Microwave imaging of mixed metallic–dielectric configurations via a finite element-based variable exponent approach

The quantitative reconstruction of structures that include both metallic and dielectric targets at the same time is addressed in this article. In particular, a nonlinear tomographic inversion approach developed in variable exponent Lebesgue spaces with a finite element (FE) formulation is adopted for the first time in such a configuration. Results obtained within a simulated environment are presented to validate the proposed technique and analyze the effects of different numbers and sizes of the metallic targets present in the investigated scenario. Moreover, the impact of possible a priori knowledge of metallic structures is assessed

A non-Hilbertian inversion technique for the diagnosis of faulty elements in antenna arrays

Nowadays, antenna arrays are important tools adopted in a great number of applications including radar, mobile and satellite communication systems, and electromagnetic imaging. Moreover, in these applications, arrays with a high number of elements are ever more requested, which results in a growing possibility of damages in the array. The identification of defective components in array of antennas is really significant due to their applicative use: indeed, faulty detected elements can be fixed, thus avoiding to replace the whole antenna. In this work, a diagnostic technique for planar antenna arrays is presented. This approach enables recovering the eventually defective elements of the antenna under test using far-field data. To this end, an inversion approach established outside the standard context of Hilbertian spaces is used to address an inverse-source problem. A numerical validation concerning simple array antennas has been carried out to study the performances of the approach versus some antenna parameters, e.g., the size of the array

Detection of failures in antenna arrays through a Lebesgue-space approach

In this paper, a novel antenna array diagnostic approach is presented. The failures in antenna arrays are detected by means of a non-Hilbertian Lebesgue-space L-p technique to solve the underlying inverse problem. The solution of this inverse problem enables to retrieve the distribution of faulty feed excitations of the antenna under test starting from far-field measurements. The developed approach has been numerically validated. Simulations concern planar arrays where different rates and distributions of failures have been tested. Results show good capabilities in detecting damaged regions in the analyzed scenarios

Cuando las enfermedades metabólicas se confunden con las inflamatorias

The presence of distal extremity pain and muscle weakness in patients usually triggers the search for rheumatic diseases without giving thought to non-rheumatologic etiologies. Approaching these symptoms with a broad differential diagnosis including non-rheumatologic entities may lead to earlier diagnosis of metabolic diseases, thus decreasing cost and aiding in earlier initiation of appropriate therapy. Aim: To present 2 cases of patients who, after years of rheumatologic work up for arthralgia and muscle weakness, were found to have inherited metabolic diseases. Rheumatologists and immunologists may be the first to encounter patients with Fabry and Pompe disease. If these disorders are not considered in the differential diagnosis, we will miss the opportunity for early institution of therapy.La presencia de dolor distal en las extremidades y debilidad muscular lleva en muchos pacientes a la búsqueda de enfermedades reumatológicas sin contemplar la posibilidad de otras entidades no inflamatorias. Un acercamiento al diagnóstico del dolor distal y la debilidad muscular desde múltiples enfoques puede resultar en el arribo al diagnóstico en forma temprana, disminuyendo los costos para el sistema y ofreciendo una posibilidad terapáutica precoz. Presentamos dos pacientes con artralgias y debilidad muscular, que luego de años de seguimiento y estudios en búsqueda de enfermedades reumáticas, se les realizó diagnóstico de errores congénitos del metabolismo. Los reumatólogos e inmunólogos pueden ser los primeros especialistas en enfrentar pacientes con enfermedad de Fabry y Pompe. Si estas enfermedades no son consideradas dentro del diagnóstico diferencial, se estará perdiendo la posibilidad de iniciar un tratamiento específico que puede modificar la evolución natural de la enfermedad

Studying functional networks in human brain through intracerebral spontaneous EEG

none6G.Arnulfo; A.Pigorini; M.Massimini; L.Nobili; A.Schenone; M.M. FatoArnulfo, Gabriele; Pigorini, A.; Massimini, M.; Nobili, L.; Schenone, Andrea; Fato, MARCO MASSIM

A Grid-based solution for management and analysis of microarrays in distributed experiments

Several systems have been presented in the last years in order to manage the complexity of large microarray experiments. Although good results have been achieved, most systems tend to lack in one or more fields. A Grid based approach may provide a shared, standardized and reliable solution for storage and analysis of biological data, in order to maximize the results of experimental efforts. A Grid framework has been therefore adopted due to the necessity of remotely accessing large amounts of distributed data as well as to scale computational performances for terabyte datasets. Two different biological studies have been planned in order to highlight the benefits that can emerge from our Grid based platform. The described environment relies on storage services and computational services provided by the gLite Grid middleware. The Grid environment is also able to exploit the added value of metadata in order to let users better classify and search experiments. A state-of-art Grid portal has been implemented in order to hide the complexity of framework from end users and to make them able to easily access available services and data. The functional architecture of the portal is described. As a first test of the system performances, a gene expression analysis has been performed on a dataset of Affymetrix GeneChip® Rat Expression Array RAE230A, from the ArrayExpress database. The sequence of analysis includes three steps: (i) group opening and image set uploading, (ii) normalization, and (iii) model based gene expression (based on PM/MM difference model). Two different Linux versions (sequential and parallel) of the dChip software have been developed to implement the analysis and have been tested on a cluster. From results, it emerges that the parallelization of the analysis process and the execution of parallel jobs on distributed computational resources actually improve the performances. Moreover, the Grid environment have been tested both against the possibility of uploading and accessing distributed datasets through the Grid middleware and against its ability in managing the execution of jobs on distributed computational resources. Results from the Grid test will be discussed in a further paper

Early Detection of External Neurological Symptoms through a Wearable Smart-Glasses Prototype

The Internet of Things (IoT) framework is moving the research community to provide smart systems and solutions aimed at revolutionizing medical sciences and healthcare. Given the extreme diffusion of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), the demand for a solution to early detect neurological symptoms of such diseases strongly arose. According to the medical literature, such early detection can be obtained through the correlation between PD and AD and some external symptoms: the Essential Tremor (ET) and the number of Eye Blinks (EBs). In this paper, which can be considered as an extended version of [1], we present a prototype of wearable smart glasses able to detect the presence of ET of the head and to count the number of EBs at the same time, in a transparent way with respect to the final user. Numerical results demonstrate the reliability of the proposed approach: the proposed algorithms are able to i) correctly recognize the ET with an overall accuracy above 97% and ii) count the number of EBs with an overall error around 9%

Evaluación nutricional e ingesta de macronutrientes de taekwondistas

Taekwondo (TKD) is a Korean combat modality, which is based on techniques of great fluidity, speed and explosiveness. For optimal health and performance, an adequate energy intake must be achieved for each age group and sport discipline. The nutritional status of 20 children and the body composition of 6 adults were evaluated. Weight and height were measured in minors from the WHO BMI / Age Growth Standards, and 20 anthropometric variables in adults according to the ISAK protocol. Macronutrient intake was estimated through 3 non-consecutive day food records. The intake analysis was quantitative-qualitative. It was concluded that half of the children / adolescents were overweight and obese and only one was underweight. While two adults were weighted overweight. Regarding the intake, most of the children / adolescents, adults had an inadequate consumption of carbohydrates. Protein intake was adequate in almost all those evaluated. Interdisciplinary work is promoted for the evaluation, monitoring and comprehensive preparation of the athlete, especially at an early age.El taekwondo (TKD) es una modalidad de combate coreana, que se basa en técnicas de mucha fluidez, velocidad y explosividad. Para un óptimo estado de salud y rendimiento, se debe lograr un adecuado aporte de energía para cada grupo etario y disciplina deportiva Se evaluó el estado nutricional de 20 niños/as y la composición corporal de 6 adultos. Se midió peso y talla en menores a partir de los Patrones de Crecimiento IMC/Edad de la OMS, y 20 variables antropométricas en adultos según protocolo ISAK. Se estimó ingesta de macronutrientes mediante registros alimentarios de 3 días no consecutivos. El análisis de la ingesta fue cuanti-cualitativo. Se concluyó que la mitad de los niños/adolescentes presentaron sobrepeso y obesidad y solo uno bajo peso. Mientras que dos adultos fueron ponderados con sobrepeso. En cuanto a la ingesta, la mayoría de los niños/adolescentes, adultos tuvieron  un consumo inadecuado de hidratos de carbono. La ingesta de proteínas fue adecuada en casi todos los evaluados. Se promueve el trabajo interdisciplinario para la evaluación, seguimiento y preparación integral del deportista, sobre todo a edades temprana

Aspectos productivos y ecológicos en plantaciones de Pinus y Eucalyptus

Los ecosistemas forestales dependen para su funcionamiento de la descomposición de restos vegetales sobre el suelo. Este aporte es fundamental para el reciclaje de nutrientes. La acumulación de ramas, hojas y restos vegetales forma el denominado mantillo. La descomposición de estos materiales constituye un importante aporte de carbono y nutrientes (principalmente nitrógeno y fósforo). Este aporte y descomposición da origen al ciclo de nutrientes. Conocer este ciclo es fundamental,debido a que está relacionado con la productividad forestal y sustentabilidad. En un rodal de Pinuselliottii y Eucalyptus grandis, de 14 y 7 años respectivamente, se instalaron 6 parcelas permanentes de mil metros cuadrados (3 por especie). Dentro de cada parcela se instalaron 4 canastas de 1 m2 para recolección de acículas, hojas y otros restos vegetales. En total se cuenta con 12 canastas por especie. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el aporte de material y tasa de descomposición en un rodal de pino y eucalipto. A continuación se presentan los resultados de 24 meses del rodal de Eucalyptus grandis. Los valores de incremento medio anual fueron de 19.3 y 18.2 m3/ha año, en los años 2014 y 2015 respectivamente. Se recolectó material mensualmente, y fue pesado y posteriormente secado en estufa. Se realizó un muestreo para determinar la composición de N, P y K en las hojas caídas. Para medir descomposición se usaron 12 bolsitas de 20 x 20 cm, de 1 mm con 30 gramos de hojas recolectadas del mantillo. Mensualmente se retiró una bolsita por parcela para determinar peso húmedo y peso seco. La constante de descomposición fue calculada según el modelo exponencial. El tiempo de vida media fue calculado de acuerdo con Rezende. El valor obtenido fue de 385 días.Los valores máximos de caída ocurrieron en noviembre y diciembre. El valor mínimo en junio del 2015. La cantidad de nitrógeno en la hojarasca caída fue de 49.4 y 50.5 kg en los años 2014 y 2015 respectivamente. De igual manera, 8.2 y 8.4 kg para fósforo, y finalmente 16.5 y 16.8 para potasio. Puede concluirse que la cantidad de material caído fue 19902,88 kg de materia seca por ha en los 24 meses. Al comienzo, la tasa de descomposición fue marcadamente mayor, y disminuyó luego, hasta estabilizarse. Luego de 12 meses, se observó una descomposición del 47%.Forest ecosystems depend for its operation from the decomposition of plant debris on the ground.This contribution is essential for nutrient recycling. Branches, leaves and plant debris accumulation forms the so-called “litterfall”. The decomposition of these materials is an important contribution of carbon and nutrient (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus). This contribution and decomposition gives rise to the cycle of nutrients. Knowing this cycle is fundamental since it is related to the forest productivity and sustainability. In a stand of Pinus elliottii and Eucalyptus grandis, 14 and 7 years 6 plots were installed. In each plot were installed 4 baskets 1 m2 for collection of needles leaves and other plant debris. In total it has 12 baskets per species. The objective of this study is to evaluate the contribution of material and rate of decomposition in a stand of pine and eucalyptus.These are the following results of 24 months of the stand of Eucalyptus grandis. The values of average annual increase were 19.3 and 18.2 m3 / has year in 2014 and 2015 respectively. He gathered material monthly and was heavy and then dried in an oven. Sampling was conducted to determine the composition of N, P and K in the fallen leaves. 12 sachets of 20 x 20 cm, 1 mm with 30 grams of leaves collected from the humus were used to measure decomposition. Monthly withdrew one sachet per parcel to determine wet weight and dry weight. The decomposition constant was calculated according to the exponential model. The average life span was calculated according to Rezende et al (cited by Cunha Neto et al 1997). The value obtained was 385 dias. The maximum values of fall occurred in November and December. The minimum value was in June 2015. The amount of nitrogen in leaf litter fall was 49.4 and 50.5 Kg in the year 2014 and 2015 respectively,for phosphorus 8.2 and 8.4 Kg, for potassium 16.5 and 16.8. It can be concluded that the amount of fallen stock was 19902,88 kg of dry matter by has in 24 months. At the beginning the decomposition rate was markedly higher then, decreasing to steady. After 12 months, there was a breakdown of 47%

Autoimmune central diabetes insipidus in a patient with ureaplasma urealyticum infection and review on new triggers of immune response

Diabetes insipidus is a disease in which large volumes of dilute urine (polyuria) are excreted due to vasopressin (AVP) deficiency [central diabetes insipidus (CDI)] or to AVP resistance (nephrogenic diabetes insipidus). In the majority of patients, the occurrence of CDI is related to the destruction or degeneration of neurons of the hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. The most common and well recognized causes include local inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, vascular disorders, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), sarcoidosis, tumors such as germinoma/craniopharyngioma or metastases, traumatic brain injuries, intracranial surgery, and midline cerebral and cranial malformations. Here we have the opportunity to describe an unusual case of female patient who developed autoimmune CDI following ureaplasma urealyticum infection and to review the literature on this uncommon feature. Moreover, we also discussed the potential mechanisms by which ureaplasma urealyticum might favor the development of autoimmune CDI