441 research outputs found
The geometric paradigm in computational elasto-plasticity
Computational methods, for large displacements of continua in the elastoplastic
range, rely on the mathematical modeling of the nonlinear constitutive behavior.
In last decades an increasing favor has been deserved to nonlinear models based on a chain
decomposition of the deformation gradient. The troubles involved in a structural analysis
based on this model are well-known and have not been overcome although many efforts
devoted to this end. Our investigation towards a more satisfactory model starts from the
new analysis of the rate elastic behavior performed in [1, 2] since the difficulties faced by
previous formulations were the very motivation for the discard of rate constitutive models
in elasto-plasticity [3]. The new definition of hypo-elasticity, the detection of simple integrability
conditions and a new formulation of conservativeness, lead to a definition of rate
elasticity suitable for an effective modeling of rate elasto-plastic constitutive behaviors
[4]. The treatment is based on a geometric definition of spatial and material fields and
on the statement of a geometric paradigm assessing the rules for comparison of material
fields naturally provided by push-pull according to the relevant transformation. The rates
involved in constitutive relations are Lie-derivatives of stress field and constitutive parameters.
Geometric compatibility requires that elastic and plastic stretchings additively give
the Lie-derivative of metric field. No privileged reference configuration is involved and
no consequent multiplicative decomposition of deformation gradient is assumed. Computational
methods are shown to be based on the pull-back of constitutive relations to a
straightened out trajectory segment which plays the role of computation chamber wherein
linear operations of differentiation and integration may be performed. Accordingly, finite
elastic and plastic stretches are considered as purely computational tools with no physical
interpretation in constitutive relations. Both 3-D and lower dimensional structural
models, such as wires and membranes, may be analysed by a direct application of the
theory. The outcome is a significant improvement of physical insight and computational
effectiveness with respect to previous treatments of finite elasto-plasticity
Rats spontaneously perceive global motion direction of drifting plaids
Computing global motion direction of extended visual objects is a hallmark of primate high-level vision. Although neurons selective for global motion have also been found in mouse visual cortex, it remains unknown whether rodents can combine multiple motion signals into global, integrated percepts. To address this question, we trained two groups of rats to discriminate either gratings (G group) or plaids (i.e., superpositions of gratings with different orientations; P group) drifting horizontally along opposite directions. After the animals learned the task, we applied a visual priming paradigm, where presentation of the target stimulus was preceded by the brief presentation of either a grating or a plaid. The extent to which rat responses to the targets were biased by such prime stimuli provided a measure of the spontaneous, perceived similarity between primes and targets. We found that gratings and plaids, when uses as primes, were equally effective at biasing the perception of plaid direction for the rats of the P group. Conversely, for G group, only the gratings acted as effective prime stimuli, while the plaids failed to alter the perception of grating direction. To interpret these observations, we simulated a decision neuron reading out the representations of gratings and plaids, as conveyed by populations of either component or pattern cells (i.e., local or global motion detectors). We concluded that the findings for the P group are highly consistent with the existence of a population of pattern cells, playing a functional role similar to that demonstrated in primates. We also explored different scenarios that could explain the failure of the plaid stimuli to elicit a sizable priming magnitude for the G group. These simulations yielded testable predictions about the properties of motion representations in rodent visual cortex at the single-cell and circuitry level, thus paving the way to future neurophysiology experiments
Hierarchical Spatial Organization of Geographical Networks
In this work we propose the use of a hirarchical extension of the
polygonality index as a means to characterize and model geographical networks:
each node is associated with the spatial position of the nodes, while the edges
of the network are defined by progressive connectivity adjacencies. Through the
analysis of such networks, while relating its topological and geometrical
properties, it is possible to obtain important indications about the
development dynamics of the networks under analysis. The potential of the
methodology is illustrated with respect to synthetic geographical networks.Comment: 3 page, 3 figures. A wokring manuscript: suggestions welcome
EUSOMA position regarding breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and the use of textured implants
Correction Volume: 48 Pages: 102-102 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2019.10.005 Published: DEC 2019During the last two decades the number of breast implants used in aesthetic, oncologic and risk reducing surgery has increased substantially mainly due to the improvement and confirmed safety of these devices. Since identification of the first case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with a breast implant (BIA-ALCL) 20 years ago, there has been an increase in the number of reports of this very rare disease, demonstrating a clear association with breast implants. Whilst the majority of cases are localised and cured by implant removal and full capsulectomy, a small percentage require chemotherapy and the mortality rate is very low. The evidence linking BIA-ALCL to implant surface texturing, as the majority of cases were diagnosed in patients with textured implants, has raised concerns about the long term safety of these devices resulting in patient and regulatory authority concerns globally. We hereby present the current published knowledge about the link between BIA-ALCL and implant surface texture and a review of current regulatory and professional body advice across Europe, which may enable a better understanding of this rare disease, how to manage and ultimately prevent it. We conclude by giving EUSOMA recommendation, towards the unnecessary change in attitudes towards implant based surgery, according to the most recent available published evidence as long as patients are properly informed about the risk of BIA-ALCL. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe
A preliminary spectroscopic approach to evaluate the effectiveness of water-and silicone-based cleaning methods on historical varnished brass
Soiling deposition and wrong conservation practices are among the causes of the decay process that can affect the morphological, mechanical, and compositional features of the varnish, the most exposed layer of an artefact. In this perspective, the identification of the best cleaning practices is a priority. During the 18th century, scientific instruments of the highest quality were built, and peculiar varnishes were produced to confer protection and elegance to their metal elements. For this study, based on a historical recipe, we have reproduced a peculiar spirit varnish, enriched with natural resins and colorants, and we have applied on it a synthetic soiling mixture to simulate the aging conditions. We have then performed a non-invasive multi-analytical study to monitor the effectiveness of two water-based and a silicone-based, cleaning methods, namely, water in agarose, Tween 20 (3%) in agarose, and Velvesil Plus. The study includes colorimetry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping, coupled with chemometrics. Principal component analysis applied to FTIR spectral data has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool to enhance weak variations in the IR spectra, empowering the interpretation of cleaning effect versus the application time of each cleaning test
Multiscale Bone Remodelling with Spatial P Systems
Many biological phenomena are inherently multiscale, i.e. they are
characterized by interactions involving different spatial and temporal scales
simultaneously. Though several approaches have been proposed to provide
"multilayer" models, only Complex Automata, derived from Cellular Automata,
naturally embed spatial information and realize multiscaling with
well-established inter-scale integration schemas. Spatial P systems, a variant
of P systems in which a more geometric concept of space has been added, have
several characteristics in common with Cellular Automata. We propose such a
formalism as a basis to rephrase the Complex Automata multiscaling approach
and, in this perspective, provide a 2-scale Spatial P system describing bone
remodelling. The proposed model not only results to be highly faithful and
expressive in a multiscale scenario, but also highlights the need of a deep and
formal expressiveness study involving Complex Automata, Spatial P systems and
other promising multiscale approaches, such as our shape-based one already
resulted to be highly faithful.Comment: In Proceedings MeCBIC 2010, arXiv:1011.005
Histomorphological analysis of the effect of rigid fixation on growing sutures in the rabbit
The effect of internal rigid fixation (IRF) on bone growth was studied in an experimental model set up in the rabbit. The frontonasal suture of the right side was surgically bridged by a microplate. As reference for bone growth, four screws were placed symmetrically in the four bony segments including the frontonasal suture on both sides. The suture development was followed dynamically for 40 days on the basis of the position of the screws established radiographically. The rate of bone formation along the sutural bones was evaluated by means of the tetracycline labelling technique. The structure of the newly formed bone and its degree of mineralization were respectively analysed under polarized light and with microradiography. It was demonstrated that IRF prevents growth of the sutural membrane but not of the osteogenic process; as a consequence the constrained sutures soon undergo synostosis. This fact must be taken into consideration when IRF is employed in children in order to avoid delayed removal of the plate irreversibly stopping the growth of the constrained suture
Gene Expression Dynamics During Bone Healing and Osseointegration
Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141010/1/jper1007.pd
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