One-dimensional infinite memory imitation models with noise

In this paper we study stochastic process indexed by $\mathbb {Z}$ constructed from certain transition kernels depending on the whole past. These kernels prescribe that, at any time, the current state is selected by looking only at a previous random instant. We characterize uniqueness in terms of simple concepts concerning families of stochastic matrices, generalizing the results previously obtained in De Santis and Piccioni (J. Stat. Phys., 150(6):1017--1029, 2013).Comment: 22 pages, 3 figure

Perfect simulation of autoregressive models with infinite memory

In this paper we consider the problem of determining the law of binary stochastic processes from transition kernels depending on the whole past. These kernels are linear in the past values of the process. They are allowed to assume values close to both 0 and 1, preventing the application of usual results on uniqueness. More precisely we give sufficient conditions for uniqueness and non-uniqueness. In the former case a perfect simulation algorithm is also given.Comment: 12 page

Effect of airborne particle abrasion on microtensile bond strength of total-etch adhesives to human dentin

Aim of this study was to investigate a specific airborne particle abrasion pretreatment on dentin and its effects on microtensile bond strengths of four commercial total-etch adhesives. Midcoronal occlusal dentin of extracted human molars was used. Teeth were randomly assigned to 4 groups according to the adhesive system used: OptiBond FL (FL), OptiBond Solo Plus (SO), Prime & Bond (PB), and Riva Bond LC (RB). Specimens from each group were further divided into two subgroups: control specimens were treated with adhesive procedures; abraded specimens were pretreated with airborne particle abrasion using 50 mu m Al2O3 before adhesion. After bonding procedures, composite crowns were incrementally built up. Specimens were sectioned perpendicular to adhesive interface to producemultiple beams, which were tested under tension until failure. Data were statistically analysed. Failure mode analysis was performed. Overall comparison showed significant increase in bond strength (p < 0.001) between abraded and no-abraded specimens, independently of brand. Intrabrand comparison showed statistical increase when abraded specimens were tested compared to no-abraded ones, with the exception of PB that did not show such difference. Distribution of failure mode was relatively uniform among all subgroups. Surface treatment by airborne particle abrasion with Al2O3 particles can increase the bond strength of total-etch adhesive

I beta-bloccanti nella terapia dello scompenso cardiaco: revisione della letteratura

The incidence of medical malpractice litigation is increasing. Most of errors can be defined as "medication errors", that is to say inappropriate use and prescription of drugs. For this reason it is essential that physicians, and especially those who practices as specialists, know in-depth the effects of drugs that they prescribe. In cardiology, one important field is the risk of inappropriate prescription of beta blockers in the treatment of heart failure. Aim of this paper is to review the status of beta blockers prescription, searching for information concerning their inappropriate use (underuse or misuse). The research was made searching the most well-known juridical and medical databases according to these keywords: "beta blockers", "inappropriate use" and "heart failure". The aim is to awake cardiologists in all the risks related to errors in this therapy, to meet the right standard of care and to avoid clinical risks

Laboratory experiments on ammoniated clay minerals with relevance for asteroid (1) Ceres

Recent observations with VIR spectrometer onboard Dawn spacecraft [1] have suggested the presence of ammoniated phyllosilicates widespread on the surface of asteroid (1) Ceres [2,3]. The global surface composition of Ceres as suggested by VIR average infrared spectrum in the 1-4 micron range appears to be due to a mixture of NH4-bearing phyllosilicates, serpentine, carbonates and a dark absorbing phase (magnetite or amorphous carbon) [2]. An absorption feature occurring near 3.1 micron in the average spectrum is considered the main evidence for the presence of NH4-bearing phase; nevertheless in the past several authors tried to explain this feature, as observed with telescopic spectra, invoking the presence of brucite, cronstedtite, water ice or clays [4]. In this project we are carrying out laboratory experiments with the aim of studying ammoniated phyllosilicates in the visible-infrared range. A suite of 9 clay minerals has been used for this study, including illite, nontronite and montmorillonite. In order to produce the ammoniated species we followed a modified procedure based on the one described in Bishop et al. (2002) [5]. All minerals were reduced in fine grain size (<36 micron), treated with ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) and heated in oven at 200°C for 24 h at normal pressure conditions, before the measurements. Reflectance spectra were acquired with the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) in use at INAF-IAPS/P-LAB, in the range 1-14 μm, on both clay minerals and NH4-treated clays. Almost all spectra of NH4-treated species are characterized by the occurrence of several new absorption features, appearing at different wavelengths near 2, 3, 6 and 7 micron. In some cases the spectral shape of already existent absorption bands resulted deeply modified. A few species did not show the appearance of new features. These results suggest that NH4+ ions fix in various ways in different minerals. Nontronite and montmorillonite appear to be the best candidates, among the studied suite, to be used in future laboratory reproduced analog mixtures. [1] Russell C.T. et al., 2004, Planetary and Space Science, 52, 465-489 [2] De Sanctis M.C. et al., 2015, Nature, 528, 241-244 [3] Ammannito E. et al., 2016, Science, vol.353, issue 6303 [4] Rivkin A.S. et al., 2011, Space Science Reviews, 163, 95-116 [5] Bishop J.L. et al., 2002, Planetary and Space Science, 50, 11-1

Cyclical behaviour and disc truncation in the Be/X-ray binary A0535+26

A0535+26 is shown to display quantised IR excess flux states, which are interpreted as the first observational verification of the resonant truncation scheme proposed by Okazaki and Negueruela (2001) for BeXRBs. The simultaneity of X-ray activity with transitions between these states strongly suggests a broad mechanism for outbursts, in which material lost from the disc during the reduction of truncation radius is accreted by the NS. Furthermore changes between states are shown to be governed by a 1500 day period, probably due to precession of the Be disc, which profoundly dictates the global behaviour of the system. Such a framework appears to be applicable to BeXRBs in general.Comment: 10 pages, 11 figs, submitted to MNRA

Early Diagnosis of Congenital Uterine Anomalies: Is the Three Dimensional Ultrasound Approach the Suitable Choice? 3D in Uterine Anomalies

Purposes: Congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) are benign conditions associated with relatively serious complications affecting the reproductive life. Due to their infrequency CUA are often misdiagnosed, exposing the patient to possible future complications. Case description: We report the cases of three women affected by an unknown CUA, which underwent three different diagnostic and surgical approaches. Conclusions: A correct and early diagnosis of CUA is mandatory to allow a correct clinical and therapeutic management. In our opinion we might avoid the use of MRI considered as the second line technique after 2D-US, keeping in mind that in CUA the diagnostic value of 3D-US has the same accuracy as MRI