Tissue engineering(TE)continues to be widely explored as a potential solution to meet critical clinical needs for diseased tissue replacement and tissue regeneration.In this study,we developed a poly(2-hydroxyethyl me...Tissue engineering(TE)continues to be widely explored as a potential solution to meet critical clinical needs for diseased tissue replacement and tissue regeneration.In this study,we developed a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid)(pHEMA-co-MAA)based hydrogel loaded with newly synthesized conductive poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene)(PEDOT)and polypyrrole(PPy)nanoparticles(NPs),and subsequently processed these hydrogels into tissue engineered constructs via three-dimensional(3D)printing.The presence of the NPs was critical as they altered the rheological properties during printing.However,all samples exhibited suitable shear thinning properties,allowing for the development of an optimized processing window for 3D printing.Samples were 3D printed into pre-determined disk-shaped configurations of 2 and 10 mm in height and diameter,respectively.We observed that the NPs disrupted the gel crosslinking efficiencies,leading to shorter degradation times and compressive mechanical properties ranging between 450 and 550 kPa.The conductivity of the printed hydrogels increased along with the NP concentration to(5.10±0.37)×10^(−7)S/cm.In vitro studies with cortical astrocyte cell cultures demonstrated that exposure to the pHEMA-co-MAA NP hydrogels yielded high cellular viability and proliferation rates.Finally,hydrogel antimicrobial studies with staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria revealed that the developed hydrogels affected bacterial growth.Taken together,these materials show promise for various TE strategies.展开更多
The paper addresses the formulation of rate equations, via objective time derivatives, within continuum physics. The concept of objectivity is reviewed and distinction is made with material frame-indifference whose me...The paper addresses the formulation of rate equations, via objective time derivatives, within continuum physics. The concept of objectivity is reviewed and distinction is made with material frame-indifference whose meaning is restricted to the invariance of the balance equations relative to Galilean frames. Objective time derivatives are defined to leave the tensor character of the appropriate field invariant within the set of Euclidean frames. Rate equations are required to involve objective time derivatives and to be consistent with the second law of thermodynamics. Here the general structure of objective time derivatives is established and the known derivatives of the physical literature are shown to be particular cases. Next, to fix ideas, a rate equation is considered for the model of heat conduction via a generalization of the Maxwell-Cattaneo equation with higher-order gradients as in the Guyer-Krumhansl equation. The thermodynamic restrictions are investigated and the expected effects, of the selected derivative of the heat flux, on the stress tensor are derived.展开更多
In this paper, the TAS-I （Thales Alenia Space-Italy） Test Bench for Robotics and Autonomy （TBRA） is presented. It is based on a flexible and modular software architecture （Framework Engine）, in which each functi...In this paper, the TAS-I （Thales Alenia Space-Italy） Test Bench for Robotics and Autonomy （TBRA） is presented. It is based on a flexible and modular software architecture （Framework Engine）, in which each functional module （representing the GNC subsystems） implements a key functionality of the GNC （Guidance Navigation and Control）. Modules communicate by means of standardised interfaces designed for exchange of necessary information among the modules composing the entire system. This approach permits the interchange-ability of each subsystem without affecting the overall functionalities of the GNC system. In this paper, the TBRA system, together with the implemented functional modules will be described. Tests results will be reported and future development will be discussed.展开更多
The MINFLUX concept significantly improves the localization properties of single-molecule localization microscopy(SMLM)by overcoming the limit imposed by the fluorophore's photon counts.Typical MINFLUX microscopes...The MINFLUX concept significantly improves the localization properties of single-molecule localization microscopy(SMLM)by overcoming the limit imposed by the fluorophore's photon counts.Typical MINFLUX microscopes localize the target molecule by scanning a zero-intensity focus around the molecule in a circular trajectory,with smaller trajectory diameters yielding better localization uncertainties for a given number of photons.Since this approach requires the molecule to be within the scanned trajectory,MINFLUX typically relies on an iterative scheme with decreasing trajectory diameters.This iterative approach is prone to misplacements of the trajectory and increases the system's complexity.In this work,we introduce ISM-FLUX,a novel implementation of MINFLUX using image-scanning microscopy(ISM)with a single-photon avalanche diode array detector.ISM-FLUX provides a precise MINFLUX localization within the trajectory while maintaining a conventional photon-limited uncertainty outside it.The robustness of ISM-FLUX localization results in a larger localization range and greatly simplifies the architecture,which may facilitate broader adoption of MINFLUX.展开更多
Today,healthcare fraud poses a significant issue,encompassing everything from falsfied billing claims and phantom services to the excessive prescription of opioid medications and medical identity theft.These deceptive...Today,healthcare fraud poses a significant issue,encompassing everything from falsfied billing claims and phantom services to the excessive prescription of opioid medications and medical identity theft.These deceptive activities cause substantial financial losses,erode patient trust,compromise healthcare quality,and threaten patient safety.In this paper,we introduce SSI-MedRx,a healthcare system based on blockchain technology and Self-Sovereign Identity(SSI).It is designed to ensure cross-border interoperability,preserve patient privacy,and prevent challenging healthcare frauds,including medical identity theft,phantom billing,kickbacks,and opioid overprescribing.By design,our system empowers patients by granting them complete control over their personal and health data.This shift toward patient-centric data management can potentially reduce the risk of data breaches,enhance care coordination,and improve overall healthcare outcomes.展开更多
Droplet-based bioprinting has shown remarkable potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.However,it requires bioinks with low viscosities,which makes it challenging to create complex 3D structures and ...Droplet-based bioprinting has shown remarkable potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.However,it requires bioinks with low viscosities,which makes it challenging to create complex 3D structures and spatially pattern them with different materials.This study introduces a novel approach to bioprinting sophisti-cated volumetric objects by merging droplet-based bioprinting and cryobioprinting techniques.By leveraging the benefits of cryopreservation,we fabricated,for thefirst time,intricate,self-supporting cell-free or cell-laden structures with single or multiple materials in a simple droplet-based bioprinting process that is facilitated by depositing the droplets onto a cryoplate followed by crosslinking during revival.The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by bioprinting several cell types,with cell viability increasing to 80%–90%after up to 2 or 3 weeks of culture.Furthermore,the applicational capabilities of this approach are showcased by bio-printing an endothelialized breast cancer model.The results indicate that merging droplet and cryogenic bioprinting complements current droplet-based bioprinting techniques and opens new avenues for the fabrication of volumetric objects with enhanced complexity and functionality,presenting exciting potential for biomedical applications.展开更多
In this work, we present DUSM （Disciplined Use Cases with Screen Mockups）, a novel method for describing and refining requirements specifications based on disciplined use cases and screen mockups. Disciplined use ca...In this work, we present DUSM （Disciplined Use Cases with Screen Mockups）, a novel method for describing and refining requirements specifications based on disciplined use cases and screen mockups. Disciplined use cases are characterized by a quite stringent template to prevent common mistakes, and to increase the quality of the specifications. Use cases descriptions are formulated in a structured natural language, which allows to reach a good level of precision, avoiding the need for further notations and complex models. Screen mockups are precisely associated with the steps of the use cases scenarios and they present the corresponding GUIs （graphical user interfaces） as seen by the human actors before/after the steps executions, improving the comprehension and the expression of the non-functional requirements on the user interface. DUSM has been proposed and fine-tuned during several editions of a software engineering course at the University of Genova. Then, by means of a series of case studies and experiments, we validated the method and evaluated： 1） its effectiveness in improving the comprehension and, in general, the quality of the produced requirements specification, and 2） its applicability in the industry, where the method has been found useful and not particularly onerous.展开更多
基金research conducted with the financial support of Science Foundation Ireland under the SFI Research Infrastructure Programme (21/RI/9831)the funding provided by the Irish Research Council through the Irish Research Council Enterprise Partnership Scheme with Johnson and Johnson (EPSPG/2020/78)
文摘Tissue engineering(TE)continues to be widely explored as a potential solution to meet critical clinical needs for diseased tissue replacement and tissue regeneration.In this study,we developed a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid)(pHEMA-co-MAA)based hydrogel loaded with newly synthesized conductive poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene)(PEDOT)and polypyrrole(PPy)nanoparticles(NPs),and subsequently processed these hydrogels into tissue engineered constructs via three-dimensional(3D)printing.The presence of the NPs was critical as they altered the rheological properties during printing.However,all samples exhibited suitable shear thinning properties,allowing for the development of an optimized processing window for 3D printing.Samples were 3D printed into pre-determined disk-shaped configurations of 2 and 10 mm in height and diameter,respectively.We observed that the NPs disrupted the gel crosslinking efficiencies,leading to shorter degradation times and compressive mechanical properties ranging between 450 and 550 kPa.The conductivity of the printed hydrogels increased along with the NP concentration to(5.10±0.37)×10^(−7)S/cm.In vitro studies with cortical astrocyte cell cultures demonstrated that exposure to the pHEMA-co-MAA NP hydrogels yielded high cellular viability and proliferation rates.Finally,hydrogel antimicrobial studies with staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria revealed that the developed hydrogels affected bacterial growth.Taken together,these materials show promise for various TE strategies.
文摘The paper addresses the formulation of rate equations, via objective time derivatives, within continuum physics. The concept of objectivity is reviewed and distinction is made with material frame-indifference whose meaning is restricted to the invariance of the balance equations relative to Galilean frames. Objective time derivatives are defined to leave the tensor character of the appropriate field invariant within the set of Euclidean frames. Rate equations are required to involve objective time derivatives and to be consistent with the second law of thermodynamics. Here the general structure of objective time derivatives is established and the known derivatives of the physical literature are shown to be particular cases. Next, to fix ideas, a rate equation is considered for the model of heat conduction via a generalization of the Maxwell-Cattaneo equation with higher-order gradients as in the Guyer-Krumhansl equation. The thermodynamic restrictions are investigated and the expected effects, of the selected derivative of the heat flux, on the stress tensor are derived.
文摘In this paper, the TAS-I （Thales Alenia Space-Italy） Test Bench for Robotics and Autonomy （TBRA） is presented. It is based on a flexible and modular software architecture （Framework Engine）, in which each functional module （representing the GNC subsystems） implements a key functionality of the GNC （Guidance Navigation and Control）. Modules communicate by means of standardised interfaces designed for exchange of necessary information among the modules composing the entire system. This approach permits the interchange-ability of each subsystem without affecting the overall functionalities of the GNC system. In this paper, the TBRA system, together with the implemented functional modules will be described. Tests results will be reported and future development will be discussed.
基金supported by the European Research Council,BrightEyes No.818699(E.S.,S.P.,M.O.H.,G.V.)the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No.890923(SMSPAD)(E.S.).
文摘The MINFLUX concept significantly improves the localization properties of single-molecule localization microscopy(SMLM)by overcoming the limit imposed by the fluorophore's photon counts.Typical MINFLUX microscopes localize the target molecule by scanning a zero-intensity focus around the molecule in a circular trajectory,with smaller trajectory diameters yielding better localization uncertainties for a given number of photons.Since this approach requires the molecule to be within the scanned trajectory,MINFLUX typically relies on an iterative scheme with decreasing trajectory diameters.This iterative approach is prone to misplacements of the trajectory and increases the system's complexity.In this work,we introduce ISM-FLUX,a novel implementation of MINFLUX using image-scanning microscopy(ISM)with a single-photon avalanche diode array detector.ISM-FLUX provides a precise MINFLUX localization within the trajectory while maintaining a conventional photon-limited uncertainty outside it.The robustness of ISM-FLUX localization results in a larger localization range and greatly simplifies the architecture,which may facilitate broader adoption of MINFLUX.
基金supported by project SERICS-"Security and Rights in CyberSpace"(PE00000014)under the MUR National Recovery and Resilience Plan funded by the European Union-NextGenerationEU.
文摘Today,healthcare fraud poses a significant issue,encompassing everything from falsfied billing claims and phantom services to the excessive prescription of opioid medications and medical identity theft.These deceptive activities cause substantial financial losses,erode patient trust,compromise healthcare quality,and threaten patient safety.In this paper,we introduce SSI-MedRx,a healthcare system based on blockchain technology and Self-Sovereign Identity(SSI).It is designed to ensure cross-border interoperability,preserve patient privacy,and prevent challenging healthcare frauds,including medical identity theft,phantom billing,kickbacks,and opioid overprescribing.By design,our system empowers patients by granting them complete control over their personal and health data.This shift toward patient-centric data management can potentially reduce the risk of data breaches,enhance care coordination,and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
基金Chan Zuckerberg Initiative,Grant/Award Number:2022-316712National Science Foundation,Grant/Award Numbers:CBET-EBMS-1936105,CISE-IIS-2225698+2 种基金National Institutes of Technology,Grant/Award Numbers:R56EB034702,R01CA282451Brigham Research InstituteNational Institutes of Health,Grant/Award Numbers:R01CA282451,R56EB034702。
文摘Droplet-based bioprinting has shown remarkable potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.However,it requires bioinks with low viscosities,which makes it challenging to create complex 3D structures and spatially pattern them with different materials.This study introduces a novel approach to bioprinting sophisti-cated volumetric objects by merging droplet-based bioprinting and cryobioprinting techniques.By leveraging the benefits of cryopreservation,we fabricated,for thefirst time,intricate,self-supporting cell-free or cell-laden structures with single or multiple materials in a simple droplet-based bioprinting process that is facilitated by depositing the droplets onto a cryoplate followed by crosslinking during revival.The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by bioprinting several cell types,with cell viability increasing to 80%–90%after up to 2 or 3 weeks of culture.Furthermore,the applicational capabilities of this approach are showcased by bio-printing an endothelialized breast cancer model.The results indicate that merging droplet and cryogenic bioprinting complements current droplet-based bioprinting techniques and opens new avenues for the fabrication of volumetric objects with enhanced complexity and functionality,presenting exciting potential for biomedical applications.
文摘In this work, we present DUSM （Disciplined Use Cases with Screen Mockups）, a novel method for describing and refining requirements specifications based on disciplined use cases and screen mockups. Disciplined use cases are characterized by a quite stringent template to prevent common mistakes, and to increase the quality of the specifications. Use cases descriptions are formulated in a structured natural language, which allows to reach a good level of precision, avoiding the need for further notations and complex models. Screen mockups are precisely associated with the steps of the use cases scenarios and they present the corresponding GUIs （graphical user interfaces） as seen by the human actors before/after the steps executions, improving the comprehension and the expression of the non-functional requirements on the user interface. DUSM has been proposed and fine-tuned during several editions of a software engineering course at the University of Genova. Then, by means of a series of case studies and experiments, we validated the method and evaluated： 1） its effectiveness in improving the comprehension and, in general, the quality of the produced requirements specification, and 2） its applicability in the industry, where the method has been found useful and not particularly onerous.
