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Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of telemedicine in reducing face-to-face visits. Telemedicine requires either the use of digital support methods and a minimum technological knowledge of the patients. Digital health literacy, defined as the use of digital literacy skills to find and use health information and services, may influence the use of telemedicine in most patients, particularly in specific groups such as those with frailty. Aim To explore the association between frailty status, patients' use of digital tools and digital health literacy to determine whether it would be possible to implement control visits in patients followed in a cardiac arrhythmias outpatient clinic. Methods We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients referring to arrhythmias outpatient clinics of our department from March to September 2022. Patients were divided according to frailty status as defined by the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) into three subgroups: robust, pre-frail, and frail. The degree of health digital literacy was assessed through the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) Scale. The DHLI explores 7 digital skill categories measured by 21 self-report questions. The self-report questions require participants to rate on a 4-point scale how difficult different tasks are and how frequently they encounter certain difficulties on the Internet. The total DHLI and each skill category score were calculated by summing the received scores in every single domain (3 questions per each skill category) and reported as mean and median. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was also use to evaluate the association between the non-use of the Internet and frailty status. Results A total of 300 patients were enrolled (36.3% females, median age 75 [66-84]) and stratified according to frailty status as: (i) Robust (EFS ≤ 5; n = 212, 70.7%), (ii) Pre-Frail (EFS 6-7; n = 47, 15.7%), and (iii) Frail (EFS ≥ 8; n = 41, 13.7%). Frail patients used less frequently smartphones, PC and emails and had less availability of Wi-Fi at home compared to robust patients (Table 1). At the multivariable logistic regression analysis, frailty was significantly associated with the non-use of the Internet (adjusted odds ratio, 2.58 95% confidence interval 1.92-5.61). Digital health literacy score decreased as the level of frailty increased in all the domains explored (operational skills, navigation skills, information searching, evaluating the reliability of the information, determining the relevance of online information, adding self-generated content and protecting privacy while using the internet, all p Conclusions Frail patients are characterized by a lower use of digital tools and access to the Internet even though these patients would benefit the most from telemedicine. Digital skills are strongly influenced by frail status highlighting the need to implement digital health literacy with specific interventions in this population.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The incidence of death and infections in patients implanted with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are not fully known yet (1,2). Purpose To describe the incidence of death and device’s infection and its potential predictors in a contemporary cohort of CIED patients. Methods All consecutive patients implanted with a CIED at our tertiary institution were prospectively enrolled. Follow-up was performed every six months and clinical events recorded by expert electrophysiologists. For the purpose of the present analysis, we considered patients with a potential follow-up of at least 24 months. Results Between 01/09/2018 and 01/09/2020, a total of 838 patients were enrolled (34.6% female; age 77 [70-84]; PADIT score 2 [2-4]). Pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy and defibrillator (CRT-D) were implanted in 569 (68%) and 269 (32%) patients respectively. All patients had pre-implant antibiotic prophylaxis and 5.5% had an antibiotic-eluting envelope. Follow-up data were available for 832 (99.2%) patients. After a median follow-up of 42.3 (30.2-56.4) months, 212 (25.5%) patients died and 5 (0.6%) had a CIED infection. Four out of five patients required CIED extraction, while 1 patient antibiotics only. At multivariate Cox-regression analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.10) and dialysis (HR 6.18; 95%CI 3.40-11.25) were independently associated with death, while first implant was associated with a lower risk as compared to subsequent procedures (HR 0.63; 95%CI 0.46-0.85) (Figure 1). Conclusions In large contemporary cohort of CIED patients, mortality was substantially high and associated with clinical factors depicting a population at risk. On the other hand, the incidence of CIED infections was low.

Introduction There is increasing concern regarding the burden of clinical complexity, beyond thromboembolic risk, in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Also, clinical complexity is heterogenous and entails differential impact on the patients' clinical course. Purpose To explore different complexity features in AF patients in determining differences in clinical management and outcomes. Methods We analyzed patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Features of complexity were analysed in the context of the following high-risk groups: i) only CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2; ii) history of stroke/bleeding; iii) chronic kidney disease (creatinine clearance Results A total of 10285 patients (mean [SD] age 68.8 [11.5] years, 4107 [39.9%] females) were included in the analysis. Of these, 3944 (38.3%) had only CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2; 412 (4.0%); history of stroke/bleeding; 1480 (14.4%) CKD; 1007 (9.8%) were frail; 1315 (12.8%) had ≥2 criteria; and 2127 (20.7%) were low-risk. After adjustment for age, sex, type of AF and EHRA score, compared to low-risk patients, all the other groups were associated with OAC prescription but with progressively lower odds ratio, while those ≥2 criteria which were least likely prescribed with OAC (Table 1). After a mean (SD) 634.5 (223.0) days of follow-up, a total of 1432 events were recorded. After adjustment for confounders, Cox regression analysis found that all the complexity groups were associated with a higher risk of the composite outcome across the groups (Figure 1). In patients with available data about ABC (Atrial fibrillation Better Care) pathway adherence, the latter adherence was associated a significant incidence rate reduction (IRR) compared to non-ABC adherence in those with ≥2 criteria of clinical complexity (IRR 0.46, 95% CI 0.30–0.71), and in the CKD complexity group (IRR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41–0.81). Conclusions In a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients, features of clinical complexity affect differently prescriptions of OAC. All the subgroups of clinical complexity were associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, which were reduced by adherence to ABC pathway. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP, the following companies have supported the programme: Abbott Vascular Int. (2011–2021), Amgen Cardiovascular (2009–2018), AstraZeneca (2014–2021), Bayer (2009–2018), Boehringer Ingelheim (2009–2019), Boston Scientific (2009–2012), The Bristol Myers Squibb and PfizerAlliance (2011–2016), The Alliance Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH and Eli Lilly and Company (2011–2017), Edwards (2016–2019), Gedeon Richter Plc. (2014–2017), Menarini Int. Op. (2009–2012), MSD-Merck & Co. (2011–2014), Novartis Pharma AG (2014–2020), ResMed (2014–2016), Sanofi (2009–2011), SERVIER (2010–2021), and Vifor (2019–2022).

Introduction Few data exist on the impact of thromboembolic risk dynamics in determining a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Moreover, no evidence is available about the possible impact of integrated care, as defined by the `Atrial fibrillation Better Care' (ABC) pathway, in modulating the clinical outcomes associated with the dynamic changes in risk. Purpose To study thromboembolic risk dynamics and the relationship with integrated care, also in determining the risk of adverse outcomes in AF patients. Methods We analysed patients from the randomized controlled SPORTIF III and V trials. Thromboembolic risk was assessed according to CHA2DS2-VASc score. Integrated care was assessed according to ABC pathway adherence. The primary endpoint was the composite clinical outcome of all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events. Results A total of 3589 patients [mean (SD) age was 70.9 (8.8) years; 30.4% female; median [IQR] baseline CHA2DS2-VASc 3 [2–4]) were available for the analysis. Over a mean 573.8 (SD 129.5) days of follow-up, a total of 67 (1.9%) reported an increase in CHA2DS2-VASc score, with a mean (SD) delta of 0.0295 (0.2257). Among those with increasing CHA2DS2-VASc, 29 (43.3%) reported a 1-point increase, 37 (55.2%) reported a 2-point increase and only 1 (1.5%) reported a 3-point increase. A total of 948 (26.4%) patients were managed adherent to ABC pathway and overall, a median (IQR) of 2 [1–3] ABC criteria were fulfilled in the patients included. An adjusted linear regression analysis found that an increasing number of ABC pathway criteria fulfilled was inversely associated with increase in CHA2DS2-VASc score throughout follow-up (Beta −0.010, 95% CI −0.019 to −0.001), p=0.045), while considering the single ABC criteria, only the “C” criteria was inversely associated with an increase in CHA2DS2-VASc score (Beta −0.018, 95% CI −0.034 to −0.001, p=0.038). A total of 255 (7.1%) clinical events were recorded. An adjusted Cox regression analysis found that both increasing CHA2DS2-VASc score (HR 2.67, 95% CI 2.12–3.36, p Conclusions Integrated care was associated with a lower progression in the thromboembolic risk of AF patients, particular through the optimal management of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. Both increasing thromboembolic risk and increasing adherence to ABC pathway were independently associated, although inversely, with occurrence of adverse clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Background The prospective Mobile Health Technology for Improved Screening and Optimized Integrated Care in AF (mAFA-II) randomized trial demonstrated the efficacy of a mobile health (mHealth) technology implemented “Atrial fibrillation Better Care” (ABC) pathway approach (mAFA intervention) for holistic or integrated care management in reducing the risk of adverse events in in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether these benefits also apply to elderly patients (who may be less adoptive of mHealth approaches) is unclear. Purpose In this ancillary analysis of the mAFA-II trial, we evaluated the effect of the mAFA intervention among elderly AF patients (age ≥75 years). Methods The mAFA-II trial enrolled adults AF patients across 40 centres in China between June 1, 2018 and August 16, 2019. The main outcome was the composite outcome of stroke or thromboembolism, all-cause death, and rehospitalization. Effect of the mAFA intervention was assessed through Cox proportional hazard models after the adjustment for baseline risk factors and cluster effect. We also assessed the interaction between age and the mAFA intervention effect on the main trial population. Results In this analysis, 1,163 elderly AF patients (mean age: 82.6±5.3 years, 43.1% females) were included, of which 520 were allocated to mAFA intervention and 643 to usual care. The mAFA intervention was associated with a significant reduction of the composite outcome (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35–0.97) and rehospitalizations alone (aHR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24–0.91). A significant interaction between age and mAFA allocation group was observed for both the composite outcome (p=0.002; Figure 1, Panel A) and rehospitalization alone (p=0.015; Figure 1, Panel B), with the beneficial effect of the mAFA intervention decreasing with increasingly higher age, particularly at age ≥80 years old. Conclusions A mHealth-technology implemented ABC pathway is effective in reducing adverse clinical events in older AF patients aged ≥75 years old. The benefits obtained with mAFA intervention were attenuated at extreme ages, especially in those aged ≥80 years old. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China 82170309). This study was an investigator-initiated project, with limited funding by independent research and educational grants.

Background Anaemia is an independent predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) and a common comorbidity. Real world data on the impact of anaemia on clinical outcomes, and on the benefits and risks of oral anticoagulation (OAC) are limited. Purpose To investigate the association of different degrees of anaemia with adverse outcomes in a cohort of European patients with AF. Methods We analyzed patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry with baseline hemoglobin (Hb) values. Patients were stratified according to World Health Organization (WHO) definition of anaemia: (i) No anaemia (Hb≥12.0g/dl for women and Hb≥13.0g/dl for men), Mild anaemia (Hb 11.0–11.9g/dl for women and Hb 11.0–12.9g/dl for men), and moderate-severe anaemia (Hb ≤10.9 g/dl for both sexes). Primary outcomes were all-cause death, major adverse cardiac events (MACE, as the composite of any thromboembolism (TE)/acute coronary syndrome/cardiovascular death) and major bleeding. Results From the original 11,096 AF patients enrolled in the Registry, 7767 (69.9%) were included in the present analysis (median age 70 years, interquartile range [IQR] 62–77, males 58.3%, CHA2DS2VASc score median 3 [2–4], HAS-BLED median 2 [1–2]). A total of 5973 (76.9%) patients did not have anaemia, 1156 (14.9%) had mild anaemia, and 638 (8.2%) had moderate/severe anaemia. Patients with anaemia were more likely to have more comorbidities, frailty, permanent AF and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs). Overall, 318 (18.4%) patients with anaemia and an indication for anticoagulation [i.e. CHA2DS2-VASc≥1 (males), or ≥2 (females)] did not receive any OAC. After a median (IQR) follow-up of 730 (692–749) days, all-cause death was 10.5% and there were 841 (11.6%) MACE and 186 (2.5%) major bleeds. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a higher cumulative risk for patients with moderate-severe anaemia for all the outcomes considered (Figure) (Log Rank tests, all p Conclusions In a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients, almost 25% have concomitant anaemia which is associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality, MACE and major bleeding. Use of OAC was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in patients with moderate-severe anaemia, without significant increased risk of major bleeding. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP, the following companies have supported the programme: Abbott Vascular Int. (2011–2021), Amgen Cardiovascular (2009–2018), AstraZeneca (2014–2021), Bayer (2009–2018), Boehringer Ingelheim (2009–2019), Boston Scientific (2009–2012), The Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance (2011–2016), The Alliance Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH and Eli Lilly and Company (2011–2017), Edwards (2016–2019), Gedeon Richter Plc. (2014–2017), Menarini Int. Op. (2009–2012), MSD-Merck & Co. (2011–2014), Novartis Pharma AG (2014–2020), ResMed (2014–2016), Sanofi (2009–2011), SERVIER (2010–2021), and Vifor (2019–2022)

Background Heart failure (HF) has an intimate bidirectional association with atrial fibrillation (AF). Few data are available about the impact of HF phenotypes (HF with preserved ejection fraction, HFpEF; HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction, HFmrEF; HF with reduced ejection fraction, HFrEF) as predictors for adverse outcomes in AF patients. Purpose To investigate the association of HFpEF, HFmrEF and HFrEF with adverse outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients and evaluate the effect of EF throughout its entire spectrum. Methods We analyzed patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. HF patients were categorized according the three phenotypes and compared to those without HF (“non HF”). Main outcome was a composite outcome of all-cause death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results Among the original 11,096 AF patients enrolled, 9857 (88.8%) were included in this analysis (median age 71 years, interquartile range [IQR 63–77], 40.1% females) with median EF 55% [IQR 45–61%] and CHA2DS2-VASc 3 [2–4]). In this cohort, 5935 (60.2%) were non HF patients, and 3240 (32.9%) had HF patients (with HF status and EF values data available). Accordingly, 1662 (51.2%) were categorized as HFpEF; 523 (14.1%) were HFmrEF; and 1235 (35.1%) were HFrEF. After a median follow-up of 731 days [IQR 690–748], the composite outcome was significantly higher throughout HF categories (HFpEF 19.0%, HFmrEF 21.8% and HFrEF 29.6%, compared to non HF 10.7%; p Conclusions Over a two-years follow-up, in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients, HF phenotypes were associated with a progressively higher risk for adverse outcomes. Lower EF values increased the risk of adverse outcomes both in HF patients and overall AF patients, irrespective of HF phenotype status. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP, the following companies have supported the programme: Abbott Vascular Int. (2011–2021), Amgen Cardiovascular (2009–2018), AstraZeneca (2014–2021), Bayer (2009–2018), Boehringer Ingelheim (2009–2019), Boston Scientific (2009–2012), The Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance (2011–2016), The Alliance Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH and Eli Lilly and Company (2011–2017), Edwards (2016–2019), Gedeon Richter Plc. (2014–2017), Menarini Int. Op. (2009–2012), MSD-Merck & Co. (2011–2014), Novartis Pharma AG (2014–2020), ResMed (2014–2016), Sanofi (2009–2011), SERVIER (2010–2021), and Vifor (2019–2022).

Background Heart failure (HF) has close association with atrial fibrillation (AF). The ESC guideline recommended Atrial fibrillation Better care (ABC) pathway aims to reduce major cardiovascular adverse outcomes with an integrated care approach. Optimal medical treatment (OMT) represents the cornerstone in HF management. Purpose To investigate the variables affecting OMT treatment and its impact, in conjunction with ABC pathway adherence (vs non-adherence, ie.no ABC), in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients with HF enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Methods OMT was defined as treatment with Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE-i)/ Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) with Beta-Blockers and/or Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and compared to non-OMT adherence (“no OMT”). A logistic regression analysis explored factors associated with OMT adherence. We identified three patient groups: (i) HF with no OMT/no ABC; (ii) HF with OMT/no ABC; (iii) HF with OMT/ABC. Primary outcome was a composite outcome of all-cause death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results Among the original 11096 patients enrolled, 9857 (88.8%) were included in this analysis. Among these, 3819 (38.7%) had HF. Compared to non HF patients, those with HF were older, more likely female, had more comorbidities and higher thromboembolic risk. OMT prevalence was 2228/3819 (58.3%), while ABC adherence was 23.3%. On logistic multivariable regression, increasing age, higher BMI and higher frailty index were associated with OMT adherence, while male sex, anemia, renal disease and EHRA II–IV were inversely associated with OMT adherence. According to three HF groups, the rates of composite outcome progressively decreased (HF with no OMT/no ABC 26.4%; HF with OMT/no ABC 24%, HF with OMT/ABC 19%; p Conclusions After two years of follow-up, in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients with HF, OMT adherence was suboptimal, being influenced by several clinical factors, determining a low adherence to the ABC pathway. OMT alone showed a non-significant reduction in composite outcome events. Conversely HF patients managed with OMT in the context of ABC pathway adherence showed the best reduction in risk of adverse outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP, the following companies have supported the programme: Abbott Vascular Int. (2011–2021), Amgen Cardiovascular (2009–2018), AstraZeneca (2014–2021), Bayer (2009–2018), Boehringer Ingelheim (2009–2019), Boston Scientific (2009–2012), The Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance (2011–2016), The Alliance Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH and Eli Lilly and Company (2011–2017), Edwards (2016–2019), Gedeon Richter Plc. (2014–2017), Menarini Int. Op. (2009–2012), MSD-Merck & Co. (2011–2014), Novartis Pharma AG (2014–2020), ResMed (2014–2016), Sanofi (2009–2011), SERVIER (2010–2021), and Vifor (2019–2022). - I agree that this information can be anonymised and then used for statistical purposes only

Background Clinical complexity is increasingly prevalent among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The “Atrial fibrillation Better Care” (ABC) pathway approach has been proposed to streamline a more holistic and integrated approach to AF care; however, there are limited data on its usefulness among clinically complex patients. We analyzed the impact of the ABC pathway in a contemporary cohort of clinically complex AF patients. Methods From the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry, we analyzed clinically complex AF patients, defined as the presence of frailty (according to a 40-items Frailty Index), multimorbidity and/or polypharmacy. A K-medoids cluster analysis was performed to identify different groups of clinical complexity. The impact of an ABC-adherent approach on the risk of all-cause death, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and the composite outcome of all-cause death and MACE was analyzed through Cox-regression analyses, and delay of event (DoE) analyses; number needed to treat (NNT) was also estimated at 1 year of follow-up. Results Among 9,966 AF patients, 8,289 (92.3%) were clinically complex. Risk of all outcomes was higher among clinically complex patient. Adherence to the ABC pathway in the clinically complex group reduced the risk of all-cause death (adjusted HR [aHR]: 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.89), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs, aHR: 0.68, 95% CI 0.53–0.87) and composite outcome (aHR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.57–0.84). Using cluster analysis, we identified a high clinical complexity group of AF patients. Adherence to the ABC pathway was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of death (aHR: 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.96) and composite outcome (aHR: 0.69, 95% CI 0.57–0.84) in the high-complexity cluster; similar trends were observed for MACEs. In DoE analyses, an ABC-adherent approach resulted in significant gains in event-free survival for all-cause death (Figure 1), MACEs, and composite outcome in clinically complex patients. Based on absolute risk reduction at 1 year of follow-up, the NNTs for ABC pathway adherence was 24 for all-cause death, 31 for MACEs and 20 for the composite outcome. Conclusions An ABC-adherent approach reduces the risk of major outcomes in clinically complex AF patients. Ensuring adherence to the ABC pathway is essential to improve clinical outcomes amongst clinically complex AF patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP, several companies have supported the programme with unrestricted grants.

Physical review / B 105(17), 174104 (2022). doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.105.174104, Angle-dispersive x-ray powder diffraction experiments have been performed on praseodymium metal to a pressure of 205 GPa. Between 20 and 165 GPa only the oC4 ($α$-uranium) phase is observed, in agreement with previous studies. At 171(5) GPa we find a transition to a tetragonal tI2 phase which is isostructural with the high-pressure post-oC4 phase seen in the neighboring lanthanide cerium above 12 GPa, and with the high-pressure phase of the actinide thorium seen above 100 GPa. Electronic structure calculations determine the oC4 → tI2 transition to occur at 130 GPa at 0 K, but find another phase, with the hP1 (simple hexagonal) structure, to have a lower enthalpy than both the oC4 and tI2 structures above 20 GPa at 0 K., Published by Inst., Woodbury, NY

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation of telemedicine has represented a new potential option for outpatient care. Purpose The aim of our study was to evaluate digital literacy among cardiology outpatients. Methods From March to June 2020 a survey on telehealth among cardiology outpatients was performed. Digital literacy was investigated through six main domains: age; sex; educational level; Internet access; availability of Internet sources; knowledge and use of teleconference software programs. Results The study included 1067 patients, median age 79 years, 41.3% females. The majority of the patients (58.0%) had a secondary school degree, but among patients aged ≥75 years old the most represented educational level was primary school or none. Overall, for Internet access, there was a splitting between “never” (42.1%) and “every day” (41.0%), while only 2.7% answered “at least 1/month” and 14.2% “at least 1/week”. In the total population, the most used devices for Internet access were smartphones (59.0%), and WhatsApp represented the most used app (57.3%). Internet users were younger compared to non-Internet users (63 versus 78 years old, respectively) and with a higher educational level. Age and educational level were associated with non-use of Internet (age-per 10-year increase odds ratio [OR] 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.54–3.71, secondary school OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.12–0.26, university OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.02–0.10) (Figure 1). Conclusions Telemedicine represents an appealing option to implement medical practice, and for its development it is important to address the gaps in patients' digital skills, with age and educational level being key factors in this setting. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Factors associated with Internet non-use

During the post-war period, natural resource production has often been associated withperipheralization in the world-economy. This paper seeks to demonstrate that this associationdoes not hold when examined from a long-term perspective, and explains the conditions underwhich natural resource production can support upward economic mobility in the world-system.First, this paper provides evidence that the production of cash crops and resource extraction hasnot always equaled peripheralization in the world-economy, as demonstrated by, among otherthings, the upward economic mobility of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealandduring the nineteenth century. It then puts forth a new hypothesis that the existence ofopportunities for raw material producing countries depends on whether the hegemonic regime ofaccumulation at a given time structures the economy in a way that is either complementary orcompetitive to the economic development of raw material producing countries. By examining theBritish centered regime of accumulation during the nineteenth century, we find that it wascomparatively complementary to economic development in raw material producing countrieswhereas the twentieth century United States centered regime was comparatively competitive withraw material producers. Based on a comparison with Britain and the United States, the paperalso suggests that China’s increasingly central role in the world-economy may be comparativelycomplementary to economic development in raw material producing countries.

This study adds to the literature on subjective well-being and life satisfaction by exploring variation in individual life satisfaction across countries. Understanding whether and how individual life satisfaction varies across countries is important because if the goal of development is to increase well-being, we must identify the causes of well-being in different national and regional contexts. Using hierarchical linear modeling techniques, I test the hypothesis that individual well-being does vary across countries, and that national wealth, human development and environmental conditions explain this variation. I also test whether the effects of individual characteristics on life satisfaction (including age, marital status, education, income, employment status, and sex) vary across countries, and which country level characteristics explain these variations. Using individual level data from the World Values Survey, I find that there is significant variation in life satisfaction across countries. There is also significant variation in the slopes of individual predictors of life satisfaction across countries and regions. Regional differences in the effects of individual characteristics on life satisfaction explain most of the between country variation in life satisfaction. This indicates that universal development indicators may not adequately reflect differences in life satisfaction across countries, and that development measurements should better reflect regional differences.

In this paper a simple approximate approach is used to reproduce the ab initio results for the deexcitation spectral profiles of a metastable helium atom at different distances from a surface. The main quantities of our method are the spin dependent local density of states (LDOS) around the excited helium atom. We show that the extension of the spherical volumes around the atom in which we evaluate the LDOS are the only relevant parameters in this approach and they do not depend on the atom–surface distance.

Electrostatic fields of the order of 1 V/A, as they occur at field emission tips, are comparable to those experienced by valence electrons in atoms and molecules. Such fields are strong enough to induce a significant redistribution of the valence charge in chemical bonds. In this work we investigate the effects on the electronic properties of a single adatom on a metal surface induced by the presence of an electrostatic field. In particular we present the results of a full ab initio DFT calculation, within the embedding method, of the CCV Auger spectra of Si and Mg atoms in and on a jellium–Ag host. Differently from impurities in bulk, Auger spectral profiles of adsorbates on metal surfaces can show notable modifications due to the applied electric field.

In this article, within an ab initio density functional framework, we study the charge rearrangement in chemisorption of an isolated atom on a simple metal surface described by jellium. We focus our attention on the electron localization function (ELF) and illustrate how this function can complement the total charge density contour plots for the understanding of chemisorption. The ELF of Li, Cl, Si, and Fe adatoms are discussed. In all such cases the ELF shows itself as a wealthier, more immediate and visually informative pattern of the charge rearrangement. By varying the atom-surface distance of Fe, the formation of the chemisorption bond and the role played by the majority and the minority spin populations are discussed. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(00)31238-7].

Thick films of nanostructured pure TiO 2 , Nb/TiO 2 , Ga/TiO 2 , and Ta/TiO 2 have been fabricated by screen-printing technology. Structural, morphological, and optical studies have been carried out in order to correlate the measurements to electrical performance. We showed that addition of dopants inhibits grain growth due to firing and hinders conversion of anatase to rutile. The films were characterised electrically in terms of conduction properties and grain-to-grain energy barrier. The films proved sensitive to CO and NO 2 . It was also shown that firing temperature and dopant content strongly influence the gas response of the films.

The quest for materials capable of realizing the next generation of electronic and photonic devices continues to fuel research on the electronic, optical and vibrational properties of graphene. Few-layer graphene (FLG) flakes with less than ten layers each show a distinctive band structure. Thus, there is an increasing interest in the physics and applications of FLGs. Raman spectroscopy is one of the most useful and versatile tools to probe graphene samples. Here, we uncover the interlayer shear mode of FLGs, ranging from bilayer graphene (BLG) to bulk graphite, and suggest that the corresponding Raman peak measures the interlayer coupling. This peak scales from similar to 43 cm(-1) in bulk graphite to similar to 31 cm(-1) in BLG. Its low energy makes it sensitive to near-Dirac point quasiparticles. Similar shear modes are expected in all layered materials, providing a direct probe of interlayer interactions.

The issue of tuning the relative height of the first two dehydrogenation barriers of methane (CH(4) --CH(3) + H and CH(3) --CH(2) + H) is addressed using density-functional theory. It is shown that the combination of a very active reaction center-such as Rh-with a more inert substrate-such as Cu(111)-may hinder the second dehydrogenation step with respect to the first, thus resulting in the reverse of the natural order of the two barriers' heights.

Tissue remodelling reported in upper airways include epithelial hyperplasia, increased matrix deposition in the nasal or paranasal lining, matrix degradation and accumulation of plasma proteins. Genetic influences, foetal exposures and early life events may contribute to structural changes such as subepithelial fibrosis from an early age. Other structural alterations are related to duration of the disease and long-term uncontrolled inflammation. Structural changes may increase alteration of the protective functions of the upper airways namely by affecting mucociliary clearance and conditioning of inspired air. The sequences of tissue changes during wound repair of upper airway mucosa after surgery are illustrative of the complexicity of tissue modelling and remodelling and could be considered as an important source of information for a better understanding of the complex relationship between inflammatory reaction, of the subsequent tissue damages and fibroblast metabolism of upper airways. © 2006 The Authors.

The occurrence of a noncollinear magnetic structure at a Mn monolayer grown epitaxially on Fe(100) is predicted theoretically, using spinor density-functional theory, and observed experimentally, using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and linear dichroism (XMLD) spectroscopies. The combined use of XMCD and XMLD at the Mn-absorption edge allows us to assess the existence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic order at the interface, and also to determine the moment orientations with element specificity. The experimental results thus obtained are in excellent agreement with the magnetic structure determined theoretically.

In this work we investigate the deexcitation process of a slow metastable helium atom (He*) in its triplet state on simple metal surfaces. We compute the electronic properties of the interacting He*-metal (jellium-like) system, using the embedding Green's function method, within the framework of density functional theory. The Auger deexcitation rates are calculated at different distances from the surface using the Fermi golden rule, and the energy distribution of the emitted electrons is obtained by integrating the Auger rates along the classical trajectory followed by the atom in the scattering process. We present the results for three metal surfaces (Al, Na, and Cs) which are sufficiently different to span the distinct deexcitation mechanisms taking place when the He* interacts with the surface: resonant ionization + Auger neutralization for high work function substrates, and Auger deexcitation for low work function ones. Our results for the deexcitation spectral profiles are in good agreement with the experimental ones. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The thermal stability of the (1×2) missing-row phase of Rh(110), whose first layer is an ordered array of one-dimensional atomic chains, is investigated using high-resolution core-level spectroscopy and density functional calculations. The time evolution of the spectra indicates that this phase is metastable towards deconstruction into a (1×1) phase. Our calculations unveil the mechanism of this process, which is shown to be ignited by surface defects, and provide a value for the activation energy in good agreement with experimental findings.

The first two steps of methane dissociation on Rh(111) have been investigated using density-functional theory, focusing on the dependence of the catalyst's reactivity on the atomic coordination of the active metal site. We find that, although the barrier for the dehydrogenation of methane (CH4 → CH3 + H) decreases as expected with the coordination of the binding site, the dehydrogenation of methyl (CH3 → CH2 + H) is hindered at an ad-atom defect, where the first reaction is instead most favored. Our findings indicate that, if it were possible to let the dissociation occur selectively at ad-atom defects, the reaction could be blocked after the first dehydrogenation step, a result of high potential interest for many dream reactions such as, for example, the direct conversion of methane to methanol.

The structure and dynamics of atomic oxygen adsorbed on Ag(410) and Ag(210) surfaces have been investigated using density functional theory. Our results show that the adsorption configuration in which O adatoms decorate the upper side of the (110) steps forming O--Ag--O rows is particularly stable for both surfaces. On Ag(210), this arrangement is more stable than other configurations at all the investigated coverages. On Ag(410), adsorption on the terrace and at the step edge are almost degenerate, the former being slightly preferred at low coverage while the latter is stabilized by increasing the coverage. These findings are substantiated by a comparison between the vibrational modes, calculated within density-functional perturbation theory, and the HREEL spectrum which has been recently measured in these systems., Comment: 17 pages, 7 tables, 12 figures. To appear in Phys. Rev. B

The adsorption of atomic oxygen and its inclusion into subsurface sites on Ag(210) and Ag(410) surfaces have been investigated using density functional theory. We find that--in the absence of adatoms on the first metal layer--subsurface adsorption results in strong lattice distortion which makes it energetically unfavoured. However subsurface sites are significantly stabilised when a sufficient amount of O adatoms is present on the surface. At high enough O coverage on the Ag(210) surface the mixed on-surface + subsurface O adsorption is energetically favoured with respect to the on-surface only adsorption. Instead, on the Ag(410) surface, at the coverage we have considered (3/8 ML), the existence of stable terrace sites makes the subsurface O incorporation less favourable. These findings are compatible with the results of recent HREEL experiments which have actually motivated this work., 8 pages, 4 figures and 1 table

In this letter the core-core-valence Auger transitions of an atomic impurity, both in bulk or adsorbed on a jellium-like surface, are computed within a DFT framework. The Auger rates calculated by the Fermi golden rule are compared with those determined by an approximate and simpler expression. This is based on the local density of states (LDOS) with a core hole present, in a region around the impurity nucleus. Different atoms, Na and Mg, solids, Al and Ag, and several impurity locations are considered. We obtain an excellent agreement between KL1V and KL23V rates worked out with the two approaches. The radius of the sphere in which we calculate the LDOS is the relevant parameter of the simpler approach. Its value only depends on the atomic species regardless of the location of the impurity and the type of substrate. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In this work we perform a full ab initio density-functional theory calculation, within the embedding method, of the Auger spectra of atomic impurities both inside a metal bulk and just inside the solid surface and chemisorbed on it. We consider a Na atom on and in a jellium-Ag host. In particular, the Auger spectra of the electronic transitions ${\mathrm{KL}}_{1}V$ and ${\mathrm{KL}}_{2,3}V$ (core-core-valence) are worked out. The calculated profiles display features which are different for the same atom adsorbed on a metal and inside the same bulk material. Such specific features could help identifying the contribution to the measured Auger signal only due to adsorbates.

A study is made of the behavior of urinary excretion of D-xilose three and five hours after the ingestion of 5 and 25 g of the substance. Twenty individuals were studied, 13 as control having no intestinal mucosa disease and 7 with steatorrhea and enteric lesions histologically confirmed. An analysis of the results revealed that with both doses it is possible to reduce the test time from five to three hours and thus differentiate the controls from the group of patients. No secondary side effects were observed with 5 g, which were present in 30% (6 cases) of the patients with doses of 25 g. In view of the results the use of 5 g in the test is indicated in the 3 hour test. Under these conditions 95% (1, 645 D.P.) for the controls excreted less than 1, 030 g (21%) of the doses administered.

In this work we investigate the Auger deexcitation process of a slow metastable helium atom $({\mathrm{He}}^{*})$ in its triplet state on a Na surface. The electronic properties and the Auger rates of the interacting atom-metal system are calculated self-consistently at any distance of ${\mathrm{He}}^{*}$ from the surface in the framework of the local spin-density approximation using the embedding Green's function method. The energy distribution of the emitted electrons is obtained by integrating the Auger rates along the classical trajectory in the adiabatic approximation. The analysis of the spin-resolved local density of states shows that the excited atomic states broaden into resonances already at large atom-surface distances. The calculated atom deexcitation rates are in good agreement with experimental results.