Results of measurement of residues formed in fusion of (6)Li with (198)Pt in the energy range of 0.68 < E/V(b) < 1.3 using a new sensitive off-beam technique are reported. The fusion excitation function and the derived average angular momenta do not indicate a change of slope at deep sub-barrier energies, contrary to recent observations. The present results for a system with weakly bound projectile confront the current understanding of the fusion hindrance at these low energies, underlying the role of internal reorganization on the dynamical path towards fusion.

Exclusive measurements of prompt γ-rays from the heavy-residues with various light charged particles in the 7 Li + 198 Pt system, at an energy near the Coulomb barrier (E/V b ∼ 1.6) are reported. Recent dynamic classical trajectory calculations, constrained by the measured fusion, α and t capture cross-sections have been used to explain the excitation energy dependence of the residue cross-sections. These calculations distinctly illustrate a two step process, breakup followed by fusion in case of the capture of t and α clusters; whereas for 6 He + p and 5 He + d configurations, massive transfer is inferred to be the dominant mechanism. The present work clearly demonstrates the role played by the cluster structures of 7 Li in understanding the reaction dynamics at energies around the Coulomb barrier.Keywords: Particle gamma coincidence, Weakly bound nuclei, Breakup fusion, Nuclear cluster structure, Classical dynamical model In weakly bound nuclear systems, correlation among nucleons and pairing are manifested, among others, as an emergence of strong clustering and exotic shapes. This has renewed interest in the understanding of clusters based on concepts of molecular physics and the role of cluster states in nuclear synthesis [1,2]. Lithium isotopes present a unique example of nuclear clustering, with lighter isotopes ( 6,7 Li) having a well known α + x cluster structure and the heaviest bound isotope ( 11 Li) exhibiting a two neutron Borromean structure.9 Li has also been described as 6 He + t in a recent work [3]. 7 Li is an equally interesting case with its well known weakly bound α + t structure (S α/t = 2.47 MeV), as well as less studied more strongly bound clusters 6 He + p (S6 He/p = 9.98 MeV) and 5 He + d (S5 He/d = 9.52 MeV) [4,5].Recent studies with weakly bound nuclei have also focused on the understanding of the role of novel structures in the reaction dynamics [6]. Dominant reaction modes in nuclei with low binding energies, involve inelastic excitation to low lying states in the continuum or transfer/capture of one of the cluster fragments from their bound/unbound states to the colliding partner nucleus [6,7,8]. The role of inelastic excitation of low lying unbound states and transfer in the fusion hindrance, observed at energies well below the barrier, is also a topic of current interest [9,10]. When the capture occurs from unbound states of the projectile, the process could be looked upon as a two step process, breakup followed by fusion (breakup fusion) [11,12,13]. In case of well bound nuclei, nuclear reaction related to cap- * Corresponding author Email address: aradhana@barc.gov.in (A. Shrivastava ) ture of heavy fragments by the target has been identified as incomplete fusion or massive transfer [14] and occurs predominately at energies ≥ 10 MeV/A. For weakly bound cluster nuclei such as 6,7 Li, the former has been shown to be important both above and at energies much below the Coulomb barrier [10,15]. Earlier studies have found the process of breakup fusion to be more dominant ove...

Background/Aims: Behavioural and psychological symptoms have a high prevalence amongst patients with dementia and can be a significant source of distress to both patients and carers. The present study explored the relationships between quality of life and behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) from both patient and carer perspectives. Contextual factors surrounding the occurrence of BPSD were explored. Methods: Forty-six patients and 116 carers completed questionnaire measures of BPSD and quality of life. Results: BPSD were negatively associated with both patient and carer ratings of patient quality of life. The symptoms related to lower quality of life differed between patient and carer ratings: depression and irritability were found to predict lower carer ratings of quality of life, whilst delusions and apathy indicated lower patient ratings. Carers were found to be poor at identifying antecedents and consequences of BPSD. Conclusions: The presence of BPSD is associated with lower quality of life in dementia. Interventions designed to improve the quality of life for patients should focus on the BPSD specifically associated with the patient’s rating of quality of life. Information regarding the role of contextual factors in behaviour management should be made available to carers.

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Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) are conducted when an individual aged 16 or over appears to have died from violence, abuse or neglect by a person to whom they are related or with whom they are in an intimate relationship or who is a member of the same household. DHRs aim to identify lessons to be learned, to improve service responses to domestic abuse and to contribute to prevention of domestic abuse/homicide. We submitted Freedom of Information requests to English Local Authorities to identify DHRs where victim, perpetrator or both were aged over 60. Collected Reports and/or Executive Summaries were thematically analysed. Analysis identified four key themes in the context of the key relationship and caring: major mental illness of the perpetrator; drug and/or alcohol abuse; financial issues; and a history of domestic abuse in key or family relationships. We analysed 14 adult family homicides, 16 intimate partner homicides and five homicide–suicides. Age per se did not emerge as a significant factor in our analysis. Terminology needs to be standardised, and training/education regarding risk assessment needs to be improved in relation to age, myths around ageing/dementia and stresses of caring. Management of mental illness is a key factor. A central repository of DHR Reports accessible for research and subject to regular review would contribute to maximising learning and improving practice.