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James Hillman’s reflections on war in his book A Terrible Love of War (2004), but also in his writings on god Ares (Mythical Figures 2007), are as relevant as ever. The philosopher shows us how "poetic polytheism" can also be extended to the tonality of theoretical thinking, and therefore involve not only the aesthetic experience, but also the ethical inclination. This is reiterated, perhaps more eloquently than in other writings, the important contribution that Hillman's thought can offer to the consciousness of our time.

Presence of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is very common in subjects with cognitive impairment, representing an important determinant of disease progression, institutionalization, and worse prognosis. Knowledge of the prevalence and correlates of BPSD in community-living old subjects with cognitive impairment is limited so far, but it is essential for establishing specifically tailored care and cure in such a vulnerable population.With this study, we aimed at investigating, in a large sample of old age subjects with cognitive impairment, BPSD prevalence and correlates including the main demographic, clinical, and socio-environmental characteristics.Data were gathered from the ReGAl project (Rete Geriatrica Alzheimer; Geriatric Network on Alzheimer's disease), a large longitudinal Italian multicentric clinical-based study, promoted by the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG).We evaluated data from 4,157 old-age subjects affected by mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (541; 13%) or dementia (3616; 87%). 85.2% of all the population presented with at least one BPSD. Using a factor analysis, we identified four factors of BPSD: psychotic, affective, maniac, and impulse control behaviors. Logistic regression analyses revealed that among the main demographic, clinical, and socio-environmental aspects considered, only comorbidity was associated with all factors, independently of multiple covariates.Identification of BPSD is crucial in everyday clinical practice and necessary to develop specific interventions and to define appropriate outcomes in their management. BPSD occur in a complex psychopathological context, influenced by several demographic and environmental factors that must be taken into account for a correct diagnosis and treatment.

In this work we report on the performance of the MA-PMT prototype, Hamamatsu H8500C-100 MOD 8, with reduced dynode stages (eight) and super bialkali photocathode (38% Q.E. @ 380 nm). This tube represents the latest technological advancement to improve energy and spatial resolution of gamma imagers. It is particularly suitable for applications involving new high light yield scintillators. To evaluate the performances of this tube, we compared the energy and spatial resolution response with the analogous ones obtained from a standard H8500 MA-PMT coupled to a LaBr 3 :Ce scintillation crystal with the same identity. All measurements were performed with a 64 channel electronic readout. An improvement of about 10% in energy and spatial resolution was found, not properly in agreement with the increased value of quantum efficiency. However, this detector configuration permits to obtain 0.92 mm value of the intrinsic spatial resolution and 7.4% of energy resolution which represent the best results obtained with 4.0 mm thickness continuous LaBr3:Ce crystal.

In this study we analysed the ability of individual thrips to transmit Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in a population of Frankliniella occidentalis over their lifespan as adults (about 10 days). In three experiments a total of 636 thrips were individually tested for their transmission capacity through leaf disc assays using four inoculation access periods (IAPs). Almost half of the transmitting thrips maintained the capacity to infect leaf discs in each of the four IAPs, confirming the persistent propagative nature of the transmission modality. Nevertheless, a relevant number of thrips (9.25% of transmitter thrips) was able to transmit in the early phases of their adult life (for the first two IAPs), but did not transmit the virus for the remainder of their lifetime. We compared the virus titer of these individuals at the end of the fourth IAP with that of individuals that maintained transmission ability in the four IAPs and showed a statistically significant difference. This difference could be evidence for recovery from TSWV infection in individual thrips.

Short rotation forestry (SRF) is a promising feedstock for biofuel production via thermochemical processes. This feedstock is highly heterogeneous, that could be problematic in case of segregation of ground samples. In order to assess an eventual segregation impact on biomass properties and potential consequences on thermochemical processes, 4 French poplar SRF sawdust feedstocks were sieved to particle size fractions (0.4mm). Important properties (in regard to thermochemical processes) were measured on those fractions: lignocellulosic composition, ash content, and elemental composition of organic and inorganic fractions. Significant differences between particle size fractions could be observed on lignocellulosic composition, ash content and inorganic composition. Cellulose content increased with particle size while lignin content was higher in small particles. Ash content was ranging 1-4%w in the biggest particles and 7-10%w in the smallest ones. Important differences could also be observed on major inorganic elements such as Ca and K, which are known to impact the gasification processes. This study shows that segregation may have significant impact on SRF chemical properties. The differences found on lignocellulosic composition, ash content and inorganic composition seemed high enough to have an effect on biomass conversion in thermochemical processes. Therefore, attention must be paid in sampling SRF biomass for analytical purposes, and in process control. According to the observations carried out, the smallest particles of ground SRF could be removed from biomass feedstock to adjust some biomass thermochemical behavior. This fraction could then be used for other applications such as return to soil or green chemistry.

Objectives To investigate whether amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is characterised by restriction in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Further, to examine the role of comorbidity and cognitive performance on IADL changes in aMCI subjects. Methods The study included 132 subjects with aMCI and 249 subjects with no cognitive impairment (NCI), consecutively enrolled as outpatients in a multicentric Italian clinical-based study, the ReGAl Project. All subjects underwent a comprehensive evaluation including clinical examination, laboratory screening, neuroimaging and cognitive and behavioral assessments. Functional status was evaluated by the Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale. Comorbidity was evaluated by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS). Cognitive evaluation included tests assessing episodic memory, language, attention/executive functioning and praxis, as well as the the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) as a measure of global cogniton. Results Subjects with aMCI had higher IADL changes than NCI. Among IADL items, aMCI subjects showed a significant impairment in shopping, taking drugs, and handling economy; however also NCI had minor IADL changes regarding cooking, washing and cleaning. IADL restriction in aMCI subjects was significantly associated with cognitive performance, mainly related to executive functioning, but not with comorbidity. On the contrary, in NCI sensory impairment accounts for slight IADL changes. Conclusion In aMCI subjects a mild degree of cognitive deterioration has a stronger impact on IADL than somatic comorbidity. Current diagnostic criteria for MCI should include a mild impairment in IADL. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.