ALBERT

Description: In a nonlinear system, impasse points are singularities beyond which solutions are not continuable. In this article, we study two families of nonlinear electrical circuits, which can be represented by nonlinear Implicit Differential Equations. We set conditions that ensure the existence of impasse points in both families of circuits. In the literature, there exist general results to analyse the presence of such singularities in given differential equations of this type. However, the method proposed in this work allows detecting their existence in these electrical topologies in an extremely straightforward way, as illustrated by the examples of application.

Description: This paper addresses the problem of vibrations produced by switched reluctance actuators, focusing on the linear configuration of this type of machines, aiming at its characterization regarding the structural vibrations. The complexity of the mechanical system and the number of parts used put serious restrictions on the effectiveness of analytical approaches. We build the 3D model of the actuator and use finite element method (FEM) to find its natural frequencies. The focus is on frequencies within the range up to nearly 1.2 kHz which is considered relevant, based on preliminary simulations and experiments. Spectral analysis results of audio signals from experimental modal excitation are also shown and discussed. The obtained data support the characterization of the linear actuator regarding the excited modes, its vibration frequencies, and mode shapes, with high potential of excitation due to the regular operation regimes of the machine. The results reveal abundant modes and harmonics and the symmetry characteristics of the actuator, showing that the vibration modes can be excited for different configurations of the actuator. The identification of the most critical modes is of great significance for the actuator’s control strategies. This analysis also provides significant information to adopt solutions to reduce the vibrations at the design.

Description: Amanita ponderosa are wild edible mushrooms that grow in some microclimates of Iberian Peninsula. Gastronomically this species is very relevant, due to not only the traditional consumption by the rural populations but also its commercial value in gourmet markets. Mineral characterisation of edible mushrooms is extremely important for certification and commercialization processes. In this study, we evaluate the inorganic composition of Amanita ponderosa fruiting bodies (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) and their respective soil substrates from 24 different sampling sites of the southwest Iberian Peninsula (e.g., Alentejo, Andalusia, and Extremadura). Mineral composition revealed high content in macroelements, namely, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Mushrooms showed presence of important trace elements and low contents of heavy metals within the limits of RDI. Bioconcentration was observed for some macro- and microelements, such as K, Cu, Zn, Mg, P, Ag, and Cd. A. ponderosa fruiting bodies showed different inorganic profiles according to their location and results pointed out that it is possible to generate an explanatory model of segmentation, performed with data based on the inorganic composition of mushrooms and soil mineral content, showing the possibility of relating these two types of data.

Description: The goal of this study was to characterize the degree of structuring of verbal and motor behaviours, unfolded during the application of an procedure called the Strange Situation. This procedure is used for assessing children’s attachment quality during early stages of their development. Many studies have demonstrated that communicative interactions share features with complex dynamic systems. In such studies, estimations of degree of structure have been used to characterize the system’s synchronization. Thus, assuming that processes of communicative interaction occur in the Strange Situation procedure, it was expected to find traces of synchronization. The metrics were estimated through a Categorical Cross-Recurrence Quantification Analysis applied to the behaviours of individuals and dyads. Two applications of the Strange Situation were implemented and recorded. Verbal and motor interactions among children, caregivers, and strangers were transcribed, categorized, and organized as time series. From each time series of original behaviours, randomized time series were created. Measures of recurrence extracted from Recurrent Plots, such as determinism, entropy, maximum line, laminarity, and trapping time, were calculated. Original and randomized time series were compared in terms of these measures. Results indicated that communicative interaction during the Strange Situation had a structure that mimics properties observed in social interactions where synchronization emerges. In our case, verbal behaviours were more prone to synchronization than motor behaviours, in both individuals and dyads, even though this pattern was more salient among caregivers and strangers than children. The relevance of having measures that can capture synchronization during the administration of the Strange Situation is discussed. Our preliminary findings allow us to point out that the application of RQA and C-RQA to the Strange Situation could not only contribute to methodology, but also contribute to emphasizing the role of coupling in communicative interaction generated by the application of this procedure to measure attachment patterns.

Description: In a nonlinear system, impasse points are singularities beyond which solutions are not continuable. In this article, we study two families of nonlinear electrical circuits, which can be represented by nonlinear Implicit Differential Equations. We set conditions that ensure the existence of impasse points in both families of circuits. In the literature, there exist general results to analyse the presence of such singularities in given differential equations of this type. However, the method proposed in this work allows detecting their existence in these electrical topologies in an extremely straightforward way, as illustrated by the examples of application.

Description: Amanita ponderosa are wild edible mushrooms that grow in some microclimates of Iberian Peninsula. Gastronomically this species is very relevant, due to not only the traditional consumption by the rural populations but also its commercial value in gourmet markets. Mineral characterisation of edible mushrooms is extremely important for certification and commercialization processes. In this study, we evaluate the inorganic composition of Amanita ponderosa fruiting bodies (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) and their respective soil substrates from 24 different sampling sites of the southwest Iberian Peninsula (e.g., Alentejo, Andalusia, and Extremadura). Mineral composition revealed high content in macroelements, namely, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Mushrooms showed presence of important trace elements and low contents of heavy metals within the limits of RDI. Bioconcentration was observed for some macro- and microelements, such as K, Cu, Zn, Mg, P, Ag, and Cd. A. ponderosa fruiting bodies showed different inorganic profiles according to their location and results pointed out that it is possible to generate an explanatory model of segmentation, performed with data based on the inorganic composition of mushrooms and soil mineral content, showing the possibility of relating these two types of data.

Description: Effective diagnostic and monitoring systems are highly needed in the building and infrastructure sector, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the structural health state and improve the maintenance and restoration planning. Vibration-based techniques, and especially ambient vibration testing, have proved to be particularly suitable for both periodic and continuous monitoring of existing structures. As a general requirement, permanent systems must include a sensing network able to run a continuous surveillance and provide reliable analyses based on different information sources. The variability in the environmental and operating conditions needs to be accounted for in designing such a sensor network, but it is mainly the structural typology that governs the optimal sensor placement strategy. Architectural heritage consists of a great variety of buildings and monuments that significantly differ from each other in terms of typology, historic period, construction techniques, and materials. In this paper, the main issues regarding seismic protection and analysis of the modern architectural heritage are introduced and applied to one of the vaulted structures built by Pier Luigi Nervi in the Turin Exhibition Centre. The importance of attaining an adequate level of knowledge in historic structures is also highlighted. After an overview of the Turin Exhibition Centre and its construction innovations, this paper focuses on Hall B, describing the structural design conceived by Pier Luigi Nervi. A seismic assessment of the structures of Hall B is then presented, considering the potential seismic damage to nonstructural elements. Subsequently, the application of an optimal sensor placement strategy is described with reference to two different scenarios: the first one corresponding to the undamaged structure and the second one that considers a possible damage to the infill walls. Finally, a novel damage-scenario-driven sensor placement strategy based on a combination of the two above mentioned is proposed and discussed. One of the major conclusions drawn from the analyses performed is that nonstructural elements undergoing seismic damage or degradation may significantly affect the global dynamic response and consequently the optimal sensing configurations.

Description: Objectives. A cribriform architectural pattern has been reported in 9% of one unselected consecutively collected series of gastric carcinomas (GC) with unfavourable prognostic outcome. Taking into consideration the biological relevance of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, we have analyzed a cohort of GC with a cribriform component more than 40% (CGC) to evaluate the HER2 amplification rate as a potential target for therapy with trastuzumab. Results. HER2 overexpression was encountered in 21 of 100 (21%) GC; a progressive increase in HER2 amplification was appreciated moving from non-CGC (20.6%) towards CGC cases (21.6%), although this difference does not reach a statistical significance. Nevertheless, either in univariate or in multivariate analyses, stage and HER2 status showed a significant p value (

Description: The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) drives several physiologic and pathologic cellular processes and is frequently deregulated in different types of tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM). Despite recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in GBM biology, the survival rates of this tumor are still disappointing, primarily due to the lack of efficacious treatments. The phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mTOR pathway has emerged as a crucial player in GBM development and progression. However, to date, all the attempts to target this pathway with PI3K, AKT, or mTORC1 inhibitors failed to improve the outcome of patients with GBM. Despite these discouraging results, recent evidence pointed out that the blockade of mTORC2 might provide a useful therapeutic strategy for GBM, with the potential to overcome the limitations that mTORC1 inhibitors have shown so far. In this review, we analyzed the rationale of targeting mTOR in GBM and the available preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the choice of this therapeutic approach, highlighting the different roles of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in GBM biology.