R^2 Corrections and Non-perturbative Dualities of N=4 String ground states

We compute and analyse a variety of four-derivative gravitational terms in the effective action of six- and four-dimensional type II string ground states with N=4 supersymmetry. In six dimensions, we compute the relevant perturbative corrections for the type II string compactified on K3. In four dimensions we do analogous computations for several models with (4,0) and (2,2) supersymmetry. Such ground states are related by heterotic-type II duality or type II-type II U-duality. Perturbative computations in one member of a dual pair give a non-perturbative result in the other member. In particular, the exact CP-even R^2 coupling on the (2,2) side reproduces the tree-level term plus NS 5-brane instanton contributions on the (4,0) side. On the other hand, the exact CP-odd coupling yields the one-loop axionic interaction a.R\wedge R together with a similar instanton sum. In a subset of models, the expected breaking of the SL(2,Z)_S S-duality symmetry to a \Gamma(2)_S subgroup is observed on the non-perturbative thresholds. Moreover, we present a duality chain that provides evidence for the existence of heterotic N=4 models in which N=8 supersymmetry appears at strong coupling.Comment: Latex2e, 51 pages, 1 figur

Challenges in modelling homogeneous catalysis : new answers from ab initio molecular dynamics to the controversy over the Wacker process

The controversial reaction mechanism considering experimental results and theoretical treatment from static to ab initio molecular dynamic simulations is reviewed.</p

Use of Modal Representation for the Supporting Structure in Model Based Fault Identification of Large Rotating Machinery: Part 2: Application to a Real Machine

Model-based techniques are often employed in diagnostics of rotating machines to locate and to evaluate the severity of a malfunction. The use of a reliable model can increase the accuracy of identification. Rigid supports or lumped mass pedestals are not always enough to account for foundation dynamics; a modal representation of the supports can improve the identification results. The method, discussed in the first part, is here validated using experimental data of a 320 MW steam turbogenerator. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of fault identification on real data from a large machine, where the supporting structure is accounted for by means of a modal model

Evaluation of moment Lyapunov exponents for second order linear autonomous SDE

Deterministic methods for evaluation of moment Lyapunov exponents are derived for two-dimensional systems with non-degenerate noise

Identification of Rub and Unbalance in a 320MW Turbogenerators

The paper presents two experiences of application of a model based fault identification method on real machines. The first case presented is an unbalance identification on a 320MW turbogenerator unit operating in a fossil power plant. In the second case, concerning a machine of the same size but of a different manufacturer, the LP turbine was affected by a rub in the sealings. This time, the fault is modeled by local bows. The identification of the faults is performed by means of a model based identification technique in frequency domain, suitably modified in order to take into account simultaneous faults. The theoretical background of the applied method is briefly illustrated and some considerations are presented also about the best choice of the rotating speed set of the run-down transient to be used for an effective identification and about the appropriate weighting of vibration measurements at the machine bearings

Use of Modal Representation for the Supporting Structure in Model Based Fault Identification of Large Rotating Machinery: Part 1 – Theoretical Remarks

Fault identification by means of model-based techniques, both in frequency and time domain, is often employed in diagnostics of rotating machines, when the main task is to locate and to evaluate the severity of the malfunction. The model of the fully assembled machine is composed by the submodels of the rotor, of the bearings and of the foundation, while the effect of the faults is modelled by means of equivalent force systems. Some identification techniques, such as the least squares identification in frequency domain, proposed by the authors, have proven to be quite robust even if the submodels are not fine-tuned. Anyhow, the use of a reliable model can increase the accuracy of the identification. Normally a supporting structure is represented by means of rigid foundation or by pedestals, i.e. 2 d.o.f. mass–spring–damper systems, but these kind of models are often not able to reproduce correctly the influence of the dynamical behaviour of the supporting structure on the shaft, especially in large machines where coupled modes are present. Therefore, peculiar aspect of this paper is the use of a modal foundation to model the supporting structure of the machine and the method is discussed in detail in this first part. The modal representation of the foundation is then introduced in the least squares identification technique in frequency domain

What is known about deferasirox chelation therapy in pediatric HSCT recipients: two case reports of metabolic acidosis

To date, in pediatric field, various hematological malignancies are increasingly treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Iron overload and systemic siderosis often occur in this particular cohort of patients and are associated with poor prognosis. We describe herein the case of two allo-HSCT patients, on treatment with deferasirox; they showed histopathological elements compatible with venoocclusive disease or vanishing bile duct syndrome in ductopenic evolution before deferasirox started. The first patient developed drug-induced liver damage with metabolic acidosis and the second one a liver impairment with Fanconi syndrome. After withdrawing deferasirox treatment, both patients showed improvement. Measurements of drug plasma concentrations were performed by HPLC assay. The reduction and consequent disappearance of symptoms after the suspension of deferasirox substantiate its role in inducing hepatic damage, probably enabling the diagnosis of drug-induced liver damage. But the difficulties in diagnosing drug-related toxicity must be underlined, especially in compromised subjects. For these reasons, in patients requiring iron-chelating therapy, close and careful drug therapeutic monitoring is strongly recommende