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The southern Pacific Islands region is highly seismically active and includes earthquakes from four major subduction systems, seafloor fracture zones and transform faults, and other sources of crustal seismicity. Since 1900, the area has experienced >350 earthquakes of M  > 7.0, including 11 of M  ≥ 8.0. Given the elevated threat of earthquakes, several probabilistic seismic hazard analyses have been published for this region or encompassed subregions; however, those that are publicly accessible do not provide complete coverage of the region using homogeneous methodologies. Here, we present a probabilistic seismic hazard model for the southern Pacific Islands that comprehensively covers the Solomon Islands in the northwest to the Tonga islands in the southeast. The seismic source model accounts for active shallow crustal seismicity with seafloor faults and gridded smoothed seismicity, subduction interfaces using faults with geometries defined based on geophysical data sets and models, and intraslab seismicity modelled by a set of ruptures that occupy the slab volume. Each source type is assigned occurrence rates based on subcatalogues classified to each respective tectonic context. Subduction interface and crustal fault occurrence rates also incorporate a tectonic component based on their respective characteristic earthquakes. We demonstrate the use of non-standard magnitude–frequency distributions to reproduce the observed occurrence rates. For subduction interface sources, we use various versions of the source model to account for epistemic uncertainty in factors impacting the maximum magnitude earthquake permissible by each source, varying the interface lower depth and segmentation as well as the magnitude scaling relationship used to compute the maximum magnitude earthquake and subsequently its occurrence rate. The ground motion characterization uses a logic tree that weights three ground motion prediction equations for each tectonic region. We compute hazard maps for 10 and 2 per cent probability of exceedance in 50 yr on rock sites, discussing the regional distribution of peak ground acceleration and spectral acceleration with a period of 1.0 s, honing in on the hazard curves and uniform hazard spectra of several capital or populous cities and drawing comparisons to other recent hazard models. The results reveal that the most hazardous landmasses are the island chains closest to subduction trenches, as well as localized areas with high rates of seismicity occurring in active shallow crust. We use seismic hazard disaggregation to demonstrate that at selected cities located above subduction zones, the PGA with 10 per cent probability of exceedance in 50 yr is controlled by M w > 7.0 subduction interface and intraslab earthquakes, while at cities far from subduction zones, M w < 6.5 crustal earthquakes contribute most. The model is used for southern Pacific Islands coverage in the Global Earthquake Model Global Hazard Mosaic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the metabolic correlates of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to investigate the role of ε2 as a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Methods: A total of 159 ALS cases underwent APOE and ALS‐related genes analysis, neuropsychological assessment and cerebral 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography. The APOE genotype was regressed against whole brain metabolism as assessed by 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography, with age, sex, education, type of onset and C9orf72 status as covariates. Results: Brain metabolism was significantly positively correlated with APOE genotype from ε2/ε2 to ε3/ε4 in the left prefrontal [Brodmann area (BA) 10], orbitofrontal (BAs 11, 45, 47) and anterior cingulate (BA 32) cortices. There was a tendency to a relative hypometabolism going towards the ε2/ε2 extreme. Conclusions: We found a highly significant, relatively lower metabolism in association with the ε2 allele in extra‐motor areas typically affected in frontotemporal dementia (left prefrontal, orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices), strengthening the finding of a role of ε2 as a risk factor for cognitive impairment in ALS. Our data suggested a link between cholesterol homeostasis and neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of a magnitude-homogenized catalogue is often one of the most fundamental steps in seismic hazard analysis. The process of homogenizing multiple catalogues of earthquakes into a single unified catalogue typically requires careful appraisal of available bulletins, identification of common events within multiple bulletins and the development and application of empirical models to convert from each catalogue's native scale into the required target. The database of the International Seismological Center (ISC) provides the most exhaustive compilation of records from local bulletins, in addition to its reviewed global bulletin. New open-source tools are developed that can utilize this, or any other compiled database, to explore the relations between earthquake solutions provided by different recording networks, and to build and apply empirical models in order to harmonize magnitude scales for the purpose of creating magnitude-homogeneous earthquake catalogues. These tools are described and their application illustrated in two different contexts. The first is a simple application in the Sub-Saharan Africa region where the spatial coverage and magnitude scales for different local recording networks are compared, and their relation to global magnitude scales explored. In the second application the tools are used on a global scale for the purpose of creating an extended magnitude-homogeneous global earthquake catalogue. Several existing high-quality earthquake databases, such as the ISC-GEM and the ISC Reviewed Bulletins, are harmonized into moment magnitude to form a catalogue of more than 562 840 events. This extended catalogue, while not an appropriate substitute for a locally calibrated analysis, can help in studying global patterns in seismicity and hazard, and is therefore released with the accompanying software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which measured the diffusion coefficient oxygen in heavily antimony doped Czochralski silicon in the temperature by using secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Equation used in describing the oxygen profile during a high temperature anneal; Values of diffusion coefficient; Plot of oxygen diffusivity.

Mastocytosis is a clonal disorder characterized by the proliferation and accumulation of mast cells ( MC) in different tissues, with a preferential localization in skin and bone marrow ( BM). The excess of MC in mastocytosis as well as the increased releasability of MC may lead to a higher frequency and severity of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Mastocytosis in adults is associated with a history of anaphylaxis in 22-49%. Fatal anaphylaxis has been described particularly following hymenoptera stings, but also occasionally after the intake of drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and drugs in the perioperative setting. However, data on the frequency of drug hypersensitivity in mastocytosis and vice versa are scarce and evidence for an association appears to be limited. Nevertheless, clonal MC disorders should be ruled out in cases of severe anaphylaxis: basal serum tryptase determination, physical examination for cutaneous mastocytosis lesions, and clinical characteristics of anaphylactic reaction might be useful for differential diagnosis. In this position paper, the ENDA group performed a literature search on immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions in clonal MC disorders using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, reviewed and evaluated the literature in five languages using the GRADE system for quality of evidence and strength of recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Involvement of family members is crucial to provide daily informal caring to patients in vegetative state and minimally conscious state. Previous studies showed that perceived burden is a risk factor for informal caregivers as it increases psychophysical distress. This research further investigated the relationship between these factors and aimed at providing a model that thoroughly describes this mechanism of functioning. In the frame of a national survey on people with disorders of consciousness, 487 informal caregivers of children and adult patients in vegetative and minimally conscious state were administered measures of depression, anxiety, caregiver needs, and family strain. Regression models proposed by Baron and Kenny and the Sobel test were adopted to investigate the relationship between depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived burden and needs expressed. Our study shows that the relation between those symptoms and needs is mediated by burden, where higher burden accentuates and lower burden mitigates the needs expressed by caregivers. Our findings demonstrate that psychosocial components of the burden perceived by caregivers of patients with disorders of consciousness play a key role in shaping those caregivers' needs, especially their needs for information and communication. We recommend implementation of comprehensive steps to meet the needs of these caregivers, steps that incorporate improved economic and public health programs, social support, and use of psychological interventions to ameliorate caregivers' psychological distress and decrease their burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caregivers of patients in vegetative state and minimally conscious state play a crucial role in the process of taking care and, as previous studies reported, they can suffer of high burden and negative health outcomes. The aim of this national cross-sectional study was to assess whether physical and mental health of caregivers, considering gender differences, is related to the presence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, age and patient's disease duration. Four-hundred and eighteen caregivers, 294 women and 124 men, completed the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y, Beck Depression Inventory, second version and Short Form-12. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate to which extent depressive and anxiety symptoms predict physical and mental health. Men reported higher levels of mental health state, whereas physical health was not different across gender. High levels of anxiety symptoms were associated to negative mental health outcomes in both genders, whereas depressive symptoms were found to impact on female's mental and physical health only. A comprehensive and cost-effective screening of anxiety and depressive symptoms may help to identify determinants of health worsening in order to plan, when necessary, caregivers' support. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Messages Female caregivers of patients in vegetative state and minimally conscious state have poorer levels of mental health, whereas physical health is similar to men's., Anxiety symptoms are related to negative mental health outcomes in both male and female caregivers, whereas depressive symptoms are found to impact on female mental and physical health only., It is essential to consider and assess depressive and anxiety symptoms as they may contribute to caregivers' health worsening. This knowledge can lead to plan more comprehensive and tailored caregivers' supports and a better care for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Al6061-T6 aluminium single layer plates, of different thickness, impacted by two different 7.62mm Armour Piercing projectiles are studied from a metallographic point of view. The material behaviour after ballistic impact is investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy as well as by micro-hardness tests. The study allows one to highlight the physical phenomena that happen during the impact: the formation of adiabatic shear bands (ASB), the evolution of softening and hardening phenomena, the creation of petalling, plugging and the formation of a melted film between the target and the penetrator as well as the localised failure mechanism. The thermo-mechanical effects on the target and the penetrator material have been examined in order to investigate in the physical phenomena ruling the ballistic damage; the differences between the two types of impactors are also highlighted. Among interesting findings, it has been noticed that a complete penetration is less detrimental and tungsten core projectile seems more damaging for the structural integrity of Al6061-T6 plates. A complete penetration allows the material to better dissipate the plastic deformation energy induced by bullet whereas the arrest increases localised material softening effect resulting in the formation of ASB. Although the creation of numerical models is not the aim of the present paper, the findings could be useful for the building of a modelling approach capable of replicating all the involved phenomena in details. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Solid-shell formulations based on reduced integration with hourglass stabilization have several advantages. Among these are the smaller number of Gauss points and the direct modelling of the thickness stretch, a feature which is usually not present in standard degenerated shell elements. The latter issue is especially important for applications where contact is involved, e.g. for almost all relevant systems in production technology. Obviously this makes solid-shell formulations very attractive for their use in industrial design. A major disadvantage in the context of explicit analyses is, however, the fact that the critical time step is determined by the thickness of the solid-shell element which is usually smaller than the smallest in-plane dimension. Therefore, four-node shells (where the critical time step is determined by the in-plane dimensions) are still often preferred for explicit analysis. In the present paper we suggest several techniques to overcome this difficulty, also in the case of problems dominated by nonlinearities such as finite deformations, elastoplasticity and contact. Reference is made to an 8-node hexahedron solid-shell element recently proposed by Schwarze and Reese (2011) [32] in an implicit context. First of all, the time steps in explicit analyses are so small that it may be not necessary to update the hourglass stabilization and the implicit computation of the internal element degrees-of-freedom in every time step. Performing the update in only every hundredth step or computing an explicit rather than implicit update can reduce the computational effort up to about 50%. Another important issue is selective mass scaling which means to modify the mass matrix in such a way that the speed of sound in thickness direction is reduced. This enables the choice of a larger time step. The CPU effort can be finally noticeably decreased without changing the structural response significantly. This makes the presently used solid-shell formulation competitive to four-node shells, also for explicit analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although the food industry has risen to the formulation challenges associated with removing gluten from dough, and a number of gluten-free (GF) products are now commercially available, many GF bread formulations are still based on pure starches, resulting in low technological and nutritional quality. The aim of this research was to evaluate the role of buckwheat and HPMC on the breadmaking properties of two commercial GF bread mixtures. A dehulled (DBF) and a puffed (PBF) buckwheat flour were used, and high substitution levels (40%) were tested, with the aim of improving the nutritional value of the final GF breads without decreasing their technological quality. Ten mixtures (2 commercial, 8 experimental) were evaluated. The inclusion of 40% DBF was demonstrated not to reduce but actually improve the baking performances of the commercial GF mixtures. Moreover, the presence of a small amount of PBF, as well as of HPMC, turned out to be useful in limiting both the diffusion and the loss of water from the bread crumb and the interactions between starch and protein macromolecules, resulting in a softer GF bread crumb and reduced staling kinetics during storage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Earth system climate sensitivity (ESS) is the long-term (>103 year) response of global surface temperature to doubled CO2 that integrates fast and slow climate feedbacks. ESS has energy policy implications because global temperatures are not expected to decline appreciably for at least 103 year, even if anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions drop to zero. We report provisional ESS estimates of 3 °C or higher for some of the Cretaceous and Cenozoic based on paleo-reconstructions of CO2 and temperature. These estimates are generally higher than climate sensitivities simulated from global climate models for the same ancient periods (approximately 3 °C). Climate models probably do not capture the full suite of positive climate feedbacks that amplify global temperatures during some globally warm periods, as well as other characteristic features of warm climates such as low meridional temperature gradients. These absent feedbacks may be related to clouds, trace greenhouse gases (GHGs), seasonal snow cover, and/or vegetation, especially in polar regions. Better characterization and quantification of these feedbacks is a priority given the current accumulation of atmospheric GHGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some clinical studies have demonstrated that skin tests for β-lactam antibiotics may cause more adverse reactions than skin tests for common allergens. Objective: To assess the risk of systemic reactions from penicillin skin testing, based on a pre-test categorization of patients, in order to establish an appropriate strategy for preempting and dealing with cases. Methods: A case series of 175 patients with a suspected allergy to penicillin was reviewed, and patients were classified as having a low or high probability of allergic sensitization to penicillin, according to their clinical history. For every group, the rate and the increase in the relative risk (RRI) of systemic reactions by skin testing were calculated. The results were compared to those reported in the available literature. Results: In our case series of 175 patients, 52 were classified as having a high probability of being allergic to penicillin, according to their clinical history. Five systemic reactions to skin testing were observed, and these were exclusively in this group (9.61%, RRI = 479). In agreement with the literature, patients with a high likelihood of penicillin allergy showed an increase of up to 10% in the occurrence of systemic reactions at skin testing; in patients who had had severe allergic reactions, this figure was up to 20%. Conclusions: The RRI of systemic reactions by skin testing is proportional to the pre-test probability of a true immediate hypersensitivity reaction to β-lactam antibiotics. In the present case series, only patients with high pre-test probability were at risk, and this group should therefore be skin tested and monitored in a hospitalization regimen, where resuscitation staff and access to an emergency room are immediately available. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper describes the research activity regarding High Pressure PEM Water Electrolysis conducted at the Energetics Department at the Politecnico di Torino (Turin, Italy). In particular, the first phase of the design and assembly of an in-house made prototype is discussed. This activity was started after a detailed theoretical and experimental work carried on a prototype manufactured by Giner Electrochemical Systems. The experience learned suggested that the new activity should aim at a pressure of about 30–45 bar and higher temperatures, because this pressure range is the one which minimises the electrolysis + compression overall power request, while higher temperature allows to work at lower voltages, thus increasing the electrolyser and the overall process efficiency. On this basis, the design of the electrolyser has been performed, and the elements of the electrolyser have been tested as described in the paper. The tests have been performed at different pressure values, and at different operating temperatures: 40 °C and 55 °C; a wide range of single cell voltage has been observed: at a current density of 1 A/cm2, it ranges from 2.1 V (T = 55 °C, p = 10 bar) to 2.4 V (T = 40 °C, p = 70 bar). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acute hypobaric hypoxia is well known to alter brain circulation and to cause neuropsychological impairment. However, very few studies have examined the regional changes occurring in the brain during acute exposure to extreme hypoxic conditions. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) response to hypoxia was investigated in six healthy subjects exposed to either normobaric normoxia or hypobaric hypoxia with ambient pressure/inspired oxygen pressure of 101/21 kPa and 50/11 kPa respectively. After 40 min at the desired pressure they were injected Tc-HMPAO and subsequently underwent single photon emission computed tomography. Regional cerebral blood flow distribution changes in the whole brain were assessed by Statistical Parametric Mapping, a well established voxel-based analysis method. Hypobaric hypoxia increased rCBF distribution in sensorymotor and prefrontal cortices and in central structures. PCO correlated positively and SatO negatively with rCBF in several temporal, parahippocampal, parietal and central structures. These findings underscore the specific sensitivity of the frontal lobe to acute hypobaric hypoxia and of limbic and central structures to blood gas changes emphasizing the involvement of these brain areas in acute hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We give a semantic account of the execution time (i.e. the number of cut elimination steps leading to the normal form) of an untyped net. We first prove that: (1) a net is head-normalizable (i.e. normalizable at depth ) if and only if its interpretation in the multiset based relational semantics is not empty and (2) a net is normalizable if and only if its exhaustive interpretation (a suitable restriction of its interpretation) is not empty. We then give a semantic measure of execution time: we prove that we can compute the number of cut elimination steps leading to a cut free normal form of the net obtained by connecting two cut free nets by means of a cut-link, from the interpretations of the two cut free nets. These results are inspired by similar ones obtained by the first author for the untyped lambda-calculus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Specific IgG4 dosing against food is proposed to the public by a lot of commercial laboratories as a reliable method to diagnose food intolerance. Actually, few data on IgG4 responses to foods in adults are available in the literature. In this study we evaluated the clinical utility of specific IgG4 dosing against food in adult patients with suspected food allergy/intolerance. Methods: A case series of 73 adult patients with suspected food allergy and clinical manifestations of chronic urticaria or other allergy-supposed skin symptoms were tested for specific IgG4 against foods. An open food challenge was carried out for all IgG4-positive food. All positive open tests were controlled by double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge. Results: Forty-five patients (62%) were IgG4 positive for a number of foods, mainly egg, milk, casein and wheat. None of the patients with IgG4-positive testing showed adverse reactions, neither immediate nor delayed, to the corresponding food. Conclusions: In adult patients, testing for specific IgG4 lacks clinical utility for the diagnosis of food allergy or intolerance. Dosing of IgG4 should not be part of the diagnosis and therapy of adult patients with allergy-like skin diseases. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on geologic constraints on Earth system sensitivity (ESS) to carbon dioxide during the Cretaceous and early Paleogene periods. It mentions that the sensitivity has climate policy implications due to anticipated decline of global temperature despite of decrease in anthropogenic greenhouse-gas emissions. It also notes its estimates of 3° Celsius on both periods based on paleo-reconstructions of the gas and temperature.

Abstract: Argentina is a special place to study Late Palaeozoic life and environmental change because of the excellent exposures of Late Palaeozoic sedimentary sequences. In particular, Patagonia has an almost continuous Late Palaeozoic succession containing well-preserved faunal assemblages characterized by both strong endemism and distinctive palaeobiogeographic links to Australia and northeast Asia. In this contribution an overview of the current knowledge of the invertebrate faunas of Patagonia and their biostratigraphic and palaeobiogeographic significance are presented, along with comments on the future prospects of research in the light of new findings. The Late Palaeozoic outcrops in central-western Patagonia belong to the Tepuel–Genoa Basin (Chubut province, Argentina), then located in southwestern Gondwana during the Late Palaezoic. In this basin the succession is >6000m thick, and constitutes a continuous and complete succession from the Lower Carboniferous to lower Permian. As such, it has the potential to serve as an important reference section for regional and intercontinental correlations. The marine Late Palaeozoic of Patagonia has yielded abundant and well-preserved representatives of most invertebrate groups: brachiopods, bivalves, gastropods, cephalopods, hyolithids, pelmatozoans, ostracods and cnidarians. Recently, studies of the Patagonian faunas have resulted in different opinions on the ages of the faunas. Biostratigraphic correlation is complex due to strong faunal provincialism. For this reason, there are several hypotheses concerning the biostratigraphic zonation in the basin. Since 1920, when studies of Late Palaeozoic strata in Patagonia were first carried out, numerous papers on stratigraphic, palaeogeographic and taxonomic subjects have been published, but our knowledge of Carboniferous–Permian fossils from the Tepuel–Genoa Basin is still incomplete. At present, we are attempting to integrate and calibrate the different faunal associations with a view to achieving a unified biostratigraphic biozonation scheme and hence a much improved understanding of the palaeobiogeographic relationship of Patagonian faunas with those from western Argentina and other continents. Currently, detailed stratigraphic and palaeontological research is being done in the type section of the Tepuel–Genoa Basin. The aim of our studies is to integrate all partial sequences exposed throughout the basin and to propose a biostratigraphic chart based on key invertebrate taxa. Once this goal is achieved, a global correlation can be conducted, especially with other sections in Gondwana and the Arctic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Location-based queries (LBQ) are becoming more and more useful in location-based services (LBSs) such as those provided through mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and laptops. They are context aware since they support the access to information by taking into account the spatial context of the user when submitting the query, and the spatial location of the searched information (instances). Generally, the key-selection condition is a constraint on the distance of the instances from the user location. One deficiency of current approaches in evaluating LBQs is the fact that they do not manage the uncertainty that often characterizes the knowledge of either the user position or the searched instances or both of them, thus they do not produce query answers with estimates of their possible validity. In the paper, after analyzing the processes involved in a LBS that may generate uncertainty, a model for representing and evaluating LBQs affected by uncertainty is proposed, in which uncertainty and imprecision can affect both location information and the spatial condition, i.e., the query scope. Distinct situations of uncertainty in LBQs are analyzed and for each of them a two-step evaluation procedure is proposed based on a fixed-cost filter phase and on a refinement phase that produces ranked results reflecting an estimate of their validity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Platinum salts can cause allergic sensitization. Recently, hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin, the most recent platinum coordination complex introduced into clinical practice, have been reported. Objective: To validate and standardize skin tests to diagnose and possibly prevent hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin. The secondary aims were to confirm IgE-mediated pathogenesis of the clinical manifestations and to evaluate skin tests to predict patients at risk of hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin. Methods: We performed skin tests atincreasing concentrations of oxaliplatin on 15 patients never exposed to platinum salts, on 10 patients treated with oxaliplatin without any adverse reactions, and on 4 patients who had shown hypersensitivity reactions to the drug. Moreover we performed skin tests on 8 additional patients starting before the 5th dose and following a course of chemotherapy. Results: A positive skin reaction to the prick test at a concentration of 1 mg/ml was seen in 1 patient with hypersensitivity reactions. The intradermal test was positive in all the patients with hypersensitivity reactions at a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml. It was negative in the 15 nonexposed subjects, and in the 10 patients who had been exposed to oxaliplatin without hypersensitivity reactions. The skin test administered to patients before chemotherapy was positive in one case. Conclusion: A skin prick test at a concentration of 1 mg/ml and, in the case of a negative response, an intradermal test at the optimal concentration of 0.1 mg/ml should be used, starting from the 5th course of therapy, to diagnose and prevent hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc is an essential metal that, when in excess, can be deleterious to the cell. Therefore, homeostatic mechanisms for this cation must be finely tuned. To better understand the response of yeast in front of an excess of zinc, we screened a systematic deletion mutant library for altered growth in the presence of 6 mM zinc. Eighty-nine mutants exhibited increased zinc sensitivity, including many genes involved in vacuolar assembling and biogenesis. Interestingly, a mutant lacking the Aft1 transcription factor, required for the transcriptional response to iron starvation, was found to be highly sensitive to zinc. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling revealed that exposure to 5 mM ZnCl2 results in rapid increase in the expression of numerous chaperones required for proper protein folding or targeting to vacuole and mitochondria, as well as genes involved in stress response (mainly oxidative), sulphur metabolism and some components of the iron regulon. The effect of the lack of Aft1 both in the absence and in the presence of zinc overload was also investigated. Exposure to high zinc generated reactive oxygen species and markedly decreased glutathione content. Interestingly, zinc excess results in decreased intracellular iron content and aconitase and cytochrome c activities in stationary-phase cultures. These findings suggest that high zinc levels may alter the assembly and/or function of iron–sulphur-containing proteins, as well as the biosynthesis of haem groups, thus establishing a link between zinc, iron and sulphur metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The boron isotope-pH technique is founded on a theoretical model of carbonate δ11B variation with pH that assumes that the boron isotopic composition of carbonates mirrors the boron isotopic composition of borate in solution (δ11Bcarb = δ11Bborate). Knowledge of the fractionation factor for isotope exchange between boric acid and borate in solution (α4-3), the equilibrium constant for the dissociation of boric acid (pKB*), as well as the isotopic composition of boron in seawater (δ11Bsw) are required parameters of the model. The available data suggests that both the value of α4-3 and the history of δ11Bsw are poorly constrained. However, if one assumes that δ11Bcarb = δ11Bborate, an empirical value for α4-3 can be estimated from the results of inorganic carbonate precipitation experiments. This exercise yields an α4-3 value of ∼0.974 in accordance with recent theoretical estimates, but substantially deviates from the theoretical value of 0.981 often used to estimate paleo-ocean pH. Re-evaluation of ocean pH using an α4-3 value of 0.974 and published foraminiferal δ11B values for the Cenozoic yield pH estimates that are relatively invariant, but unrealistically high (∼8.4–8.6). Uncertainty increases as foraminiferal ‘vital effects’ are considered and different models for secular changes in seawater δ11B are applied. The inability to capture realistic ocean pH possibly reflects on our understanding of the isotopic relationship between carbonate and borate, as well as the mechanism of boron incorporation in carbonates. Given the current understanding of boron systematics, pH values estimated using this technique have considerable uncertainty, particularly when reconstructions exceed the residence time of boron in the ocean. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The treatment of Barrett's esophagus is still controversial. Actually, the only method to prevent the development to cancer is endoscopic surveillance, which ensures good results in terms of long-term survival. An ideal treatment capable of destroying columnar metaplasia, followed by squamous epithelium regeneration could potentially result in a decrease of the incidence of adenocarcinoma. Recently most ablative techniques were used, such as photodynamic therapy, ablation therapy with Nd-YAG laser or argon plasma coagulation and endoscopic mucosal resection. We started a prospective study in January 1998, enrolling 94 patients affected by Barrett's esophagus and candidates for antireflux repair in order to assess the effectiveness and the results of endoscopic coagulation with argon plasma combined with surgery in the treatment of uncomplicated Barrett's esophagus. All patients underwent endoscopic treatment with argon plasma; we observed complete response in 68 patients (72.34%), 27 of them (39.7%) underwent antireflux surgery and the other 41 continued medical therapy. Post-operatively 19 patients (70%) underwent regular surveillance endoscopies and in two cases metaplasia recurred. The final objective of these combined treatments should be the complete eradication of metaplastic mucosa. Our experience was that argon plasma coagulation combined with antireflux surgery or proton pump inhibitor therapy gave satisfactory results, even if follow-up is too short to evaluate the potential evolution of metaplasia to cancer. For this reason, we recommend that this technique should be done only in specialized centres and that these patients continue their endoscopic surveillance program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A mitochondrial disease might be considered when depressive disorder is associated with diabetes mellitus or other symptoms commonly found in mitochondrial disease. Scattered regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) decreases and increases have been reported in depressive and mitochondrial disorders. A 61-year-old male patient with early adult onset of depressive disorder and a slowly developing multiorgan syndrome including diabetes mellitus was investigated. Method: 99mTc-HMPAO rCBF SPECT and muscle biopsy to assess mitochondrial functions were performed in the patient. Results: Alterations of rCBF were found in the patient, with the most pronounced decreases in the left dorsolateral frontal and inferior parietal lobes, and the most pronounced increases in the bilateral superior parietal lobes. Muscle biopsy revealed myopathy and decrease of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production rates (MAPRs). Conclusion: The MAPRs decreases support the suspicion of mitochondrial dysfunction in the patient. A subgroup of depressed patients may have mitochondrial dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The psychological impact of breast cancer (BC) is substantial, with a significant number of patients (up to 32 %) experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Exploring the emotional aspects of PTSD through the functional brain-heart interplay (BHI) offers valuable insights into the condition. BHI examines the functional interactions between cortical and sympathovagal dynamics. This study aims to investigate changes in functional directional BHI after trauma-focused (TF) psychotherapy, specifically Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU) among BC patients with PTSD. To our knowledge, this study represents the first examination of such changes. We enrolled thirty BC patients who met the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, with fourteen receiving EMDR and fifteen receiving TAU over a two- to three-month period. We analyzed changes in the emotional response during a script-driven imagery setting. Quantification of the functional interplay between EEG and sympathovagal dynamics was achieved using the synthetic data generation model (SDG) on electroencephalographic (EEG) and heartbeat series. Our focus was on the difference in the BHI index extracted at baseline and post-treatment. We found statistically significant higher coupling in the heart-to-brain direction in patients treated with EMDR compared to controls. This suggests that the flow of information from the autonomic nervous system to the central nervous system is restored following EMDR-induced recovery from PTSD. Furthermore, we observed a significant correlation between improvements in PTSD symptoms and an increase in functional BHI after EMDR treatment. TF psychotherapy, particularly EMDR, appears to facilitate the restoration of the bottom-up flow of interoceptive information, which is dysfunctional in patients with PTSD. The application of BHI analysis to the study of PTSD not only aids in identifying biomarkers of the disorder but also enhances our understanding of the changes brought about by TF treatments. • TF-psychotherapy effectively restores the bottom-up flow of interoceptive information in PTSD. • Bottom-up processes in TF-psychotherapies are clinically relevant. • BHI offers valuable insights into the communication flow that underlies emotional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel approach coupling bottom-up modelling of heat demand and agent-based models. • Accounting for behaviour of building occupants improves predicted heat demand. • Likelihood of building being connected to district heat network is modelled. • Considering likelihood of connection improves district heat network profitability. A novel framework, that is comprised of large-scale, agent-based models of residential buildings and the occupants of the buildings, and a bottom-up heat demand model, is developed to assess scenarios related to the extension of a city's district heat network. The agent-based models account for the characteristics of the individual buildings and the behaviours of the individual occupants. The bottom-up heat demand model accounts for the spatial and temporal differences in heat demand of individual buildings. It is shown that by accounting for the behaviour of building occupants the time-resolved dynamics of heat demand are more accurately captured and the quantitative prediction of the heat demand is improved compared to prior approaches. The novel framework is applied to assess the extension of the district heat network of a mid-sized city in Switzerland, whereby the likelihood of a building to connecting to the extended network can be considered. By accounting both for the profitability of the predicted heat demand and for the likelihood of a building being connected to the extended network, the internal rate of return of the infrastructure can be increased by 25%, compared to an extension of the network where these aspects are not considered. Overall, this novel framework provides insights and cost-effective solutions for policy makers and energy multi-utilities regarding the decarbonisation of building stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the spatial variation of oxygen precipitation in silicon wafers after high temperature rapid thermal annealing (RTA) in nitrogen. Dependence of oxygen precipitation on RTA time and temperature; Precursor for the nucleation and growth of oxygen precipitates; Homogeneity of oxygen precipitation in the wafer.

In particular, in the case of bariatric patients, weight reduction before surgery might play a mechanistic role [[1]] reducing postoperative complications, decreasing operating time, facilitating technical aspects of surgery and improving co-morbidities such as glycemic control and cardiovascular performance. Keywords: Prehabilitation; Exercise; Nutrition; Autonomic nervous system; Lifestyle; Hear rate variability EN Prehabilitation Exercise Nutrition Autonomic nervous system Lifestyle Hear rate variability 517 520 4 04/20/21 20210401 NES 210401 Dear Editor, Improving cardiovascular risk profile in surgery candidates may reduce surgical risk and ameliorate prognosis. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction et but de l’étude Dans le but d’améliorer la prévention, le dépistage et la prise en charge de la dénutrition protéino-énergétique, un focus sur l’état nutritionnel des patients de trois services de soin a été mené. Matériel et méthodes Le recueil des données a été effectué à l’aide de deux grilles standardisées (une grille patient et une grille médecin). Les critères recueillis portaient, d’une part, sur l’état nutritionnel des patients, et d’autre part, sur une évaluation des pratiques médicales en termes de nutrition. Résultats Trois services de médecine ont été audités : oncologie ambulatoire, pneumologie et gastro-entérologie. Pour chacun des services 18, 23 et 21 patients ont été interrogés, ainsi que 7 médecins. Pour le service d’oncologie ambulatoire la moyenne d’âge était de 74 ans, la perte de poids moyenne de 5,3 kg en 9,1 mois et l’IMC moyen de 24,5. En pneumologie la moyenne d’âge était de 69 ans, la perte de poids de 6,1 kg en 2,3 mois et l’IMC moyen de 25,7. En gastro-entérologie la moyenne d’âge était de 64 ans, la perte de poids de 5,6 kg en 10 jours et l’IMC moyen de 25,3. Soixante-dix pour cent des patients relatent une perte d’appétit depuis le début de leur traitement. Soixante-trois pour cent d’entre eux se souviennent avoir reçu des conseils diététiques. Du point de vue médical : la dénutrition n’est évaluée qu’occasionnellement (87 %) et tracée dans le dossier informatisé qu’à hauteur de 57 %. Les outils de dépistage utilisés sont la perte de poids et les marqueurs biologiques. Pour 86 % des médecins interrogés, aucun protocole de prise en charge de la dénutrition n’est disponible dans leur service de soins. Conclusion Cette étude a été présentée au Clan et plusieurs axes d’amélioration ont ainsi pu être déterminés : une homogénéisation des pratiques sur le dosage de l’albumine, une plus grande utilisation de l’évaluation de la prise alimentaire, l’élaboration d’une plaquette « évaluation de l’état nutritionnel : diagnostic et conduite à tenir » remise à chaque prescripteur et le recrutement d’une diététicienne transversale pour la prise en charge de la dénutrition sur l’établissement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of the study on anaphylaxis by latex sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). A woman aged 36 years afflicted with urticaria and asthma was exposed to latex articles and treated with SLIT. Twenty minutes after being given the maximum scheduled dose, the subject experienced anaphylactic shock. The case constitutes a rare exception to the prevailing medical opinion that rush SLIT therapy produces no side effects.

Aim: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a recognized first-line treatment for psychological trauma. However its neurobiological bases have not been disclosed yet. Methods: Electroencephalography was used for the first time to fully monitor neuronal activation during whole EMDR sessions including the autobiographical script. Nine clients with major psychological trauma were investigated during the first EMDR session and during the last one performed after processing the index trauma. Comparisons between the EEG of the first and last EMDR session and between the EEG of the clients at the first session and those of 9 controls undergoing the same EMDR procedure were performed. Results: During both script listening and bilateral stimulation EEG showed significantly higher activity in the prefrontal limbic cortex (Brodmann Areas, BA 9–10) at the first as compared to the last EMDR session. The opposite comparison showed a shift of the prevalent activity towards temporal, parietal and occipital cortical regions (BAs 20, 21, 22, 37, 17, 18, 19) with leftward lateralisation. The comparison between the 9 clients and the 9 controls confirmed the maximal activation in the limbic cortex in the clients before processing the trauma. Conclusions: The implemented methodology made possible to image for the first time the specific activations associated with the therapeutic actions contemplated by EMDR. The findings suggest cognitive processing of traumatic events following successful EMDR therapy supporting the evidence of distinct neurobiological patterns of brain activations during bilateral ocular stimulation associated with a significant relieve from negative emotional experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Dissociation is a common feature of PTSD and neurobiological evidence distinguish it from nondissociative PTSD. The aim of this study is to investigate brain functional and structural alterations associated with dissociative traits along a continuum in a group of traumatized subjects either developing or non-developing PTSD. Methods: Among 32 traumatized subjects with and without clinical diagnosis of PTSD we identified two subgroups based on the amount of dissociative traits as investigated by Dissociative Experience Scale (DES). Ten subjects had high dissociative traits (D) and 22 lower (ND). MRI and SPECT scans were performed to investigate structural and functional differences, respectively, between subgroups. Statistical Parametric Mapping was implemented for statistical analysis. Results: D vs ND comparison showed significant Gray Matter volume (GMV) increases in the right prefrontal cortex, inferior parietal lobule and temporal pole (comprising adjacent parahippocampal gyrus) and in bilateral medial prefrontal cortex. ND vs D comparison showed a significant GMV reduction in D subjects in the right striatum. By regressing GMV against DES scores, we found a significant positive correlation, largely superimposing to the regions identified by the D vs ND contrast, in bilateral prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex and temporal poles and in the right inferior parietal lobule. No significant differences were found at SPECT. Conclusions: Significant structural differences were found between D and ND in prefrontal and anterior temporal cortex in which GM highly correlated with DES scores suggesting a strong neurobiological ground for dissociation and the involvement of such structures in its processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Oncological diagnosis is considered to be a major traumatic event and results in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a percent of patients ranging between 34 and 80. The aim of the study was to investigate for the first time the functional evidence of possible PTSD in a large cohort of Hodgkin Disease patients (HD). Methods: Forty-nine HD underwent metabolic positron emission tomography (18F- FDG-PET) within a week from diagnosis (PET0) and after two 28-days adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) cycles (PET2). Thirty-five patients were examined after further four 28-days ABDV cycles (PET6). FDG uptake was compared between conditions by paired t-test implemented in statistical parametric mapping. Results: As compared to PET0, PET2 showed a highly significant increase in 18F-FDG distribution in right superior temporal gyrus and right inferior parietal lobule (Brodmann area 39). When PET2 data were subtracted to PET0 a highly significant hypometabolic area including a large portion of the prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex (BAs 10, 11 and 32), bilaterally, was found. The 18F-FDG uptake distribution changes found at PET2 disappeared at PET6 in which no significant changes were found. Conclusions: After the first two months of chemotherapy, we found in HD a significant reduction of brain glucose metabolism in prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex, typical neurobiological correlate of PTSD. Such finding was not present any more after four months in those HD in which chemotherapy was completed suggesting that acute PTSD disappeared in this cohort of patients following the improvement of general physical and psychological conditions due to successful therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in occupational related PTSD subjects and to seek for possible correlations between brain perfusion and self-rating scales (SRSs) in order to cross-check their diagnostic value and to look for their neural correlates. Method: Sixteen traumatized underground and long-distance train drivers developing (S) and 17 not developing (NS) PTSD after having experienced a “person-under-train” accident underwent clinical assessment and 99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT during trauma scripts. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM2) was applied to analyse rCBF changes in S as compared to NS, and to search for correlations between rCBF and SRSs scores, modeling age, months since trauma and the ratio ‘gray matter/intra-cranial volume’ as nuisance variables. Results: Significantly higher activity was observed during trauma script in left posterior insula, posterior cingulate, inferior parietal lobule, precuneus, and caudate in S as compared to NS. Impact of Event Scale (IES) and World Health Organisation (ten) Well-Being Index (WHO-10) scores highly correlated with tracer uptake to a great extent in the same regions in which rCBF differences between S and NS were found. Conclusions: These findings support the involvement of posterior insular, cingulated, and parietal cortices (as well as the caudate) in the pathogenesis of PTSD and in the processing of related subjective well-being and distress. Our findings seem to provide a cross-validation for IES and WHO-10 scales by means of SPECT data, supporting their validity in the diagnosis of PTSD, and suggesting their use in future works. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Several studies have reported limbic structures volume decrease in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, in PTSD the effect of therapy on brain structures has seldom been investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the grey matter (GM) loss in occupational related PTSD and to assess the volumetric differences between patients responding (R) and non-responding (NR) to psychotherapy. Methods: Pre-EMDR MRI data of 21 train drives who did develop PTSD (S) and 22 who did not develop PTSD (NS) after person-under-the-train accidents were compared. Within S further comparisons were made between 10 R to Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and 5 NR. Data were analysed by optimised voxel-based morphometry as implemented in Statistical Parametric Mapping. Results: As compared to NS, S showed a significant GM volume reduction in precuneus, lingual gyrus, posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. The R>NR comparison highlighted a significant GM reduction in NR in bilateral posterior cingulate, left middle frontal cortex and right parahippocampal, insular and temporal cortices. Conclusions: Comparing two large groups of subjects significant GM volumetric reductions were found in PTSD in posterior limbic structures. NR showed, as compared to R, volume reduction in cortical structures including posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. These latter two structures seem to be the hallmark for both PTSD diagnosis and therapy outcome prediction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Functional studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have shown localised focal hypoperfusion and abnormalities in the anatomo-functional connectivity of limbic-striatal “social” brain. However, no common regional abnormalities have been found across studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the cerebral blood flow (CBF) at rest in subjects with ASD as compared to a group of healthy controls. Methods: In this preliminary investigation six normal intelligence patients with ASD and 5 age and sex matched healthy controls (HC) were examined using PET/CT camera and, as CBF tracer, 11C-butanol, a radiopharmaceutical produced on-site. The combination of these two methodologies reduced the whole examination time to less than 10 minutes. Statistical Parametric Mapping was implemented to analyse the data. Results: As compared to HC, ASD showed a highly significant CBF increase (height threshold p=0.001, p< 0.0001 at voxel-level), bilaterally, in large portions of the cerebellum, of the visual associative cortex and of the posterior parietal lobe. Conclusions: This preliminary study was performed by the state-of-the-art neuroimaging methodologies that reduced considerably the examination time and resulted in less stress and more reliable investigations. The occipital and parietal associative cortex as well as the cerebellum showed an increased CBF in ASD, underscoring their involvement in the disease and raising methodological and diagnostic issues to be considered when exploring the neuroanatomy of ASD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Several studies have reported limbic structures volume decrease in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, in PTSD the effect of therapy on brain structures has seldom been investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the grey matter (GM) loss in occupational related PTSD and to assess the volumetric differences between patients responding (R) and non-responding (NR) to psychotherapy. Methods: Pre-EMDR MRI data of 21 train drives who did develop PTSD (S) and 22 who did not develop PTSD (NS) after person-under-the-train accidents were compared. Within S further comparisons were made between 10 R to Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and 5 NR. Data were analysed by optimised voxel-based morphometry as implemented in Statistical Parametric Mapping. Results: As compared to NS, S showed a significant GM volume reduction in precuneus, lingual gyrus, posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. The R>NR comparison highlighted a significant GM reduction in NR in bilateral posterior cingulate, left middle frontal cortex and right parahippocampal, insular and temporal cortices. Conclusions: Comparing two large groups of subjects significant GM volumetric reductions were found in PTSD in posterior limbic structures. NR showed, as compared to R, volume reduction in cortical structures including posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortex. These latter two structures seem to be the hallmark for both PTSD diagnosis and therapy outcome prediction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a correction to the article "Regional Cerebral Blood Flow During Auditory Recall in 47 Subjects Exposed to Assaultive and Non-Assaultive Trauma and Developing or Not Posttraumatic Stress Disorder," which appeared in a 2005 issue of the "European Archives of Psychiatry & Clinical Neuroscience."

Background: This article investigates the hospital costs related to the management of COVID-19 positive patients, requiring a hospitalization (from the positivity confirmation to discharge, including rehabilitation activities).Methods: A time-driven activity-based costing analysis, grounding on administrative and accounting flows provided by the management control, was implemented to define costs related to the hospital management of COVID-19 positive patients, according to real-word data, derived from six public Italian Hospitals, in 2020.Results: Results reported that the higher the complexity of care, the higher the hospitalization cost per day (low-complexity = €475.86; medium-complexity = €700.20; high-complexity = €1,401.65). Focusing on the entire clinical pathway, the overall resources absorption, with the inclusion of rehabilitation costs, ranged from 6,198.02€ to 32,141.20€, dependent from the patient's clinical condition.Conclusions: Data could represent the baseline cost for COVID-19 hospital management, thus being useful for the further development of proper reimbursement tariffs devoted to hospitalized infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experimental, analytical and numerical simulations were performed to study the ballistic resistance of 6061-T6 aluminium plates subjected to a normal impact of small calibre armour piercing bullets. Two types of bullets were used, steel and tungsten carbide core bullets. Three plate thicknesses, 101.6 mm, 76.2 mm and 25 mm, were considered. Bullets were impacted at ordnance velocity thus results range from deep penetration to complete perforation with residual velocity. Ballistic results, deformations of the plates and of the bullets are discussed and reproduced through numerical simulations using both LS-DYNA and ABAQUS solvers; analytical models by means of a cavity expansion approach are also used. Exploiting analytical and numerical models the ballistic behaviour of the two bullets on the three plates is discussed with emphasis on the capability of the models to reproduce the physical features of the phenomena. X-ray diffraction measurements for the residual stress patterns of the plate's surface were also performed on all of the plates both before and after the tests and the experimental measurements are compared with the numerical model results. A specific discussion about tungsten carbide core bullet behaviour is reported highlighting the importance of the sabot in the impact phenomena. Although the work focuses on monolithic plates, the results and discussion can be of interest for the design of optimised multilayer armour shields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives To assess differences in the burden of caregivers of patients in Vegetative state ( VS) and minimally conscious state ( MCS). Materials and methods The Family Strain Questionnaire, Coping Orientations to Problem Experiences, Caregiver Needs Assessment, Short Form-12, Beck Depression Inventory and State- Trait Anxiety Inventory were used. Differences in psychological condition between caregivers of VS and MCS patients, with different disease duration and hosting facility were assessed with Kruskall- Wallis test and factors associated with the overall levels of burden with UNIANOVA. Results In total, 487 participants were enrolled. Daily hours of care-giving is significantly associated with the overall level of burden perceived by caregivers ( F = 4.099; P = 0.018). Strain, needs and frequency of use of coping strategies are substantially similar regardless of the patient's condition and distance from the acute event. Caregivers of post-acute patients reported low scores in mental health (median = 33.8; IQR = 23.1-47.6) and higher state of anxiety (median = 54; IQR = 45-62), whereas caregivers of long-term patients expressed more needs in social involvement (median = 19; IQR = 15-22). Conclusions Burden and distress were high for all caregivers of VS and MCS patients. As care-giving is a long-term commitment process, support to the caregiver should be guaranteed throughout the duration of the relative's disease despite the patient's diagnosis or place where the patient is hosted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the burden of caregivers of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOCs), considering psychosocial difficulties, health condition and financial aspects. Design: This is an observational multi-centre study. Four hundred and eighty-seven participants were assessed using the Caregiver Needs Assessment, Family Strain Questionnaire, Short Form 12, Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y, Beck Depression Inventory, Prolonged Grief Disorder Questionnaire and Coping Orientations to Problem Experiences. Outcomes and results: The sample had lower scores both in Physical ( M = 49.85, SD = 7.66) and Mental ( M = 39.37, SD = 12.90) health and a higher level of anxiety ( p < 0.001) in comparison to the Italian normative sample. More than half of the sample manifested a high level of depressive symptoms (59.5%) and 27.6% satisfied criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder. This sample reported needs to know the disease of their beloved, high needs for information and communication, several problems in social involvement and in emotional burden. The most frequently adopted coping strategies are acceptance, turning to religion, positive reinterpretation and planning. Finally, 40.2% of caregivers report to earn a net income of less than 17 000 euros per year. Conclusions: These results showed a high burden related to providing care to patients with DOCs. This study sets the scene to plan comprehensive support strategies for caregivers in order to diminish level of burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper describes a set of experimental tests carried out on an integrated system at the laboratory level comprising both a high pressure electrolysis system (up to 25 bar) coupled with H2 physisorption apparatus on five commercially available adsorbents (two Metal Organic Frameworks, two activated carbons and the 13X zeolite). Description is given of the integrated system and results are reported, for each considered material, consisting in equilibrium H2 adsorption/desorption isotherms at 77 K, measured in a static volumetric method. To determine the validity of the pathway adopted for the production and storage of hydrogen, in terms of energy costs, a comparison is carried out of the process energy balance with: (i) low pressure electrolysis and H2 liquefaction; (ii) low pressure electrolysis and high pressure H2 compression; (iii) electrolysis at 25 bar and physisorption storage. Both the experimental and energetic results are described and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]