Observation of B;{0}-->K;(*0)K[over ](*0) and Search for B;(0)-->K;(*0)K;(*0)

We report the observation of the b-->d penguin-dominated decay B;{0}-->K;{*0}K[over ];{*0} with a sample of 383.2+/-4.2 million BB[over ] pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e;{+}e;{-} collider at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. The measured branching fraction is B(B;{0}-->K;{*0}K[over ];{*0})=[1.28_{-0.30};{+0.35}+/-0.11]x10;{-6} and the fraction of longitudinal polarization is f_{L}(B;{0}-->K;{*0}K[over ];{*0})=0.80_{-0.12};{+0.10}+/-0.06. The first error quoted is statistical and the second systematic. We also obtain an upper limit at the 90% confidence level on the branching fraction for B(B;{0}-->K;{*0}K;{*0})<0.41x10;{-6}.     

Search for CP violation in the decays D0 --> K- K+ and D0 --> pi- pi+

We measure time-integrated CP-violating asymmetries of neutral charmed mesons in the modes D0 --> K(-) K(+) and D0 --> pi(-) pi(+) with the highest precision to date by using D0 --> K(-) pi(+) decays to correct detector asymmetries. An analysis of 385.8 fb(-1) of data collected with the BABAR detector yields values of a(CP)(KK)=(0.00+/-0.34(stat)+/-0.13(syst))% and a(CP)(pipi)=(-0.24+/-0.52(stat)+/-0.22(syst))%, which agree with standard model predictions.     

Magnetic hyperfine field at Cr site in AgCrO2 given by Perturbed angular correlations

This work presents an electric field gradient and magnetic hyperfine field study, in the AgCrO₂ multiferroic with triangular spin lattice. The temperature dependence of the electric field gradient (efg) and magnetic hyperfine field (mhf) at Cr site was studied at isolde via perturbed angular correlation measurements with the ¹¹¹In probe, at room temperature and below the Néel temperature (T?≤?21 K) down to 12 K. The results show the presence of two distinct local environments. One axial symmetric efg with a very low mhf, and a non axially symmetric efg with a much higher one. The temperature dependences of mhf magnitude and of the angle between the mhf and the principle component of the efg are investigated.     

Structural and magnetic characterization of LaSrMnO3 thin films deposited by laser ablation on MgO substrates

La_2/3Sr_1/3MnO_3?δ thin films were deposited by laser ablation on MgO substrates under low oxygen pressure cool down. Their structural and magnetic properties are presented. The magnetic and electrical resistivity measurements indicate a reduction of the Curie and the metal–insulator transition temperatures due to the formation of magnetic inhomogeneneous films, where clusters of a metallic phase are mixed in a magnetically disordered insulating matrix. By a low-angle X-ray reflectivity study we show that the thin films are chemically inhomogeneous with an oxygen deficiency in bulk of the film when compared with the film/air interfacial region.     

Utilization of nondestructive techniques for analysis of the Martian meteorite NWA 6963 and its implications for astrobiology

Martian meteorites are excellent study materials for understanding the present and past of Mars, as they are important historical astrophysical artifacts because they possess information about Martian geological evolution and physical and chemical characteristics. In our case, we analyzed the NWA 6963 Martian meteorite classified as basaltic shergottite because of its chemical structure. A computerized microtomography (μCT) study in the NWA 6963 Martian meteorite provided us with 2D and 3D images that were extremely useful for ascertaining the internal structure of the analyzed sample and gave us the opportunity to find a crumpled material with a very peculiar structural format. In addition, it was possible to observe through the μCT that this encrusted material also has a completely different density of the meteorite. Calcium, strontium, and potassium were detected qualitatively, among others through the technique of X‐ray fluorescence.     

A Rapidly Responsive Sensor for Wireless Detection of Early and Mature Microbial Biofilms

Biofilm-associated infections, which are able to resist antibiotics, pose a significant challenge in clinical treatments. Such infections have been linked to various medical conditions, including chronic wounds and implant-associated infections, making them a major public-health concern. Early-detection of biofilm formation offers significant advantages in mitigating adverse effects caused by biofilms. In this work, we aim to explore the feasibility of employing a novel wireless sensor for tracking both early-stage and matured-biofilms formed by the medically relevant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The sensor utilizes electrochemical reduction of an AgCl layer bridging two silver legs made by inkjet-printing, forming a part of near-field-communication tag antenna. The antenna is interfaced with a carbon cloth designed to promote the growth of microorganisms, thereby serving as an electron source for reduction of the resistive AgCl into a highly-conductive Ag bridge. The AgCl−Ag transformation significantly alters the impedance of the antenna, facilitating wireless identification of an endpoint caused by microbial growth. To the best of our knowledge, this study for the first time presents the evidence showcasing that electrons released through the actions of bacteria can be harnessed to convert AgCl to Ag, thus enabling the wireless, battery-less, and chip-less early-detection of biofilm formation.     

Carbon-based materials applied to the development of chemically modified sensors: Trends to environmental applications**

Nowadays, carbon-based materials applied to the development of chemically modified sensors have been highlighted once they can generate methods with high sensitivity, stability, conductivity, accuracy and low cost. Hence, these sensors have been used in environmental monitoring in aneco-friendlyy, sensitive, fast, efficient, inexpensive and robust way. In this review, firstly we described about carbon-based materials and their derivatives, followed by the chemically modified carbon-based sensors manufacturing overview and their applications in environmental analytical chemistry related to inorganic and organic compounds determinations. Future perspectives on trends of the carbon-based materials applications in the sensor modifications are also described.