19 research outputs found
Adaptive Finite Element Methods with Inexact Solvers for the Nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann Equation
In this article we study adaptive finite element methods (AFEM) with inexact
solvers for a class of semilinear elliptic interface problems. We are
particularly interested in nonlinear problems with discontinuous diffusion
coefficients, such as the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation and its
regularizations. The algorithm we study consists of the standard
SOLVE-ESTIMATE-MARK-REFINE procedure common to many adaptive finite element
algorithms, but where the SOLVE step involves only a full solve on the coarsest
level, and the remaining levels involve only single Newton updates to the
previous approximate solution. We summarize a recently developed AFEM
convergence theory for inexact solvers, and present a sequence of numerical
experiments that give evidence that the theory does in fact predict the
contraction properties of AFEM with inexact solvers. The various routines used
are all designed to maintain a linear-time computational complexity.Comment: Submitted to DD20 Proceeding
Impact of Systemic Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases on apoA-I and HDL Plasma Levels and Functions
The cholesterol of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and its major proteic component, apoA-I, have been widely investigated as potential predictors of acute cardiovascular (CV) events. In particular, HDL cholesterol levels were shown to be inversely and independently associated with the risk of acute CV diseases in different patient populations, including autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. Some relevant and direct anti-inflammatory activities of HDL have been also recently identified targeting both immune and vascular cell subsets. These studies recently highlighted the improvement of HDL function (instead of circulating levels) as a promising treatment strategy to reduce inflammation and associated CV risk in several diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. In these diseases, anti-inflammatory treatments targeting HDL function might improve both disease activity and CV risk. In this narrative review, we will focus on the pathophysiological relevance of HDL and apoA-I levels/functions in different acute and chronic inflammatory pathophysiological conditions
Tests of a scintillating-fibre tracking detector based on position-sensitive photomultiplier readout
We report the results of measurements performed using a tracking detector based on 835 mu m scintillating fibres read out by two position-sensitive photomultipliers. A six-layer hodoscope consisting of 1.2 m long fibres has been built and tested using cosmic rays. Subsequently, two such hodoscopes have been assembled and tested using a hadron beam at the CERN PS. The efficiency per plane is found to be about 70% and the point resolution about 130 mu m. The signal-to-noise ratio is about 2.4 and is dominated by crosstalk in the position-sensitive photomultipliers