Nuclear-grade graphite is a high-efficiency material, widely used for vacuum applications in nuclear reactors and accelerators as targets facing particle beams. In these contexts, graphite is often exposed to extreme thermal stresses altering its physical and chemical properties. The thermal-induced release of volatile contaminants from targets and the damage of structural components are critical issues that can affect the safety and operation efficiency of beamline facilities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRecent studies have indicated that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could enhance cognition in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients, but to now the molecular-level interaction mechanisms driving this effect remain poorly understood. While cognitive scores have been the primary measure of rTMS effectiveness, employing molecular-based approaches could offer more precise treatment predictions and prognoses. To reach this goal, it is fundamental to assess the electric field (E-field) and the induced current densities () within the stimulated brain areas and to translate these values tosystems specifically devoted in investigating molecular-based interactions of this stimulation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn recent years, the application of pulsed electric fields with very short durations (nanoseconds) and extremely high amplitudes (MV/m) has been investigated for novel medical purposes. Various electric protocols have been explored for different objectives, including the utilization of fractionated pulse doses to enhance cell electrosensitization to the uptake of different markers or an increase in apoptosis. This study focused on the use of fluorescence imaging to examine molecular calcium fluxes induced by different fractionated protocols of short electric pulses in neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and mesenchymal stem cells (HaMSCs) that were electroporated using nanosecond pulsed electric fields.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPelvic radiation disease (PRD), a frequent side effect in patients with abdominal/pelvic cancers treated with radiotherapy, remains an unmet medical need. Currently available preclinical models have limited applications for the investigation of PRD pathogenesis and possible therapeutic strategies. In order to select the most effective irradiation protocol for PRD induction in mice, we evaluated the efficacy of three different locally and fractionated X-ray exposures.
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