Distributed bounded-error state estimation for partitioned systems based on practical robust positive invariance

We propose a partition-based state estimator for linear discrete-time systems composed by coupled subsystems affected by bounded disturbances. The architecture is distributed in the sense that each subsystem is equipped with a local state estimator that exploits suitable pieces of information from parent subsystems. Moreover, differently from methods based on moving horizon estimation, our approach does not require the on-line solution to optimization problems. Our state-estimation scheme, that is based on the notion of practical robust positive invariance developed in Rakovic 2011, also guarantees satisfaction of constraints on local estimation errors and it can be updated with a limited computational effort when subsystems are added or removed

Advanced radar absorbing ceramic-based materials for multifunctional applications in space environment

In this review, some results of the experimental activity carried out by the authors on advanced composite materials for space applications are reported. Composites are widely employed in the aerospace industry thanks to their lightweight and advanced thermo-mechanical and electrical properties. A critical issue to tackle using engineered materials for space activities is providing two or more specific functionalities by means of single items/components. In this scenario, carbon-based composites are believed to be ideal candidates for the forthcoming development of aerospace research and space missions, since a widespread variety of multi-functional structures are allowed by employing these materials. The research results described here suggest that hybrid ceramic/polymeric structures could be employed as spacecraft-specific subsystems in order to ensure extreme temperature withstanding and electromagnetic shielding behavior simultaneously. The morphological and thermo-mechanical analysis of carbon/carbon (C/C) three-dimensional (3D) shell prototypes is reported; then, the microwave characterization of multilayered carbon-filled micro-/nano-composite panels is described. Finally, the possibility of combining the C/C bulk with a carbon-reinforced skin in a synergic arrangement is discussed, with the aid of numerical and experimental analyses

Early predictive response to multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced refractory radioactive-iodine differentiated thyroid cancer: A new challenge for [18 f]fdg pet/ct

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) represents the most common thyroid cancer histotype. Generally, it exhibits a good prognosis after conventional treatments; nevertheless, about 20% of patients can develop a local recurrence and/or distant metastasis. In one-third of advanced DTC, the metastatic lesions lose the ability to take up iodine and become radioactive iodine-refractory (RAI-R) DTC. In this set of patients, the possibility to perform localized treatments should always be taken into consideration before the initiation of systemic therapy. In the last decade, some multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (MKI) drugs were approved for advanced DTC, impacting on patient’s survival rate, but at the same time, these therapies have been associated with several adverse events. In this clinical context, the role of 2-deoxy-2-[18 F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18 F]FDG PET/CT) in the early treatment response to these innovative therapies was investigated, in order to assess the potentiality of this diagnostic tool in the early recognition of non-responders, avoiding unnecessary therapy. Herein, we aimed to present a critical overview about the reliability of [18 F]FDG PET/CT in the early predictive response to MKIs in advanced differentiated thyroid cancer

Sex-determinants and their distribution in various populations of Musca domestica L. of Western Europe

SUMMARYThe distribution of sex-determinants in field populations ofMusca domestica domesticaL. was studied in 62 samples of flies collected at 53 sites (animal farms) between 1975 and 1981 in an area stretching North–South from Denmark (+ Iceland) to Sicily.Karyological observations and genetic analyses demonstrated the existence of three types of population along a latitudinal cline. Populations of Northern Europe were of the standard type (XXfemales andXYmales) with theYchromosome determining sex. Those of Central and Southern Italy from sites below 100 m.a.s.l. (metres above sea level) were autosomal (XXfemales and males), sex in them being determined by autosomal sex-determinants for both femaleness and maleness. In the large intermediate zone the populations were mixed and had several karyotypes in both sexes. In this zone an altitudinal gradient was also observed, with autosomal determinants less common at higher altitudes. Genetic tests showed, in the autosomal and in the mixed populations, the presence of two autosomal male factors:MIII, the most common, on autosome III andMII, on autosome II.The gradient in sex determinants found in flies of Western Europe appears to be a dynamic phenomenon of relatively recent origin. Both climatic influence and selective pressure with insecticides have probably contributed towards the micro-evolution of populations with different sex-determinants in the houseflies of the area studied

Mitotic recombination in Musca domestica L. and its influence on mosaicism, gynandromorphism and recombination in males

SUMMARYIn the housefly, mosaics appear spontaneously but rarely. Sexual mosaics or gynandromorphs also appear in strains in which sex determination is based on autosomal sex factors. Rare cases of recombination in the male have been reported by some authors. In field and laboratory populations, mitotic plates with figures indicating exchange of chromatid segments are regularly observed in tissues of individuals of both sexes and at all stages of development. All these anomalies are interpreted as outward manifestation of the same phenomenon: mitotic recombination. The cytological basis of mitotic recombination, its relative frequency, its influence on linkage and genetic variability are discussed

STAT3, a hub protein of cellular signaling pathways, is triggered by β-hexaclorocyclohexane

Background: Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are widely distributed in the environment and their toxicity is mostly associated with the molecular mechanisms of endocrine disruption. Among OCPs, particular attention was focused on the effects of β-hexaclorocyclohexane (β-HCH), a widely common pollutant. A detailed epidemiological study carried out on exposed population in the “Valle del Sacco” found correlations between the incidence of a wide range of diseases and the occurrence of β-HCH contamination. Taking into account the pleiotropic role of the protein signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), its function as a hub protein in cellular signaling pathways triggered by β-HCH was investigated in different cell lines corresponding to tissues that are especially vulnerable to damage by environmental pollutants. Materials and Methods: Human prostate cancer (LNCaP), human breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB 468), and human hepatoma (HepG2) cell lines were treated with 10 µM β-HCH in the presence or absence of specific inhibitors for different receptors. All samples were subjected to analysis by immunoblotting and RT-qPCR. Results and Conclusions: The preliminary results allow us to hypothesize the involvement of STAT3, through both its canonical and non-canonical pathways, in response to β-HCH. Moreover, we ascertained the role of STAT3 as a master regulator of energy metabolism via the altered expression and localization of HIF-1α and PKM2, respectively, resulting in a Warburg-like effect

Covid-19 and ENT practice: Our experience: ENT outpatient department, ward and operating room management during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Coronavirus COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 ENT Otolaryngolog

Seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete frames by direct loss-based design

This paper introduces a procedure for the retrofit design of reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings to achieve the desired target level of earthquake-induced loss for a given seismic hazard profile. The methodology is "direct" because the loss target is specified in the first step of the procedure, and, in principle, no design iterations are required. The target loss level is defined based on designer/client preferences and/or external constraints (e.g., foundation capacity). The proposed procedure relies on a simplified loss assessment enabled by a surrogate model defining the probability distribution of the seismic deformation demands of single degree of freedom (SDoF) systems given different ground-motion intensity levels. Combined with a hazard curve and a building-level damage-to-loss model, such a surrogate model is used to map candidate SDoF force-displacement curves to their earthquake-induced loss by assuming a given retrofit strategy. In this case, the considered retrofit strategy involves changing the frame's local hierarchy of strength to ensure a global plastic structure mechanism. Under such assumptions, a designer can select a design force-displacement curve among those that comply with the chosen loss target. The detailing of the retrofitted frame is carried out according to the direct displacement-based design principles and the Simplified Lateral Mechanism Analysis (SLaMA). The procedure is applied to an under-designed RC frame building retrofitted with concrete jacketing. A benchmark loss estimate is calculated using non-linear time-history analyses for loss assessment purposes. The proposed procedure shows satisfactory compliance with the benchmark loss, emphasising the procedure's effectiveness in practice

Gaussian process regression-based surrogate modelling for direct loss-based seismic design of low-rise base-isolated structures

Seismic base isolation has gained popularity in the last decades. As a result, many structures are now equipped with base isolation systems to offer enhanced seismic performance and meet the needs of risk-aware stakeholders. However, a robust performance-based seismic design of these types of structures is generally not carried out due to the iterative nature of common design approaches and the time/computational resources required for such iterations, which are incompatible with the preliminary design phase. Indeed, seismic risk/loss is often just assessed at the end of the design process as a final verification step. This paper offers an overview of a simplified methodology for the seismic design of low-rise structures equipped with a base isolation system to achieve a predefined level of earthquake-induced economic loss while complying with a predefined minimum level of structural reliability. The main advantage of the proposed methodology is that it requires no design iterations. The procedure is enabled by Gaussian-process-regression-based surrogate probabilistic seismic demand modelling of equivalent single degree of freedom systems (i.e., the probability distribution of peak horizontal displacements and accelerations on top of the isolation layer conditional on different ground-motion intensity levels). Combined with simplified loss models for the base isolation system and the structural and non-structural components of the superstructure, this approach allows mapping a range of structural configurations to their resulting seismic loss. A designer can then select one of the identified combinations of the strength of the superstructure and properties of the isolation system conforming with the loss target, and reliability requirements, and consequently detail the superstructure and isolation system accordingly. This paper introduces the implemented surrogate probabilistic seismic demand models and provides an overview of a tentative Direct Loss-based Design procedure for low-rise base-isolated structures

The Mn site in Mn-doped Ga-As nanowires: an EXAFS study

We present an EXAFS study of the Mn atomic environment in Mn-doped GaAs nanowires. Mn doping has been obtained either via the diffusion of the Mn used as seed for the nanowire growth or by providing Mn during the growth of Au-induced wires. As a general finding, we observe that Mn forms chemical bonds with As but is not incorporated in a substitutional site. In Mn-induced GaAs wires, Mn is mostly found bonded to As in a rather disordered environment and with a stretched bond length, reminiscent of that exhibited by MnAs phases. In Au-seeded nanowires, along with stretched Mn-As coordination we have found the presence of Mn in a Mn-Au intermetallic compound.Comment: This is an author-created, un-copyedited version of an article accepted for publication in Semiconductor Science and Technology. IOP Publishing Ltd is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or any version derived from it. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at doi:10.1088/0268-1242/27/8/08500