Search results for "multiple"
showing 10 items of 2678 documents
A simplified framework to optimize MRI contrast preparation
2018
PURPOSE This article proposes a rigorous optimal control framework for the design of preparation schemes that optimize MRI contrast based on relaxation time differences. METHODS Compared to previous optimal contrast preparation schemes, a drastic reduction of the optimization parameter number is performed. The preparation scheme is defined as a combination of several block pulses whose flip angles, phase terms and inter-pulse delays are optimized to control the magnetization evolution. RESULTS The proposed approach reduces the computation time of B 0 -robust preparation schemes to around a minute (whereas several hours were required with previous schemes), with negligible performance loss. …
Building Bridges for Innovation in Ageing: Synergies between Action Groups of the EIP on AHA.
2017
The Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) proposed six Action Groups. After almost three years of activity, many achievements have been obtained through commitments or collaborative work of the Action Groups. However, they have often worked in silos and, consequently, synergies between Action Groups have been proposed to strengthen the triple win of the EIP on AHA. The paper presents the methodology and current status of the Task Force on EIP on AHA synergies. Synergies are in line with the Action Groups' new Renovated Action Plan (2016-2018) to ensure that their future objectives are coherent and fully connected. The …
Induction of apoptosis by the adenosine derivative IB-MECA in parental or multidrug-resistant HL-60 leukemia cells: possible relationship to the effe…
2004
<i>Background:</i> The effects of the A<sub>3</sub> adenosine receptor (A<sub>3</sub>AR) agonist IB-MECA were examined in HL-60 leukemia and in its multidrug-resistant variant HL-60R cells. <i>Methods:</i> Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTS assays and apoptosis by flow cytometry analyses of DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine exposure. The mRNAs of A<sub>3</sub>AR and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) were determined by RT-PCR. <i>Results:</i> A<sub>3</sub>AR expression was similar in HL-60 and HL-60R cells. At ≧100 µ<i>M</i>, IB-MECA exhibited strong cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in H…
Fingolimod as a Treatment in Neurologic Disorders Beyond Multiple Sclerosis
2020
Abstract Fingolimod is an approved treatment for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), and its properties in different pathways have raised interest in therapy research for other neurodegenerative diseases. Fingolimod is an agonist of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors. Its main pharmacologic effect is immunomodulation by lymphocyte homing, thereby reducing the numbers of T and B cells in circulation. Because of the ubiquitous expression of S1P receptors, other effects have also been described. Here, we review preclinical experiments evaluating the effects of treatment with fingolimod in neurodegenerative diseases other than MS, such as Alzheimer’s disease or epilepsy. Fingolimo…
Energy-saving potential of ground source multiple chillers in simple and hybrid configurations for Mediterranean climates
2022
Air conditioning accounts for a large share of energy usage in residential and tertiary sectors. Renewable energy technologies offer promising solutions to reduce the environmental impacts of meeting buildings’ energy loads. The possibility of using the soil as a thermal reservoir for heating and cooling systems has gained growing attention in the last decade due to its high potential for energy saving. In this paper, the benefits achievable using ground source chillers for air conditioning in an office building located in Southern Italy are discussed. A multiple chillers system coupled with a borehole heat exchanger is investigated and compared to conventional air-cooled and water-cooled s…
Dynamics of the general factor of personality: A predictor mathematical tool of alcohol misuse
2020
[EN] There are few studies developed about the general factor of personality (GFP) dynamics. This paper uses a dynamical mathematical model, the response model, to predict the short-term effects of a dose of alcohol on GFP and reports the results of an alcohol intake experiment. The GFP dynamical mechanism of change is based on the unique trait personality theory (UTPT). This theory proposes the existence of GFP, which occupies the apex of the hierarchy of personality. An experiment with 37 volunteers was performed. All the participants completed The five-adjective scale of the general factor of personality (GFP-FAS) in trait-format (GFP-T) and state-format (GFP-S) before alcohol consumptio…
Psychopathology of Alexithymia and Multiple Sclerosis
2015
The notion of alexithymia was introduced by Sifneos (Psychother Psychosom 22:255–62, 1973) to define a set of affective and cognitive characteristics observed in patients with psychosomatic diseases. Alexithymia appears to be a multidimensional and transnosographic concept ranging from normal to pathological, and it is important to regard alexithymia as a disorder of emotional regulation, which can be found in different populations and not only in somatic diseases.
Motivic Pattern Extraction in Symbolic Domain
2008
This chapter offers an overview of computational research in motivic pattern extraction. The central questions underlying the topic, concerning the formalization of the motivic structures, the matching strategies and the filtering of the results, have been addressed in various ways. A detailed analysis of these problems leads to the proposal of a new methodology, which will be developed throughout the study. One main conclusion of this review is that the problems cannot be tackled using purely mathematic or geometric heuristics or classical engineering tools, but require also a detailed understanding of the multiple constraints derived by the underlying cognitive context.
Qip-Mass Spectrometry in High Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Patients Included in the GEM-CESAR Trial: Comparison with Conventional and Minimal Res…
2019
Introduction: The GEM-CESAR trial is a potentially curative strategy for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (HRsMM) patients in which the primary endpoint is the assessment of bone marrow minimal residual disease negativity by next generation flow (NGF). However, alternative methods of tumor burden evaluation in serum, like Quantitative Immunoprecipitation Mass Spectrometry (QIP-MS), a polyclonal antibody-based technology to identify intact immunoglobulins, have been also evaluated. Patients and Methods: Ninety HRsMM patients included in the GEM-CESAR trial received six 4-weeks cycles of carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone followed by high dose melphalan and ASCT and 2 further cy…
Identification of a new series of amides as non-covalent proteasome inhibitors
2014
Proteasome inhibition has emerged as an important therapeutic strategy for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and some forms of lymphoma, with potential application in other types of cancers. 20S proteasome consists of three different catalytic activities known as chymotrypsin-like (ChT-L), trypsin-like (T-L), and, post-glutamyl peptide hydrolyzing (PGPH) or caspase-like (C-L), which are located respectively on the β5, β2, and β1 subunits of each heptameric β rings. Currently a wide number of covalent proteasome inhibitors are reported in literature; however, the less widely investigated non-covalent inhibitors might be a promising alternative to employ in therapy, because of the lack o…