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Validation of detection efficiency-based corrections implemented in the k0-INRIM software
Full text linkIn Vitro Mechanical Stimulation to Reproduce the Pathological Hallmarks of Human Cardiac Fibrosis on a Beating Chip and Predict The Efficacy of Drugs and Advanced Therapies
Full text linkCardiac fibrosis is one of the main causes of heart failure, significantly contributing to mortality. The discovery and development of effective therapies able to heal fibrotic pathological symptoms thus remain of paramount importance. Micro-physiological systems (MPS) are recently introduced as promising platforms able to accelerate this finding. Here a 3D in vitro model of human cardiac fibrosis, named uScar, is developed by imposing a cyclic mechanical stimulation to human atrial cardiac fibroblasts (AHCFs) cultured in a 3D beating heart-on-chip and exploited to screen drugs and advanced therapeutics. The sole provision of a cyclic 10% uniaxial strain at 1 Hz to the microtissues is sufficient to trigger fibrotic traits, inducing a consistent fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and an enhanced expression and production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Standard of care anti-fibrotic drugs (i.e., Pirfenidone and Tranilast) are confirmed to be efficient in preventing the onset of fibrotic traits in uScar. Conversely, the mechanical stimulation applied to the microtissues limit the ability of a miRNA therapy to directly reprogram fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes (CMs), despite its proved efficacy in 2D models. Such results demonstrate the importance of incorporating in vivo-like stimulations to generate more representative 3D in vitro models able to predict the efficacy of therapies in patients.Developing effective treatment for cardiac fibrosis is essential. A 3D in vitro model is created by applying mechanical stimulation to human cardiac fibroblasts in a beating heart-on-chip. Mechanical stimulation induced fibrotic traits, which are prevented by anti-fibrotic drugs, but highlights the limits of a miRNA-therapy in reprogramming fibroblasts into CMs. In vivo-like stimulation in 3D models is crucial to predict efficacy.imag
Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review of the Latest Advances in Materials, Fabrication Techniques, and Stability Enhancement Strategies
Full text linkPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) are gaining popularity due to their high efficiency and low-cost fabrication. In recent decades, noticeable research efforts have been devoted to improving the stability of these cells under ambient conditions. Moreover, researchers are exploring new materials and fabrication techniques to enhance the performance of PSCs under various environmental conditions. The mechanical stability of flexible PSCs is another area of research that has gained significant attention. The latest research also focuses on developing tin-based PSCs that can overcome the challenges associated with lead-based perovskites. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in materials, fabrication techniques, and stability enhancement strategies for PSCs. It discusses the recent progress in perovskite crystal structure engineering, device construction, and fabrication procedures that has led to significant improvements in the photo conversion efficiency of these solar devices. The article also highlights the challenges associated with PSCs such as their poor stability under ambient conditions and discusses various strategies employed to enhance their stability. These strategies include the use of novel materials for charge transport layers and encapsulation techniques to protect PSCs from moisture and oxygen. Finally, this article provides a critical assessment of the current state of the art in PSC research and discusses future prospects for this technology. This review concludes that PSCs have great potential as a low-cost alternative to conventional silicon-based solar cells but require further research to improve their stability under ambient conditions in view of their definitive commercialization
Insight on MWW siliceous zeolites: From 2D precursors toward 3D structure
Full text linkITQ-1 layered zeolites, with MWW framework, were prepared using different synthesis and calcination procedures and fully characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, N2 sorption and vibrational and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Exploring different compositions of the precursor gel, the role of the Organic Structure Directing Agent (OSDA) was definitely disclosed. We proved that the concentration of OSDA in the synthesis gel affects the short-range crystalline order of zeolite crystals. In particular, diluted precursor gels led to the formation of low-density materials in the form of hollow spheres, with partially disordered layers, thinner crystals and high defectivity. In general, all ITQ-1 samples had the same crystalline structure but different morphology, either rose-like or hollow spheres. Moreover, the calcination procedure had an impact on the structural defects of the ITQ-1 zeolite: the higher the removal rate of the OSDA, the higher the defectivity degree of the zeolite
Josephson Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifier as Quantum Source of Entangled Photons for Microwave Quantum Radar Applications
Full text linkJosephson Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifier (JTWPA) has the potential to offer quantum limited noise and a large bandwidth. This amplifier is based on parametric amplification of microwaves traveling through a transmission line with embedded non-linear elements. In this paper, starting from the fabrication of the JTWPA, based on Quantum Electrodynamics (QEDs), operating as a non-classical quantum source for generating a signal-idler entangled state, its characterization in terms of scattering parameters is presented. The cryogenic and room temperature experimental results are discussed. The good performance of the JTWPA in terms of wide bandwidth and increased transmitted power makes it an ideal candidate for Microwave Quantum Radar (MQR) applications. Finally, the performance of an MQR based on the JTWPA developed at INRiM is reported, showing a radar maximum range equal to 82.2 m, which represents a greater value than previously published works
An electric properties tomography approach inspired by the boundary element method
No full textA novel approach to perform Electric Properties Tomography starting from data collected during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging exam is proposed. The underlying theory, inspired by the Boundary Element Method, is described, and the reliability of the proposed approach is evaluated through a virtual experiment. Promising results are obtained
Single‐Molecule Mechanoresistivity by Intermetallic Bonding
Full text linkThe metal-electrode interface is key to unlocking emergent behaviour in all organic electrified systems, from battery technology to molecular electronics. In the latter, interfacial engineering has enabled efficient transport, higher device stability, and novel functionality. Mechanoresistivity – the change in electrical behaviour in response to a mechanical stimulus and a pathway to extremely sensitive force sensors – is amongst the most studied phenomena in molecular electronics, and the molecule-electrode interface plays a pivotal role in its emergence, reproducibility, and magnitude. In this contribution, we show that organometallic molecular wires incorporating a Pt(II) cation show mechanoresistive behaviour of exceptional magnitude, with conductance modulations of more than three orders of magnitude upon compression by as little as 1 nm. We synthesised series of cyclometalated Pt(II) molecular wires, and used scanning tunnelling microscopy – break junction techniques to characterise their electromechanical behaviour. Mechanoresistivity arises from an interaction between the Pt(II) cation and the Au electrode triggered by mechanical compression of the single-molecule device, and theoretical modelling confirms this hypothesis. Our study provides a new tool for the design of functional molecular wires by exploiting previously unreported ion-metal interactions in single-molecule devices, and develops a new framework for the development of mechanoresistive molecular junctions
MicroRNAs in metabolism for precision treatment of lung cancer
Full text link: The dysregulation of miRNAs in lung cancer has been extensively documented, with specific miRNAs acting as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes, depending on their target genes. Recent research has unveiled the regulatory roles of miRNAs in key metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acid metabolism, and autophagy, which collectively contribute to the aberrant energy metabolism characteristic of cancer cells. Furthermore, miRNAs are increasingly recognized as critical modulators of the tumor microenvironment, impacting immune response and angiogenesis. This review embarks on a comprehensive journey into the world of miRNAs, unraveling their multifaceted roles, and more notably, their emerging significance in the context of cancer, with a particular focus on lung cancer. As we navigate this extensive terrain, we will explore the fascinating realm of miRNA-mediated metabolic rewiring, a phenomenon that plays a pivotal role in the progression of lung cancer and holds promise in the development of novel therapeutic strategies
EURAMET’s European Metrology Network for Advanced Manufacturing
Full text linkAdvanced manufacturing has been identified by the European Commission as one of the key enabling technologies (KET). These KETs
are predicted to increase industrial innovation by addressing societal challenges and creating innovative and sustainable economies.
Developments in the field of advanced manufacturing are progressing rapidly, particularly accelerated by digitalisation technologies,
demanding appropriate evaluation methods, measuring devices, guidelines and standards for quality control of manufacturing
processes and products in multiple industries. The metrology needs of these industry sectors are regularly surveyed on workshops
by the European Metrology Network (EMN) and prioritised according to the advice of the EMN’s Stakeholder Council, which is
currently consisting of 13 industry representatives. These metrology needs are published in the Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) and
are regularly revised to address the most recent metrology requirements in the field of advanced manufacturing. The SRA serves as a guide for decision-makers from industry and politics, and scientists who apply for funding of their research. This article introduces the purpose of the SRA and a new approach for a planned ongoing survey of stakeholder needs on the EMN website