Interfacial disorder of graphene grown at high temperatures on 4H-SiC(000-1)

This paper presents an investigation of the morphological and structural properties of graphene (Gr) grown on SiC(000-1) by thermal treatments at high temperatures (from 1850 to 1950 ºC) in Ar at atmospheric pressure. Atomic force microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy showed that the grown Gr films are laterally inhomogeneous in the number of layers, and that regions with different stacking-type (coupled or decoupled Gr films) can coexist in the same sample. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy showed that a nm-thick C-Si-O amorphous layer is present at the interface between Gr and SiC. Basing on these structural results, the mechanisms of Gr gro…

Graphene oxide and Fumed silica graphene oxide nanocomposites modification by thermal treatments

In the present study we investigate post synthesis thermal treatments up to 400 °C of graphene oxide (GrO) prepared from commercial graphite and of GrO–silica nanocomposites prepared by a solution of commercial Fumed silica nanoparticles (average diameter 7 nm or 40 nm) and the GrO. The thermal treatments were carried out in air, vacuum or He atmosphere to highlight tunable changes. Two GrO batches with small differences in the D (~1350 cm–1) and G (~1580 cm–1) Raman bands have been employed to evaluate effects depending on preparation. Thermal effects have been monitored through the Raman spectroscopy focusing on D, G and 2D (2500–3500 cm–1) bands spectral ranges. The experiments evidenced…

Patients perception of ionising radiation risks in CT ionising exposure. Does dose bill works?

Communicating to patients the magnitude of risk related to ionizing radiation exposure is problematic because of the uncertainty in estimates derived principally from epidemiological studies of large populations [1-6]. Euratom directive 59/2013 requires that dose bill will be part of the radiological report in European Countries [7]. However, how a risk is framed has a profound effect on risk perception. To date, no previous studies evaluated which could be the best way to make patient friendly dose bill. Our aim was to evaluate patients' perception of radiation exposure related to routine CT and their understanding after dose bill.

Sacrocolpopessia laparoscopica nel trattamento del prolasso della cupola vaginale: follow-up dopo 8 anni su 165 casi

A transcranial magnetic stimulation study evaluating methylprednisolone treatment in multiple sclerosis

Objective - To investigate the efficacy of two different high doses of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) during Multiple Sclerosis (MS) relapses. Background - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is the most sensitive neurophysiological ascertainment to quantify motor disability, to follow the recovery from an MS relapse, and to detect the response to treatment. Design and method - Twenty-four clinically definite relapsing - remitting MS patients presenting a relapse were randomly assigned to a treatment for 5 days with IVMP 1 or 2 g/day. The response to treatment of each patient was evaluated through Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Medical Research Council (MRC) score, and …