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The Elettra synchrotron radiation facility in Trieste, Italy has been operating since 1994 and is currently the only facility operating at 2.0 or 2.4 GeV. Plans are underway to construct a new facility, Elettra 2.0, which will have improved capabilities and a wider range of experiments. The project was approved in 2017 and is expected to be operational in 2027, offering diverse beamlines for various energy ranges and advanced imaging and spectroscopy techniques. The construction will include 12 new beamlines and upgrades to existing ones. [Extracted from the article]

The range of materials analysed at Elettra, the Italian synchrotron facility, in the area of cultural heritage (CH) is very broad and goes from inorganic materials such as metals, stone, glass, ceramics and pigments, to organic-based materials such as wood, paper, leather, fabrics and biological samples. Several applications are involved, such as restoration and conservation, analysis of alteration products, identification of manufacturing techniques used by ancient communities, as well as the study of human and animal evolution. Synchrotron radiation offers a large portfolio of analytical techniques and several advantages, such as the unique non-destructive capabilities of most analytical approaches and the possibility of using synergic way more X-ray techniques in the same environment. In this paper, we will describe the Elettra source and the beamlines routinely dedicated to CH experiments, as well as the office designed to facilitate users with little or no experience in the use of large research infrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elettra is an international multidisciplinary research center, specializing in synchrotron and free-electron laser radiation and their application in material science. The center (see Figure 1) is located on the outskirts of Trieste (Basovizza), Italy. Two advanced light sources are in operation: Elettra, the 12-cell, double-bend achromat, 259.2-m-circumference electron storage ring operating since 1993; and FERMI, the new seeded free electron laser (FEL) operating since 2010 and open to the users' community with three beamlines covering the spectral range from 100 to 4 nm. The presence of the two complementary facilities, both open to the international community, is a unique asset of the research center. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The authors characterized the cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral sequelae of Coffin-Siris (CS) syndrome and epilepsy in a 7.5-year-old child. Little is known about the early neurobehavioral presentation of CS. Clinical features consistent with this genetic anomaly include underdeveloped tips and nails of the fifth fingers, extended infranasal depression, and craniofacial abnormalities. MRI findings often reveal callosal agenesis. The authors conducted a neuropsychological evaluation and obtained parental ratings of behavioral and adaptive functioning. Attentional abilities were limited. As assessed by the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, receptive language abilities (age equivalent [AE]: 3-3) were relatively stronger than expressive skills (AE: 1-4). Adaptive functioning was low across all domains (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Composite AE: 1-9). On the Behavior Assessment for Children (BASC-2), social skills dysfunction, stereotyped and self-stimulatory behaviors, restricted interests, ritualistic play, and inappropriate object usage were noted. No significant mood disturbances were endorsed. Study findings indicate a diffuse pattern of neurobehavioral deficits in a child with CS and epilepsy. Further clinical assessment and research should include multidimensional assessment techniques, including evaluation of adaptive behavior, in an effort to capture the full range developmental sequelae in children with CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effort assessment is of particular importance in pediatric epilepsy where neuropsychological findings may influence treatment decisions, especially if surgical interventions are being considered. The present investigation examines the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) in 60 children and adolescents with epilepsy. The overall pass rate for the sample was 90%. TOMM scores were unrelated to age, though there was a significant correlation between TOMM Trial 2 scores and intelligence estimates. Overall, the TOMM appears to be a valid measure of effort in young epilepsy patients, though caution should be used when interpreting scores for those with very low IQ, especially if behavioral problems are also evident. Caution should also be exercised in interpreting scores in children with ongoing interictal epileptiform activity that may disrupt attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information about the Fermi Free Electron Laser (FEL) project. The project will be operating within the next five years The project will be the first user facility in this wavelength range based on seeded harmonic cascade FELs, providing controlled, high peak-power pulses. The facility will make use of the existing GeV linac of Elettra, which will become available for dedicated FEL applications following the completion of construction of the new injector booster. The injector system consists of a photocathode laser, booster linacs, emittance compensation solenoids and a laser heater.