Modelling the motion of a cell population in the extracellular matrix

The paper aims at describing the motion of cells in fibrous tissues taking into account of the interaction with the network fibers and among cells, of chemotaxis, and of contact guidance from network fibers. Both a kinetic model and its continuum limit are described

Estimation of general Hamiltonian parameters via controlled energy measurements

The quantum Cram\'er-Rao theorem states that the quantum Fisher information (QFI) bounds the best achievable precision in the estimation of a quantum parameter $\xi$. This is true, however, under the assumption that the measurement employed to extract information on $\xi$ are regular, i.e. neither its sample space nor its positive-operator valued elements depend on the (true) value of the parameter. A better performance may be achieved by relaxing this assumption. In the case of a general Hamiltonian parameter, i.e. when the parameter enters the system's Hamiltonian in a non-linear way (making the energy eigenstates and eigenvalues $\xi$-dependent), a family of non-regular measurements, referred to as controlled energy measurements, is naturally available. We perform an analytic optimization of their performance, which enables us to compare the optimal controlled energy measurement with the optimal Braunstein-Caves measurement based on the symmetric logarithmic derivative. As the former may outperform the latter, the ultimate quantum bounds for general Hamiltonian parameters are different than those for phase (shift) parameters. We also discuss in detail a realistic implementation of controlled energy measurements based on the quantum phase estimation algorithm and work out a variety of examples to illustrate our results.Comment: revised and enlarged versio

Modeling cell movement in anisotropic and heterogeneous network tissues

Cell motion and interaction with the extracellular matrix is studied deriving a kinetic model and considering its diffusive limit. The model takes into account of chemotactic and haptotactic effects, and obtains friction as a result of the interactions between cells and between cells and the fibrous environment. The evolution depends on the fibre distribution, as cells preferentially move along the fibre direction and tend to cleave and remodel the extracellular matrix when their direction of motion is not aligned with the fibre direction. Simulations are performed to describe the behavior of ensemble of cells under the action of a chemotactic field and in presence of heterogeneous and anisotropic fibre networks

Partial Preferences for Mediated Bargaining

In this work we generalize standard Decision Theory by assuming that two outcomes can also be incomparable. Two motivating scenarios show how incomparability may be helpful to represent those situations where, due to lack of information, the decision maker would like to maintain different options alive and defer the final decision. In particular, a new axiomatization is given which turns out to be a weakening of the classical set of axioms used in Decision Theory. Preliminary results show how preferences involving complex distributions are related to judgments on single alternatives.Comment: In Proceedings SR 2014, arXiv:1404.041

Prospects for Heavy Scalar Searches at the LHeC

In this article we study the prospects of the proposed Large Hadron electron Collider (LHeC) in the search for heavy neutral scalar particles. We consider a minimal model with one additional complex scalar singlet that interacts with the Standard Model (SM) via mixing with the Higgs doublet, giving rise to a SM-like Higgs boson $h_1$ and a heavy scalar particle $h_2$. Both scalar particles are produced via vector boson fusion and can be tested via their decays into pairs of SM particles, analogously to the SM Higgs boson. Using multivariate techniques we show that the LHeC is sensitive to $h_2$ with masses between 200 and 800 GeV down to scalar mixing of $\sin^2 \alpha \sim 10^{-3}$

How many active galaxies and QSOs will future Space Missions detect?

Averaged spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of active and starburst galaxies from the 12 micron sample in the Local Universe and Quasars, from an optically selected sample at a mean redshift =0.7, are built from optical/near-IR/far-IR (IRAS & ISO) photometric observations. These SEDs are then used to predict at various redshifts the number of Seyfert type 1 and type 2, starburst, normal galaxies, and quasars, that will be detected by future Space Missions dedicated to far-infrared and submillimeter astronomy, like SIRTF and Herschel. These predictions are then compared with the expected capabilities and detection limits of future deep far-IR surveys. Possible ways to identify AGN candidates on far-IR colour-colour plots for follow-up observations are then explored.Comment: accepted in Ap

Position estimation delays in signal injection-based sensorless PMSM drives

The causes of position estimation delays and their effects on the sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motor drives are investigated. The position of a permanent magnet synchronous machine is estimated via the injection of high frequency voltage signals. The delays under investigation are due to the digital implementation of the control algorithm and to the digital filters adopted for decoupling the inspection signals from the fundamental components of the stator current measures. If not correctly modeled and compensated, such delays can reduce the performance of the control scheme. Experimental results are provided, proving the accuracy of the modeling approach and the effectiveness of the related compensation strateg