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The laboratory replication of the greenhouse effect appears deceptively simple. Using a cubic box illuminated by an ordinary lamp, one may show some of the phenomena present in the climate system. It is nonetheless necessary to use a lot of physical ingenuity to understand the complex interaction of radiative and convective phenomena which characterizes such a simple system. In this paper we introduce a critical review of some experiments in the literature and suggest a new and original experimental set up using an unusual gas; in this way we overcome some of the limitations of the typical laboratory experiment, confirming the possibility of using it in educational physics laboratories without any lack of physical plausibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We present in this original article a histological study of surgical skin residues. Aim of the study: This study was realized in order to show, in objective way, skin diversity according to sex, age and area, and to illustrate some current surgical practices of our speciality. Patients and method: Two years along, 141 patients was selected, 69 Men and 72 women. Fifty-four biopsies were realized on the upper extremity, 34 on the trunk and 53 on legs and arms. The histological study was based on two steps; the first one was a classic quantitative study, with measurement of each cutaneous layer, and objective evaluation of elastic density in superficial dermis. The second one was a descriptive histological analysis of each cutaneous area. Results: The results coming from the quantitative analysis, allowed us to establish a classification of all the areas, according to each parameter. These results are globally compliant to the literature. The results of the descriptive analysis, lead us to conclude that it exists a lot of different skins with regional specificities. Then the crossover of the two analyses allowed us to define good practices tricks, in order to choose the best reconstruction technique for each area. Conclusion: This study is just a rough draft of a dynamic skin cartography adapted to our surgery. But it allowed us to confirm our basic premise: it doesn’t exist only one skin but many skins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the major open issues in neutrino physics is the possible existence of CP violation in the neutrino sector. Such an observation would have an important impact in various domains of physics, from high energy physics to cosmology. Its search requires future accelerator neutrino facilities producing intense and pure neutrino beams such as “beta-beams”. Here we review the different beta-beam scenarios proposed so far and discuss the present status, with a particular emphasis on the original baseline scenario and its feasibility. Alternative strategies for the CP violation search are to be pursued as well. A possibility is to search for CP violation effects in astrophysical environments. Here we present recent analytical and numerical results obtained in the context of core-collapse supernovae. In particular, we point out the conditions under which there can be CP violating effects in dense media and show numerical results on the supernova (anti-)neutrino fluxes and on the electron fraction, relevant for the -process nucleosynthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Woven and nonwoven fabrics and the corresponding fibers have been analyzed using a Wilhelmy microbalance. A self-developed analysis software (written using Labview flow-data language) has been used to extract the advancing and receding angles and also other informations commonly neglected by the standard data analysis of Wilhelmy technique, such as the immersion cross-sectional area, the effective wet perimeter, the liquid absorption, the parallelism of the straight lines describing the immersion and the withdrawal of the sample in a typical force vs immersion graph. This approach has previously been proposed for rigid porous materials such as stones and wood with some success. In the present cases some modifications of the approach have been introduced to take into account the specificity of the materials. The results appear promising for the more rigid nonwoven fabric, but suffer from a greater uncertainty and from even unacceptable inconsistencies in the case of the softer and traditional fabric. Through the application of the proposed method and software to the Wilhelmy approach the precision of the measurements can be increased in the most common cases and may help in estimating wettability. This remains true even for soft fabrics, although in this case some very important limitations of the experiment and of the model are unable to eliminate systematic errors, with the consequence that only a qualitative estimate of contact angles can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The complete form of the Kelvin equation, which describes the effect of the interface curvature on the equilibrium vapour pressure in the presence of the relative liquid, is considered. Regularity and general trend of solutions are investigated. A rigorous power-series expansion of the physically meaningful solution is derived by Lagrange’s expansion. Our discussion also covers the question of convergence (rate and uniformity) of the appropriate algorithm for numerical estimates. Some mathematical by-products are finally presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We explore the possibility of performing nuclear structure studies using low-energy neutrino beams. In particular, low-energy beta-beams and conventional sources (muon decay-at-rest) are considered. We present results on the total charged-current as well as flux-averaged cross sections associated to electron (anti-)neutrino scattering on oxygen, iron, molybdenum and lead, as typical examples. It is shown that by using neutrinos from low-energy beta-beams, information on forbidden states, in particular the spin-dipole, could be extracted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Beta-beams is a novel concept for the production of neutrino beams exploiting boosted radioactive ions which decay through beta-decay. Here we describe a project, currently under investigation, where such beams are used to address the issue of CP violation in the lepton sector. We also mention the interest of having low-energy beta-beams. The connection to projects for the production of very intense exotic ion beams, like EURISOL, is emphasized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We compare the prospects for detecting a neutrino magnetic moment by the measurement of neutrinos from a tritium source, reactors and low-energy beta-beams. In all cases the neutrinos or antineutrinos are detected by scattering of electrons. We find that a large (20 MCurie) tritium source could improve the limit on the neutrino magnetic moment significantly, down to the level of a few ×10-12 in units of Bohr magnetons μB while low-energy beta-beams with sufficiently rapid production of ions could improve the limits to the level of a few ×10-11μB. The latter would require ion production at the rate of at least 1015 s-1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper follows the “defense” of the Good–van Oss–Chaudhury (GvOC) acid–base approach made in Part I and carries out a detailed analysis of the Zisman critical surface energy and, mainly, of the Neumann equation-of-state (EQS) theory. The analysis is made on both a “practical” and a theoretical basis, trying to highlight the acceptable fitting results of axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA) methods and their independence of the assumed thermodynamic foundations of EQS. Some new and original criticisms of the EQS approach are raised and it is shown that other purely semiempirical models, represented by different fitting equations with the same number of parameters, can represent the data measured by ADSA method with the same goodness as EQS. The equation of state appears as one of many semiempirical approaches for the evaluation of surface free energy of solids. Independent of the previous analysis, the criteria used in ADSA measurements are evaluated and some comments made on them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The acid–base approach to the calculation of solid surface free energy and liquid–liquid interfacial tensions is a practical example of application of correlation analysis, and thus it is an approximate approach. In these limits, and provided that wide and well-obtained sets of contact angles or interfacial tension data are used for their computation, surface tension components can be considered as material properties. Although their numerical value depends on the characteristics of the chosen reference material, their chemical meaning is independent on the selected scale. Contact angles contain accessible information about intermolecular forces; using surface tension component (STC) acid–base theory, one can extract this information only making very careful use of the mathematical apparatus of correlation analysis. The specific mathematical methods used to obtain these results are illustrated by using as an example a base of data obtained by the supporters of the equation-of-state theory (EQS). The achievements are appreciably good and the agreement between STC and EQS is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The acid-base theory as developed by van Oss, Chaudury and Good is a powerful tool to analyze the surface free energy of polymeric materials; however, some problems are encountered in its application and some authors have shown that these problems can be theoretically solved considering this theory as an example of the so-called LFER theories. From this point of view, the definition of a well-defined scale of acid-base strength and the use of a wide and well-equilibrated, appropriate set of liquids is very important. In the present paper some recent results are presented which are based on the mathematical approach discussed by Della Volpe and Siboni in previous papers. The treatment is developed as a list of questions, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), whose theoretical implications are discussed using numerical examples chosen from the literature. Some literature data, collected by the opponents of the acid-base theory and recently published, are re-analysed using these methods, showing that they constitute a well-defined set to calculate, with a good precision, the acidbase components of the considered materials and the interfacial energies of liquids used. The present paper is the premise of a second one, in which a set of contact angles data collected by the authors and by other researchers will be analysed following the principles discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

—According to the general guidelines presented in the accompanying paper, some relevant examples of common polymer surfaces are analysed and discussed; a number of polymers commercially available or laboratory synthesized have been analysed. In particular, the case of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), often considered as peculiar in the literature, is fully analysed on the basis of a new set of well-prepared samples, whose compositions were checked by high-vacuum spectroscopies. 'Equilibrium' contact angles, obtained by a new experimental technique, are presented. The results are, however, preliminary, because the final set of liquids used is not so 'well equilibrated' as possible, from the point of view of acid–base properties. The contact angle data obtained are analysed in a non-linear way to calculate the acid–base components of all the liquids and solids. The results are discussed and compared with those obtained from liquid–liquid interfaces presented in the accompanying paper. The physico-chemical features of these samples have also been compared with the adhesion properties of some bacterial cells, commonly found as infective agents on biomaterials surfaces of medical devices, in order to rationalize these results within the theoretical framework of acid–base theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theoretical evaluation of major nuclear structure effects on the asymmetry of allowed Gamow–Teller β-decay rates in light mirror nuclei is presented. The calculations are performed within the shell model, using empirical isospin-nonconserving interaction and realistic Woods–Saxon radial wave functions. The revised treatment of p-shell nuclei is supplemented by systematic calculations for sd-shell nuclei and compared to experimental asymmetries when available. The results are important in connection with the possible existence of second-class currents in the weak interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present paper a new method able to easily evaluate the critical height of rupture of liquid films on various substrate surfaces is described and commented. It is automatic and based on the different IR reflectance of solids and liquids. Its limits and advantages are analysed. The heights of rupture of water have been measured on different kinds of polymeric solid surfaces as well as on surfaces whose water repellency has been increased by different mixtures of substituted ammonium salts, used as autophobic rinse aids. In both cases the effect of experimental conditions and the value of contact angles measured by the Wilhelmy microbalance have been correlated with the height of rupture. The peculiar sawtooth trend of force versus immersion in Wilhelmy experiments, performed by using some of these autophobic substances solutions, is described and interpreted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The common measurement of the contact angle is performed in conditions not corresponding to true equilibrium states and gives non-equilibrium values, the advancing and receding contact angles. To solve this problem, a very simple experimental device, based on the Wilhelmy experiment, is proposed in the present paper. It is able to transfer mechanical energy to the three-phase system in a controlled way through a simple loudspeaker; the analysis of some common surfaces is made through this method showing as a new stable minimum of the surface free energy can be attained, independent on the initial conditions and corresponding to a value of the contact angle intermediate between the advancing and receding ones. A comparison is developed with literature results on heterogeneous and rough surfaces, some ‘first-order’-approximation equations proposed in the literature are examined and compared with the new results. A simple but useful theoretical treatment is also compared with the experimental results to allow a more detailed, although qualitative-level, analysis. An important consequence with respect to the calculations of solid surface free energies is indicated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present new theoretical results of the flux-averaged [sup 12]C(ν[sub e], e[sup -])[sup 12]N and [sup 12]C(ν[sub μ], mu;[sup -])[sup 12]N cross sections with ν[sub μ](ν[sub e]) coming from the decay-in-flight (decay-at-rest) of π[sup +](μ[sup +]). These cross sections are relevant for the interpretation of the recent experiments on neutrino oscillation performed by the LSND and KARMEN collaborations. The microscopic approaches used are charge-exchange random phase approximation (RPA), charge-exchange RPA among quasiparticles (QRPA), and the Shell Model. We show that the exclusive cross sections are in nice agreement with the experimental values for both reactions when a large-scale shell-model calculation is performed. Concerning the inclusive cross section for ν[sub μ] coming from the decay-in-flight of π[sup +], the calculated value keeps overestimating the experimental one by 20-30%, while the inclusive cross section due to ν[sub e] coming from the decay-at-rest of μ[sup +] is in agreement within experimental error bars with the measured values. The shell-model prediction for the decay-in-flight neutrino cross section is reduced compared to the RPA one because of the different kind of correlations in the calculation of the spin modes (in particular, the quenching of the 1[sup +]) and partially due to the shell-model configuration basis, which is not large enough, as we show using arguments based on sum rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overwhelming basicity of all analysed surfaces strongly dependent on the choice of liquid triplet used for contact angle measurements and the negative values sometimes obtained for the square roots of the acid-base parameters can be summarized as the main problems arising from the application of the Good-van Oss-Chaudhury (GvOC) theory to the calculation of Lewis acid-base properties of polymer surfaces from contact angle data. This paper tries to account for these problems, namely: (1) the Lewis base, or electron donor component, is much greater than the Lewis acid or electron-acceptor component because of the reference values for water chosen in the original GvOC theory. A direct comparison of the acidic component with the basic one of the same materials has no meaning. A new reference scale for water which is able to overcome this problem is suggested. For the calculation of acid-base components, a best-fit approach is proposed which does not require any starting information about the liquids or polymers and can yield estimates of the acid-base parameters for both the liquids and the polymers involved; (2) the strong dependence of the value of the acid-base components on the three liquids employed is due to ill-conditioning of the related set of equations, an intrinsic and purely mathematical feature which cannot be completely cured by any realistic improvement in experimental accuracy. To reduce or eliminate the effect, one only needs a proper set of liquids, representative of all kinds of different solvents; (3) the negative coefficients appear as a simple consequence of measurement uncertainty, combined with the possible ill-conditioning of the equation set. We cannot exclude, however, that in some cases they could have a different origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The individual effects of heterogeneity and roughness on contact angles have been repeatedly analysed in the literature, but the application of the accepted models to practical situations is often not correctly performed. In the present paper the combined effects of roughness and heterogeneity on the contact angles of water on stone surfaces protected by a hydrophobic polymer coating are considered. Two different kinds of calcareous stone with different surface roughnesses and porosities were protected against the effect of water absorption by two different polymer coatings. The contact angles of water on the protected stone surfaces were measured by the Wilhelmy and the sessile drop techniques. A comparison of the results obtained shows not only the limits of the static sessile drop technique, but also the combined effect of roughness and heterogeneity. Some considerations are developed on the application of commonly accepted models to surfaces with a combination of roughness and heterogeneity. Some other results obtained with techniques such as roughness measurements, mercury porosimetry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), water absorption by capillarity experiments (WAC), all able to show the structure and properties of the obtained films, are also compared with those obtained from contact angle measurements. It is concluded that the static contact angle is not well correlated with the degree of protection; on the contrary, the receding contact angles are well correlated with the degree of protection actually obtained. An ideal protecting agent should have a receding contact angle greater than 90°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates whether or not the cries of human infants show individually and contextually discriminable acoustic parameters, in relation to motor skills perception. Reference to previous studies by J.F. Bosma, H.M. Truby and J. Lind; Methods of data collection used in the investigation; Features and durations of pain and hunger cries; Conclusion of the investigation.

In this paper we present an epidemic model affecting an age-structured population. We show by numerical simulations that this demographic structure can induce persistent oscillations in the epidemic. The model is then extended to encompass a stage-structured disease within an age-dependent population. In this case as well, persistent oscillations are observed in the infected as well as in the whole population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We study CP-violation effects when neutrinos are present in dense matter, such as outside the proto-neutron star formed in a core-collapse supernova. Using general arguments based on the Standard Model, we confirm that there are no CP-violating effects at the tree level on the electron neutrino and anti-neutrino fluxes in a core-collapse supernova. On the other hand significant effects can be obtained for muon and tau neutrinos even at the tree level. We show that CP-violating effects can be present in the supernova electron (anti-)neutrino fluxes as well, if muon and tau neutrinos have different fluxes at the neutrinosphere. Such differences could arise due to physics beyond the Standard Model, such as the presence of flavor-changing interactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the topological approach to structure–property relationships, the molecular structure is described in terms of appropriate weighted graphs to which suitable topological parameters, usually known as molecular connectivity indices, can be associated. Molecular connectivity indices are here applied to the prediction of surface free energy and Good–van Oss–Chaudhury acid–base components of organic compounds. To this aim, some quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPRs) are determined, involving both topological indices and group indicator variables of the customary functional group theory. The semiempirical models obtained to appear satisfactory and show significant advantages with respect to the models based on the purely functional group approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We explore the possibility of measuring the Weinberg angle from (anti)neutrino–electron scattering using low energy beta-beams, a method that produces single flavour neutrino beams from the beta-decay of boosted radioactive ions. We study how the sensitivity of a possible measurement depends on the intensity of the ion beam and on a combination of different Lorentz boosts of the ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The advancing angle is the commonest way to measure and use the contact angle. Sometimes its use is an acceptable approximation, whereas in other cases it is simply not useful or misleading. This is the case of a natural porous material, such as stone. The stone materials are heterogeneous and rough, and the application of protective agents makes their surfaces even more complex. This paper confirms that the measurement of the advancing angles can only indicate the presence of the protective, not its effective protecting ability. On the contrary, the receding angles correlate better with the chemical structure and protective ability of the protecting agents (e.g. with the water absorption).Some examples of evaluations of commercial and newly synthesised protective polymers show the advantages and limitations of the use of the contact angles and the difficulties of their interpretation.Moreover, new and originally chosen protective agents, i.e. some cationic surfactants already used as “rinsing aids” and polyvynilpyrrolidone waxes, have been tested as protective with interesting results. The time dependence of protection efficacy and its correlation with contact angle have also been tested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the social dynamics-migration, urbanization, the status of women, education-related to AIDS in an urban peripheral area of Abidjan. Structured interviews were administered to 420 people, selected through cluster random sampling. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were performed with keyinformants. The results show that 26.9% of the interviewees are foreigners and 40% of all people interviewed participate in ethnic associations. Knowledge of AIDS is associated with age, gender, educational level and purchasing power. Those who are generally better informed about AIDS are: younger people; people with a higher education; and wealthier people. Men respond correctly to questions more frequently than women. French, the chosen language of the education campaigns, is not understood by 18% of the immigrants, and when considering only immigrant women, the figure increases to 38%. Particular attention should be paid to the design of health education messages and strategies for specific groups, such as non-educated people, women and immigrants. Care must also be taken to match the language used to the target population. Ethnic associations constitute an important starting point, particularly in relation to their use by immigrants, and these should be involved in educational programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Nous rapportons le cas d’une patiente de 55 ans atteinte d’une neurofibromatose de type I ou maladie de Recklinghausen. Elle présentait un schwannosarcome du nerf médian, de haut grade de malignité, à l’union des tiers supérieur et moyen du bras, au contact de l’humérus. Le traitement carcinologique de cette tumeur imposait une amputation du bras au niveau du col chirurgical de l’humérus, et donc une désarticulation d’épaule. Dans le but d’améliorer la fonction résiduelle du membre supérieur, et afin de créer une pince latéro-thoracique, nous avons décidé de réaliser un lambeau libre total d’avant-bras banque. Ce lambeau composite a été composé du radius, de la totalité des muscles de l’avant-bras, ainsi que de la peau de la face antérieure de l’avant-bras, prélevée avec le pédicule radial proximal. Il a été anastomosé en proximal à l’artère axillaire après ostéosynthèse huméro-radiale par plaque. Le lambeau a permis à cette patiente active d’obtenir un moignon fonctionnel, rétablissant la fonction du bras et permettant une action de pince. Summary We report the case of a 55-year-old woman suffering from a type I neurofibromatosis (also known as Von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis) who was diagnosed with a high-grade schwannosarcoma of the median nerve, between the upper third and the medium third of the arm, upon contact with the humerus, invading the humeral vessels. The oncologic treatment of this tumour consisted in the amputation of the arm through the surgical neck of the humerus. In order to create a laterothoracic claw, to bring a partial function of the upper limb back, we decided to realize a free fillet forearm flap. This composite flap was composed of the radius and the ulna, all the forearm muscles and the skin of the anterior side of the forearm. A humeroradial plate osteosynthesis was done and the flap was then harvested with the radial pedicle, and anastomosed to the axillar artery. This procedure gave our patient a functional stump, giving back the arm functionality, especially the claw movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of the confined aqueous layer potentiodynamically formed on polycrystalline gold in aqueous phosphate and sodium dodecylsulphate solutions were studied using voltammetry, ellipsometry, and contact angle measurements. The nature of the incipient oxide layer was analyzed as a function of the cycling time in the double layer-oxide monolayer potential region. The replacement of the electrolyte by hexane allows the increase of the optical signal. Different potential cycling conditions change the homogeneity of the confined aqueous incipient oxide layer leading to different structural characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of anodic passive films potentiostatically formed on polycrystalline gold in aqueous phosphate solutions were studied using voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. The nature of the gold oxide layer was analyzed as a function of a potential holding in the aqueous double layer charge region at the interface between gold and the aqueous layer confined by insoluble organic solvents (hexane, chloroform, anisole, butyl acetate, xylene, and isopropyl ether). Different growth conditions change the homogeneity of the oxide layer leading to different passive properties. A synergetic effect on the gold oxidation of hydrogen dissolved in both the bulk metal and the confined aqueous layer is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MEMPHYS is a proposed 0:5 Mton scale water Cerenkov experiment to be performed deep underground. Possible sites are under study in the European FP7 design study LAGUNA. It is dedicated to nucleon decay, neutrinos from supernovæ, solar and atmospheric neutrinos, as well as neutrinos from a future Super-Beam or β-Beam. Its performance with neutrino beams includes the possibility of measuring the mixing angle θ13, the CP-violating phase δ and the mass hierarchy. One R&D item currently being carried out is MEMPHYNO, a small-scale prototype with the main purpose of serving as a test bench for new photodetection and data acquisition solutions, such as grouped readout system. We review here the MEMPHYS physics reach and present the status of the MEMPHYNO prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of pre-filled valveless gas canisters for lamps or camping stoves has caused a number of serious burn incidents. We performed a retrospective analysis of all of the patients who were victims of such incidents admitted to the Marseille Burn Centre between January 1990 and March 2004. There were a total of 21 patients burned in such conditions. Adult males made up the majority of the victims of this sort. Lesions were often extensive (60% of the patients were burned over more than 10% of their body surface) and systematically deep. In order of frequency, burn locations were: the lower limbs, the upper limbs, the hands and the face. The incidents principally occurred during replacement of the canister near an open flame. The marketing of a canister with a valve in order to avoid gas leaks did not cause the old canisters to be taken off the market. On the contrary, European Safety Standard EN417, updated in October 2003, validated the use of these valveless canisters. The severity of the lesions caused and the existence of safe equivalent products requires the passage of a law that forbids valveless canisters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Poly(3-methoxythiophene) (PMOT) films of different thicknesses (0.25–0.75μm), electrodeposited on Pt from an aqueous anionic micellar medium, were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements in aqueous LiClO4 solutions. Both the oxidized and the neutral (chemically reduced) forms were investigated. Impedance spectra were obtained at potentials ranging from 0 to 0.8V/SCE. The EIS data were fitted using an equivalent-electrical circuit in order to characterize the PMOT electrochemical properties. A progressive increase of the different components of the circuit with the film thickness was observed. With the applied potential, we obtained utmost capacitances and least resistances at the open-circuit potential. We showed also that the neutral form of PMOT behaves like an insulator. The study of the influence of the electrolyte concentration demonstrated that the diffusion of ClO4 − anions is the rate-determining step of the doping process. The presence of a pore resistance suggests that the film should be highly porous and contain an excess of electrolyte, which facilitates anion-diffusion. The EIS results elect PMOT as a promising active material for batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: MEMPHYS is a proposed 0.5Mton scale Water Cherenkov experiment to be performed deep underground. Possible sites are under study in the European FP7 design study LAGUNA. It is dedicated to nucleon decay, neutrinos from supernovæ, solar and atmospheric neutrinos, as well as neutrinos from a future Super-Beam or β-Beam to measure the mixing angle θ 13, the CP violating phase δ and the mass hierarchy. A small-scale prototype, Memphyno, has been constructed with the purpose of serving as a test bench for new photodetection and data acquisition solutions, such as grouped readout system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on results of a study of the modulation of fibroblast behaviour by enzymatically-tailored pectins. A description of the experimental set-up and measurement method is presented. The study concluded that grafted-engineered pectins modulate fibroblast adhesion through serum adhesive protein adsorption/conformation.

An abstract of the conference paper "Diagnosis of congenital heart block: what kind of markers?," by I. Fantasia and colleagues is presented.