Algorithm for Velocity Estimation in a Multivariable Motion Sensor

This paper proposes an algorithm for velocity estimation using the position and acceleration signals obtained respectively from a resistive potentiometric displacement sensor and a MEMS accelerometer. The algorithm is composed of two processing chains that independently estimate velocity starting from position and acceleration signals. Velocity estimation from position is obtained through an adaptive windowing differentiator while the estimation from acceleration is based on a leaky integrator low-pass filter. Such two estimations are fused together by means of a tailored weighted average. The proposed algorithm is first simulated in MATLAB and then experimentally implemented and tested. Both simulations and experimental results show that velocity estimation given by the fusion of the outputs of the two processing chains has a lower estimation error compared to the output of each single chain

From Ownership to Service-oriented Business Models: A Survey in Capital Goods Companies and a PSS Typology

AbstractThe evolution of capital goods companies towards a “service-oriented” business model is challenging and requires fundamental changes in the company. Main aims of this study, that is a part of a large research project, are to understand how business models of companies that operate in capital goods sector are configured and to identify different PSS types that can help companies to better understand the shifting toward a service-oriented business model. To achieve these results, we developed a framework, based on the Canvas model and carried out an exploratory survey among 95 European companies to understand the relevant issues that characterize business model configuration in servitization context

Theratyping of the Rare CFTR Variants E193K and R334W in Rectal Organoid-Derived Epithelial Monolayers

Background: The effect of presently available CFTR modulator combinations, such as elexacaftor (ELX), tezacaftor (TEZ), and ivacaftor (IVA), on rare CFTR alleles is often unknown. Several assays have been developed, such as forskolin-induced swelling (FIS), to evaluate the rescue of such uncommon CFTR alleles both by established and novel modulators in patient-derived primary cell cultures (organoids). Presently, we assessed the CFTR-mediated electrical current across rectal organoid-derived epithelial monolayers. This technique, which allows separate measurement of CFTR-dependent chloride or bicarbonate transport, was used to assess the effect of ELX/TEZ/IVA on two rare CFTR variants. Methods: Intestinal organoid cultures were established from rectal biopsies of CF patients carrying the rare missense mutations E193K or R334W paired with F508del. The effect of the CFTR modulator combination ELX/TEZ/IVA on CFTR-mediated Cl- and HCO3- secretion was assessed in organoid-derived intestinal epithelial monolayers. Non-CF organoids were used for comparison. Clinical biomarkers (sweat chloride, FEV1) were monitored in patients receiving modulator therapy. Results: ELX/TEZ/IVA markedly enhanced CFTR-mediated bicarbonate and chloride transport across intestinal epithelium of both patients. Consistent with the rescue of CFTR function in cultured intestinal cells, ELX/TEZ/IVA therapy improved biomarkers of CFTR function in the R334W/F508del patient. Conclusions: Current measurements in organoid-derived intestinal monolayers can readily be used to monitor CFTR-dependent epithelial Cl- and HCO3- transport. This technique can be explored to assess the functional consequences of rare CFTR mutations and the efficacy of CFTR modulators. We propose that this functional CFTR assay may guide personalized medicine in patients with CF-like clinical manifestations as well as in those carrying rare CFTR mutations

CFTR function is impaired in a subset of patients with pancreatitis carrying rare CFTR variants

Background: Many affected by pancreatitis harbor rare variants of the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene, CFTR, which encodes an epithelial chloride/bicarbonate channel. We investigated CFTR function and the effect of CFTR modulator drugs in pancreatitis patients carrying CFTR variants. Methods: Next-generation sequencing was performed to identify CFTR variants. Sweat tests and nasal potential difference (NPD) assays were performed to assess CFTR function in vivo. Intestinal current measurement (ICM) was performed on rectal biopsies. Patient-derived intestinal epithelial monolayers were used to evaluate chloride and bicarbonate transport and the effects of a CFTR modulator combination: elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor (ETI). Results: Of 32 pancreatitis patients carrying CFTR variants, three had CF-causing mutations on both alleles and yielded CF-typical sweat test, NPD and ICM results. Fourteen subjects showed a more modest elevation in sweat chloride levels, including three that were provisionally diagnosed with CF. ICM indicated impaired CFTR function in nine out of 17 non-CF subjects tested. This group of nine included five carrying a wild type CFTR allele. In epithelial monolayers, a reduction in CFTR-dependent chloride transport was found in six out of 14 subjects tested, whereas bicarbonate secretion was reduced in only one individual. In epithelial monolayers of four of these six subjects, ETI improved CFTR function. Conclusions: CFTR function is impaired in a subset of pancreatitis patients carrying CFTR variants. Mutations outside the CFTR locus may contribute to the anion transport defect. Bioassays on patient-derived intestinal tissue and organoids can be used to detect such defects and to assess the effect of CFTR modulators

Morphologically and immunohistochemically undifferentiated gastric neoplasia in a patient with multiple metastatic malignant melanomas: a case report

Introduction: Malignant melanoma is a neoplasia which frequently involves the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). GIT metastases are difficult to diagnose because they often recur many years after treatment of the primary cutaneous lesion and also manifest clinically at an advanced stage of the neoplasia. Furthermore, GIT metastases can appear in various morphological forms, and therefore immunohistochemistry is often useful in distinguishing between a malignant melanoma and other malignancies. Case presentation: We report the case of a 60-year-old man with a multiple metastatic melanoma who underwent an upper endoscopy to clarify the possible involvement of the gastric wall with a mass localized in the upper abdomen involving the pancreas and various lymph nodes, which was previously described with computed tomography. Clinically, the patient reported a progressive loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. The upper endoscopy and histological examination revealed a gastric location of an undifferentiated neoplasm with an absence of immunohistochemical characteristics referable to the skin malignant melanoma that was removed previously. Conclusion: The present case report shows the difficulty in diagnosing a metastatic melanoma in the GIT and therefore, it seems worthwhile to consider metastatic malignant melanoma in the differential diagnosis of undifferentiated neoplasia. © 2008 Alghisi et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd

Bone and body composition analyzed by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in clinical and nutritional evaluation of young patients with Cystic Fibrosis: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>the improved general therapy has led to reduced morbidity and mortality from Cystic Fibrosis (CF), and bone status may have a potentially greater clinical impact.</p> <p>We investigated the correlation between the severity of the clinical condition, bone status and body composition parameters, in a group of children and young adults with CF.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>we measured lumbar spine bone density and total body composition by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 82 consecutive CF patients (42 males; median age: 13 years - range: 5-30). Eighty-two healthy subjects, matched for age, gender, height and pubertal stage were recruited as a control group.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>37 patients (45.1%) had a normal bone mineral density (BMD). A BMD reduction were observed in 45 (54.8%) patients. Lumbar spine Z score was positively related to Body Mass Index (BMI) and a higher Shwachman-Kulczycki score, and negatively related to Crispin-Norman score. A positive and significant correlation was also observed between lumbar spine Z score and total body composition.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>a significant BMD reduction can be present early in CF children and adolescents. A careful follow up of bone status is required starting in childhood.</p

Towards service-oriented business models: a survey of capital goods companies

New trends for manufactures push towards selling the usage of the product ??? or even its performances ??? rather than its ownership. The phenomenon concerning the evolution from a ???traditional??? business model based on the product sales to new service-oriented business model have been discussed in literature since the ???90es (Vandermerwe and Rada, 1988; Oliva and Kallenberg, 2003; Tukker, 2004; Vargo & Lush, 2004; Kowalkowski et al., 2011). Despite this, a limited application of ???service-oriented??? business models has been observed in the capital goods sectors, especially within SMEs. This is due also to the lack of business model or model-based approach that guides companies in the servitization process: it seems there is a grey area for companies trying to achieve a successful ???transformation to services??? and to capture and create value through the provision of services, especially in terms of business models (Neely et al., 2011). The main aim of this study, that is a part of a large research project (T-REX) funded by the EC, is therefore to understand how business models of companies that operate in capital goods sector are configured and to analyse the diffusion of service-oriented business models. This paper presents the main result of an exploratory survey that was carried out among 95 European companies operating in the machinery, automation and forklift sectors. To support the empirical investigation, we developed a preliminary research framework, grounded on the Canvas model (Osterwalder and Pigneur, 2010), enriched with a set of variables that we specifically defined in order to describe the business model configuration in servitization contexts. Preliminary results show that business models are in general still product-oriented. Revenue models are dominated by product sales, with a contribution of services close to 20% due to corrective maintenance and spare part sales. Rental or ???Pay-per-x??? contracts are an almost negligible revenue source

Severe reaction in a child with asymptomatic codfish allergy: Food challenge reactivating recurrent pancreatitis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>An 8-year-old child during the first year of life manifested severe atopic dermatitis and chronic diarrhea with mucorrhea and rectal bleeding; a fish-free diet was started based on weakly positive skin-prick tests to codfish extract. At the age of 4 years the child began to suffer of recurrent pancreatitis. When he came to our attention for the evaluation of his fish allergy, he was asymptomatic; a weak reactivity to codfish was observed (SPTs: cod, 4 mm, sIgE ImmunoCAP: cod, 1.30kU/l). The food challenge test with cod was negative. When the child ate cod again, within 5 minutes, developed anaphylactic reaction and complained of abdominal pain compatible with pancreatitis (enzyme serum levels risen and parenchymal oedema at ultrasonography), that resolved within 7 days after specific therapy. This case raises two issues: the elimination diet in asymptomatic food allergy on the basis only of SPT and the ethicality of food challenge in gastrointestinal chronic disease.</p