shape anisotropy of individual nanowires, the magnetostatic interaction of dipolar origin among nanowires, and magnetocrystalline and magnetoelastic anisotropies induced by the pattern templates. These novel nanocomposites, based on ferromagnetic nanowires embedded in anodic nanoporous templates, are becoming promising candidates for technological applications such as functionalised arrays for magnetic sensing, ultrahigh density magnetic storage media or spin-based electronic devices.

Evaluation of heavy metal contents in co-composts of poultry manure with barley wastes or chestnut burr/leaf litter

The presence of heavy metals in composts is a main cause of adverse effects on animal and human health, transmitted through the food chain from the soil, groundwater and plants. In this study, the contents of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu present in co-composts of poultry manure (liquid or solid) with a co-composting material (barley wastes or chestnut burr/leaf litter) were assessed. A compost of solid manure was used as control because a compost cannot be obtained from the liquid manure. The original solid poultry manure showed a Zn content of 2134+/-75 mg/kg, exceeding the current legal limit in Spain of 1100 mg/kg. In the solid poultry manure co-compost with chestnut burr/leaf litter and barley wastes, Zn content decreased to 813+/-25 mg/kg and 883+/-37 mg/kg, respectively. The contents in heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu) of the co-composts were under the maximum limit permitted under the Spanish legislation, excepting for the Zn level in liquid poultry manure co-composted with chestnut burr/leaf litter.

[Degree of public awareness regarding intensive care units (ICUs) and intensive care physicians in Castilla y León]

AIM

To determine degree of public awareness regarding the activities and health care professionals that comprise intensive care units (ICUs) in the autonomous community of Castilla y León.

DESIGN

Questionaire in the form of a true-false test dealing with a) description of an ICU; b) description of ICU patients, and c) degrees and qualifications held by ICU physicians.

LOCATION

Waiting rooms of outpatient clinics and ICUs of 9 hospitals in Castilla y León.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

During the period from 1 October 2003 to 29 February 2004, there were surveyed a group of those persons accompanying outpatients arriving for appointments (OP, n = 2,293), and a group comprised of relatives of ICU patients (ICU, n = 727) upon discharge from the ICU.

RESULTS

The average age of those subjects surveyed was 45.6 years old. 62.1% were women and 52.8% had received education through secondary level or higher. Of the 1,354 analyzed OP questionnaires, 27.7%, 25.5% and 48.4% responded correctly to questions A, B and C, respectively. Of the 284 analyzed ICU questionnaires, 38.6%, 41.0%, and 63.5% responded correctly to questions A, B and C, respectively. Differences between results from the two surveyed groups were statistically significant, and the best results from the ICU group were found among those subjects whose family members had remained in ICU for 2 days or more.

CONCLUSIONS

In the described scope, of the citizens of Castilla y León, 27.7% know as it is a ICU, 25.5% know what type of patients usually is entered there, and 48.4% recognize their doctors like ICU specialists specifically. These knowledge improve significantly after having some relative entered in ICU for more than 2 days.

Alternate response preparation in a visuomotor serial task

The preparation of a particular motor pattern is related to the information available that enables the actor to predict the correct response to a forthcoming stimulus. In many situations, however, prediction is not possible. In such cases, the individual can guess the probable parameters of the next stimulus. The authors attempted to establish the bias in the motor intention for movement and its interaction with a possible memory trace of the stimulus-response mapping produced by the preceding stimulus. Two letters were presented bilaterally, and participants (N=21) had to discriminate the target letter and respond with the compatible hand. The present findings support the existence of a memory trace of the previous stimulus-response mapping.

Single-domain wall propagation and damping mechanism during magnetic switching of bistable amorphous microwires

The mechanism of nucleation and propagation of a single-domain wall is studied as a function of temperature in bistable Fe-based amorphous microwire with a unique simple domain structure. An extended nucleation-propagation model is proposed with a negative nucleation field. From quantitative analysis of the propagating wall characteristics, a new damping is theoretically introduced as arising from structural relaxation which dominates in the low temperature regime.

[Consensus for antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Enterobacteriaceae. Subcommittee on Antimicrobials, SADEBAC (Argentinian Society of Clinical Bacteriology), Argentinian Association of Microbiology]

Taking into account previous recommendations from the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS), the Antimicrobial Committee, Sociedad Argentina de Bacteriología Clínica (SADEBAC), Asociación Argentina de Microbiología (AAM), and the experience from its members and some invited microbiologists, a consensus was obtained for antimicrobial susceptibility testing and interpretation in most frequent enterobacterial species isolated from clinical samples in our region. This document describes the natural antimicrobial resistance of some Enterobacteriaceae family members, including the resistance profiles due to their own chromosomal encoded beta-lactamases. A list of the antimicrobial agents that should be tested, their position on the agar plates, in order to detect the most frequent antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and considerations on which antimicrobial agents should be reported regarding to the infection site and patient characteristics are included. Also, a description on appropriate phenotypic screening and confirmatory test for detection of prevalent extended spectrum beta-lactamases in our region are presented. Finally, a summary on frequent antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and their probably associated resistance mechanisms, and some infrequent antimicrobial resistance profiles that deserve confirmation are outlined.

Gender differences in event-related potentials during visual-spatial attention

The aim of present work is to test possible gender differences in the ERPs to the standards during the performance of a visual-spatial attention task. The sample: 20 subjects (10 women) aged 18-24. Electrodes: F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, P4, T5, T6, O1, O2. ANOVA tests were computed with the following factors: attention, gender, visual field, hemisphere, and electrodes. Results showed that men presented higher amplitudes in P1 and in P3b than did women, and women presented higher amplitudes in the temporal N1 than did men. For the P3, the amplitude in frontal-central regions for the attended condition was higher in men than in women, and men presented a gender-specific right frontal functional asymmetry that was not present in women. Since these components are related with the modulation of visual processing by the effect of spatial attention, the intra- and inter-gender differences obtained suggest possible differences in the processing of visual information in both genders. However, the fact that the brain generators could have a different orientation is also a possible explanation for the differences obtained in the ERPs in both genders.

HLA-B27: a registry of constitutive peptide ligands

The very strong association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 with spondyloarthritis might be related to its peptide-presenting properties. The natural polymorphism of this molecule influences both peptide specificity and disease susceptibility. In this study, we present a comprehensive compilation of known natural ligands of HLA-B27 arising from endogenous proteins of human cells, together with a statistical assessment of residue usage among constitutive peptide repertoires of multiple HLA-B27 subtypes. This analysis provides evidence that every peptide position, including "non-anchor" ones, may be subjected to selection on the basis of its contribution to HLA-B27 binding and also allows a quantization of residue preferences at known anchor positions. The present registry is intended as a basis on which to build up reliable criteria to assess the effect of HLA-B27 polymorphism on peptide presentation, for T-cell epitope predictions, and for molecular mimicry studies.