Material constant sensitivity boundary integral equation for anisotropic solids

In this paper, the material constant sensitivity boundary integral equation is presented, and its numerical solution proposed, based on boundary element techniques. The formulation deals with plane problems with general rectilinear anisotropy. Expressions for the computation of sensitivities for displacements, tractions, strains and stresses are derived, both for boundary and interior points. The sensitivities can be computed with respect to the bulk material properties or to the properties of part of the domain (inclusions, coatings, etc.). To assess the accuracy of the proposed approach, the computed results are compared to analytical ones derived from exact solutions obtained by complex potential theory, when possible, or finite difference derivatives otherwise. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Berlekamp-Massey Algorithm revisited

We propose a slight modification of the Berlekamp-Massey Algorithm for obtaining the minimal polynomial of a given linearly recurrent sequence. Such a modification enables to explain it in a simpler way and to adapt it to lazy evaluation. partially supported by the Galois Theory and Explicit Methods in Arithmetic Project HPRN-CT-2000-00114 partially supported by the European Union funded project RAAG CT-2001-00271     

Symmetry properties and bifurcation analysis of a class of periodically forced chemical reactors

In this work, we discuss how periodic forcing may induce symmetry properties into mathematical models of chemical reactors. We define a class of reactors subjected to discontinuous periodic forcing, and show that all the reactors belonging to this class have spatio-temporal symmetry. This symmetry and its influence on the possible bifurcation scenarios are discussed. The bifurcation analysis is carried out with suitable discrete systems that exploit a property of the Poincaré map. In fact, it is shown that the spatio-temporal symmetry induced by the forcing makes the Poincaré map of the continuous system an iterate of another map. On this basis, a technique to implement parameter continuation methods is proposed. With such a technique, it is also possible to characterize symmetric and nonsymmetric regimes and unstable limit sets otherwise undetected with “bruteforce” approaches. Examples for reverseflow reactors and networks of n-reactors with periodically switched feed and discharge positions are presented.     

Transplantectomy today: indications and complications

Analysis of the indications for transplantectomy and its complications over a 12-year period. Over a total of 159 failure grafts, we performed 53 transplantectomies (33.3%). The percentage of complications was 16.9%. Three patients died (5.6%) during the more or less immediate post-operative period. In our experience, consistent and prolonged maintenance of immunosuppression should avoid the need for transplantectomy in a high percentage of grafts. Only 15 transplantectomies were made on 104 failure grafts after 6 months (14.4%). Our short but successful experience with embolization of 2 rejected grafts confirms the validity of this conservative alternative versus conventional surgical transplantectomy in selected cases.     

General review of recent activities in acoustic emission technology in Italy

This paper describes the present situation in Italy in the field of Acoustic Emission researches and applications.Information on the level of instrumentation development is given. Both multichannel and multiparameter systems for large structure examination in real time and data logging systems for continuous surveillance purposes are considered.The expertise accumulated in the application of AE to pressure vessel examination during hydrotest is mentioned, this being oriented to pressure components of conventional power stations and chemical plants.Particular attention is recently paid to mechanical fatigue tests. These were conducted on intermediate PWR nuclear pressure vessel, reduced scale offshore nodes and full scale prototype aircraft.A considerable activity has been carried out on application of AE technique to the detection of fluid leakages in power plant components. Both intrusive and non-intrusive methods have been considered. Many boilers and pre-heaters of thermal power plants have been instrumented for an on-line AE monitoring during operation. The problem of the loose part monitoring has been also considered.Several basic researches for material characterization by AE have been also conducted. Different composite material, carbon and austenitic steels, metal alloys have been studied.     

Female and male emotional dependency and its implications for the therapist-client relationship.

Women and men both struggle to achieve a healthy integration of passive dependent and active autonomous strivings. However, how dependent strivings are labeled and become manifest differ for women and men. I first describe the different conceptions of male and female dependency and how such conceptions are related to sex role socialization and to societal norms and practices. I then relate these concepts to the problem of eroticism in psychotherapeutic settings and make specific recommendations for the education and training of psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cell Therapies in Bladder Cancer Management

Currently, bladder cancer (BC) represents a challenging problem in the field of Oncology. The high incidence, prevalence, and progression of BC have led to the exploration of new avenues in its management, in particular in advanced metastatic stages. The recent inclusion of immune checkpoint blockade inhibitors as a therapeutic option for BC represents an unprecedented advance in BC management. However, although some patients show durable responses, the fraction of patients showing benefit is still limited. Notwithstanding, cell-based therapies, initially developed for the management of hematological cancers by infusing immune or trained immune cells or after the engineering of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressing cells, are promising tools to control, or even cure, solid tumors. In this review, we summarize recent cell-based immunotherapy studies, with a special focus on BC.