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CCDC78 was identified as a novel candidate gene for autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy-4 (CNM4) approximately ten years ago. However, to date, only one family has been described, and the function of CCDC78 remains unclear. Here, we analyze for the first time a family harboring a CCDC78 nonsense mutation to better understand the role of CCDC78 in muscle. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive histopathological analysis on muscle biopsies, including immunofluorescent assays to detect multiple sarcoplasmic proteins. We examined CCDC78 transcripts and protein using WB in CCDC78-mutated muscle tissue; these analyses were also performed on muscle, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts from healthy subjects. Subsequently, we conducted RT-qPCR and transcriptome profiling through RNA-seq to evaluate changes in gene expression associated with CCDC78 dysfunction in muscle. Lastly, coimmunoprecipitation (Co-Ip) assays and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) studies were carried out on extracted muscle proteins from both healthy and mutated subjects. Results: The histopathological features in muscle showed novel histological hallmarks, which included areas of dilated and swollen sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). We provided evidence of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), identified the presence of novel CCDC78 transcripts in muscle and lymphocytes, and identified 1035 muscular differentially expressed genes, including several involved in the SR. Through the Co-Ip assays and LC-MS/MS studies, we demonstrated that CCDC78 interacts with two key SR proteins: SERCA1 and CASQ1. We also observed interactions with MYH1, ACTN2, and ACTA1. Conclusions: Our findings provide insight, for the first time, into the interactors and possible role of CCDC78 in skeletal muscle, locating the protein in the SR. Furthermore, our data expand on the phenotype previously associated with CCDC78 mutations, indicating potential histopathological hallmarks of the disease in human muscle. Based on our data, we can consider CCDC78 as the causative gene for CNM4.

Interferometric radars are widely used sensors for structural health monitoring. They are able to perform dynamic measurements of displacement with sub-millimeter precision. Today, the Ku-band is the most common, due to the spread of commercial systems operating in this band. At the same time, the W-band sensors are gaining ever more interest. Other popular systems work in the X-band. Since the characteristics of the measurements dramatically depend on the operative frequency, it is essential to highlight their differences. For instance, higher frequency allows for high displacement resolution, but it is more subject to phase wrapping and decorrelation effects. In this paper, a direct comparison between radars operating in X, Ku, and W-band for bridge monitoring is carried out. The radars provide frequency-modulated continuous-wave signals. Experimental campaigns were performed both in controlled and realistic scenarios (a stayed bridge). The results of the experiments demonstrate that all the three sensors are suitable for performing dynamic structure monitoring despite their differences. It is worth noting that this comparative analysis has highlighted the role of amplitude variation in phase/displacement measurement. Regarding this point, the three different bands exhibit significant differences.

Interferometric radars are widely used for monitoring civil structures. Bridges are critical structures that need to be constantly monitored for the safety of the users. In this work, a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar was used for monitoring an arched bridge in Catanzaro, Italy. Two measurements were carried out; a first standard measurement was made in a monostatic configuration, while a subsequent measurement was carried out in a multimonostatic configuration in order to retrieve the components of the deck displacement. A method that is able to predict the measurement uncertainty as a function of the multimonostatic geometry is provided, thereby aiming to facilitate the operators in the choice of the proper experimental setup. The multimonostatic measurement revealed a displacement along the horizontal direction that was four times higher than the one along the vertical direction, while the values reported in the literature correspond to a ratio of at most around 0.2. This is the first time that such a large ratio detected by radar has been reported; at any rate, it is compatible with the arched structure of this specific bridge. This case study highlights the importance of techniques that are able to retrieve at least two components of the displacement.

The quality of life of patients affected by Parkinson’s disease is improved by medications containing levodopa and carbidopa, restoring the dopamine concentration in the brain. Accordingly, the affordable quality control of such pharmaceuticals is very important. Here is reported the simple and inexpensive colorimetric quantification of carbidopa in anti-Parkinson drugs by the selective condensation reaction between the hydrazine group from carbidopa and the formyl functional group of selected aldehydes in acidified hydroalcoholic solution. An optical assay was developed by using indole-3-carbaldehyde (I3A) giving a yellow aldazine in EtOH:H2O 1:1 (λmax~415 nm) at 70 °C for 4 h, as confirmed by LC-MS analysis. A filter-based plate reader was used for colorimetric data acquisition, providing superior results in terms of analytical performances for I3A, with a sensitivity ~50 L g−1 and LOD ~0.1 mg L−1 in comparison to a previous study based on vanillin, giving, for the same figures of merit values, about 13 L g−1 and 0.2–0.3 mg L−1, respectively. The calibration curves for the standard solution and drugs were almost superimposable, therefore excluding interference from the excipients and additives, with very good reproducibility (avRSD% 2–4%) within the linear dynamic range (10 mg L−1–50 mg L−1).

Novel antidiabetic drugs have the ability to produce anti-inflammatory effects regardless of their glucose-lowering action. For this reason, these molecules (including GLP-1 RAs and DPP-4is) were hypothesized to be effective against COVID-19, which is characterized by cytokines hyperactivity and multiorgan inflammation. The aim of our work is to explore the potential protective role of GLP-1 RAs and DPP-4is in COVID-19 (with the disease intended to be a model of an acute stressor) and non-COVID-19 patients over a two-year observation period. Retrospective and one-versus-one analyses were conducted to assess the impact of antidiabetic drugs on the need for hospitalization (in both COVID-19- and non-COVID-19-related cases), in-hospital mortality, and two-year mortality. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the variables associated with these outcomes. Additionally, log-rank tests were used to plot survival curves for each group of subjects, based on their antidiabetic treatment. The performed analyses revealed that despite similar hospitalization rates, subjects undergoing home therapy with GLP-1 RAs exhibited significantly lower mortality rates, even over a two-year period. These individuals demonstrated improved survival estimates both within hospital and non-hospital settings, even during a longer observation period.

Chemiluminescence is widely used for hydrogen peroxide detection, mainly exploiting the highly sensitive peroxidase-luminol-H2O2 system. Hydrogen peroxide plays an important role in several physiological and pathological processes and is produced by oxidases, thus providing a straightforward way to quantify these enzymes and their substrates. Recently, biomolecular self-assembled materials obtained by guanosine and its derivatives and displaying peroxidase enzyme-like catalytic activity have received great interest for hydrogen peroxide biosensing. These soft materials are highly biocompatible and can incorporate foreign substances while preserving a benign environment for biosensing events. In this work, a self-assembled guanosine-derived hydrogel containing a chemiluminescent reagent (luminol) and a catalytic cofactor (hemin) was used as a H2O2-responsive material displaying peroxidase-like activity. Once loaded with glucose oxidase, the hydrogel provided increased enzyme stability and catalytic activity even in alkaline and oxidizing conditions. By exploiting 3D printing technology, a smartphone-based portable chemiluminescence biosensor for glucose was developed. The biosensor allowed the accurate measurement of glucose in serum, including both hypo- and hyperglycemic samples, with a limit of detection of 120 µmol L−1. This approach could be applied for other oxidases, thus enabling the development of bioassays to quantify biomarkers of clinical interest at the point of care.

Millet is the sixth-highest yielding grain in the world and a staple crop for millions of people. Fermentation was applied in this study to improve the nutritional properties of pearl millet. Three microorganism combinations were tested: Saccharomyces boulardii (FPM1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae plus Campanilactobacillus paralimentarius (FPM2) and Hanseniaspora uvarum plus Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis (FPM3). All the fermentation processes led to an increase in minerals. An increase was observed for calcium: 254 ppm in FPM1, 282 ppm in FPM2 and 156 ppm in the unfermented sample. Iron increased in FPM2 and FPM3 (approx. 100 ppm) with respect the unfermented sample (71 ppm). FPM2 and FPM3 resulted in richer total phenols (up to 2.74 mg/g) compared to the unfermented sample (2.24 mg/g). Depending on the microorganisms, it was possible to obtain different oligopeptides with a mass cut off ≤10 kDalton that was not detected in the unfermented sample. FPM2 showed the highest resistant starch content (9.83 g/100 g) and a prebiotic activity on Bifidobacterium breve B632, showing a significant growth at 48 h and 72 h compared to glucose (p < 0.05). Millet fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae plus Campanilactobacillus paralimentarius can be proposed as a new food with improved nutritional properties to increase the quality of the diet of people who already use millet as a staple food.

Microanalysis techniques based on resonance Raman and reflection visible spectroscopy have been applied to the characterization of pigments responsible for the blue or violet coloration in flowers; in particular of Lobelia erinus, Campanula portenschlagiana, Cineraria, Viola tricolor, Anemone coronaria, Agapanthus, Platycodon, Salvia farinacea, Plumbago capensis, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Commelina communis and Salvia patens. The spectroscopic methods were applied both in vivo on the flower petals and in vitro on extracts obtained through a procedure based on SPE (solid-phase extraction) optimized for minimal quantities of vegetable raw material. Different patterns obtained for the Raman spectra have been correlated, also on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, with different schemes of substitution of the benzopyrilium nucleus of the anthocyanins and with various possible forms of copigmentation responsible for the stabilization of the blue color. The results obtained were verified by comparison with the analysis of the extracts by HPLC-ESI-MS (liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry).

Microtubules are highly dynamic polymers of α,β-tubulin dimers which play an essential role in numerous cellular processes such as cell proliferation and intracellular transport, making them an attractive target for cancer and neurodegeneration research. To date, a large number of known tubulin binders were derived from natural products, while only one was developed by rational structure-based drug design. Several of these tubulin binders show promising in vitro profiles while presenting unacceptable off-target effects when tested in patients. Therefore, there is a continuing demand for the discovery of safer and more efficient tubulin-targeting agents. Since tubulin structural data is readily available, the employment of computer-aided design techniques can be a key element to focus on the relevant chemical space and guide the design process. Due to the high diversity and quantity of structural data available, we compiled here a guide to the accessible tubulin-ligand structures. Furthermore, we review different ligand and structure-based methods recently used for the successful selection and design of new tubulin-targeting agents.

SARS-CoV-2 Mpro is a chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease playing a relevant role during the replication and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. The binding site of Mpro is characterized by the presence of a catalytic Cys145 which carries out the hydrolytic activity of the enzyme. As a consequence, several Mpro inhibitors have been proposed to date in order to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. In our work, we designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated MPD112, a novel inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro bearing a trifluoromethyl diazirine moiety. MPD112 displayed in vitro inhibition activity against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro at a low micromolar level (IC50 = 4.1 μM) in a FRET-based assay. Moreover, an inhibition assay against PLpro revealed lack of inhibition, assuring the selectivity of the compound for the Mpro. Furthermore, the target compound MPD112 was docked within the binding site of the enzyme to predict the established intermolecular interactions in silico. MPD112 was subsequently tested on the HCT-8 cell line to evaluate its effect on human cells’ viability, displaying good tolerability, demonstrating the promising biological compatibility and activity of a trifluoromethyl diazirine moiety in the design and development of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro binders.

Specific Venom Immunotherapy (VIT) is practiced with venom extracted from insects, and is the specific therapy used for patients highly allergic to social insect (Hymenoptera) stings. Due to the dramatic shortage of vespid species in the local environment, we coupled vespiculture techniques of Polistes paper wasps with a venom collection procedure based on the electrical stimulation of individuals from entire colonies. The procedure involves little to no disturbance of the individual insects, and at the same time, successfully allows for the extraction of venom containing all allergens necessary for VIT.

Autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are having an increasing impact in the scientific community. One of the most challenging problems in this research area is the design of robust real-time obstacle detection and avoidance systems. In the automotive field, applications of obstacle detection systems combining radar and vision sensors are common and widely documented. However, these technologies are not currently employed in the UAS field due to the major complexity of the flight scenario, especially in urban environments. In this paper, a real-time obstacle-detection system based on the use of a 77 GHz radar and a stereoscopic camera is proposed for use in small UASs. The resulting system is capable of detecting obstacles in a broad spectrum of environmental conditions. In particular, the vision system guarantees a high resolution for short distances, while the radar has a lower resolution but can cover greater distances, being insensitive to poor lighting conditions. The developed hardware and software architecture and the related obstacle-detection algorithm are illustrated within the European project AURORA. Experimental results carried out employing a small UAS show the effectiveness of the obstacle detection system and of a simple avoidance strategy during several autonomous missions on a test site.

Many Ground-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar (GBSAR) applications demand preliminary analysis to select areas with high-quality signal. That is, areas in which the phase can be processed to extract the desired information. The interferometric coherence and the amplitude dispersion index are important tools widely used in the literature to assess the quality of GBSAR images. So far, no direct relation has been found between the two. Indeed, they are parameters of different natures: amplitude dispersion index is calculated with only amplitude values, while coherence provides information also on the signal phase. The purpose of this article is to find a relation between the two parameters. Indeed, the amplitude dispersion index provides some practical advantages if compared to coherence estimators, especially to perform fast preliminary analysis. In this article, a theoretical relation between amplitude dispersion index and coherence is retrieved. GBSAR measurements acquired in different scenarios, at different working frequencies are presented and used to validate such a relation.

In this work, we extend the formulation of the spatial-based graph convolutional networks with a new architecture, called the graph-informed neural network (GINN). This new architecture is specifically designed for regression tasks on graph-structured data that are not suitable for the well-known graph neural networks, such as the regression of functions with the domain and codomain defined on two sets of values for the vertices of a graph. In particular, we formulate a new graph-informed (GI) layer that exploits the adjacent matrix of a given graph to define the unit connections in the neural network architecture, describing a new convolution operation for inputs associated with the vertices of the graph. We study the new GINN models with respect to two maximum-flow test problems of stochastic flow networks. GINNs show very good regression abilities and interesting potentialities. Moreover, we conclude by describing a real-world application of the GINNs to a flux regression problem in underground networks of fractures.

Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) have enormous potential in many fields of application, especially when used in combination with autonomous guidance. An open challenge for safe autonomous flight is to rely on a mapping system for local positioning and obstacle avoidance. In this article, the authors propose a radar-based mapping system both for obstacle detection and for path planning. The radar equipment used is a single-chip device originally developed for automotive applications that has good resolution in azimuth, but poor resolution in elevation. This limitation can be critical for UAS application, and it must be considered for obstacle-avoidance maneuvers and for autonomous path-planning selection. However, the radar-mapping system proposed in this paper was successfully tested in the following different scenarios: a single metallic target in grass, a vegetated scenario, and in the close proximity of a ruined building.

Taurine is an important organic osmolyte in mammalian cells, and it weakens inflammation and oxidative stress mediated injuries in some diseases. Recently, taurine has been demonstrated to play a therapeutic role against neurodegenerative disorders, although its parallel involvement in several biochemical mechanisms makes not clear taurine specific role in these diseases. Furthermore, the stabilizing effect of this molecule in terms of protein stability is known, but not deeply investigated. In this work we explore by Circular Dichroism the stabilizing impact of taurine in lysozyme thermal denaturation and its influence in lysozyme aggregation into amyloid fibrils. Taurine even at low concentration modifies protein-protein interactions in lysozyme native state, as revealed by Small Angle X-ray Scattering experiments, and alters the amyloid aggregation pattern without completely inhibiting it, as confirmed by UV/Vis spectroscopy with Congo Red and by Atomic Force Microscopy. Evaluation of the cytotoxicities of the amyloid fibrils grown in presence or in absence of taurine is investigated on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.

The concept of orthogonality between halogen and hydrogen bonding, brought out by Ho and coworkers some years ago, has become a widely accepted idea within the chemists’ community. While the original work was based on a common carbonyl oxygen as acceptor for both interactions, we explore here, by means of M06-2X, M11, ωB97X, and ωB97XD/aug-cc-PVTZ DFT calculations, the interdependence of halogen and hydrogen bonding with a shared π-electron system of benzene. The donor groups (specifically NCBr and H2O) were placed on either or the same side of the ring, according to a double T-shaped or a perpendicular geometry, respectively. The results demonstrate that the two interactions with benzene are not strictly independent on each other, therefore outlining that the orthogonality between halogen and hydrogen bonding, intended as energetical independence between the two interactions, should be carefully evaluated according to the specific acceptor group.

In this paper, a multilevel architecture able to interface an on-board computer with a generic UAV flight controller and its radio receiver is proposed. The computer board exploits the same standard communication protocol of UAV flight controllers and can easily access additional data, such as: (i) inertial sensor measurements coming from a multi-sensor board; (ii) global navigation satellite system (GNSS) coordinates; (iii) streaming video from one or more cameras; and (iv) operator commands from the remote control. In specific operating scenarios, the proposed platform is able to act as a “cyber pilot” which replaces the role of a human UAV operator, thus simplifying the development of complex tasks such as those based on computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms which are typically employed in autonomous flight operations.

Direct lung administration of budesonide in combination with surfactant reduces the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Although the therapy is currently undergoing clinical development, the lung distribution of budesonide throughout the premature neonatal lung has not yet been investigated. Here, we applied mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to investigate the surfactant-assisted distal lung distribution of budesonide. Unlabeled budesonide was either delivered using saline as a vehicle (n = 5) or in combination with a standard dose of the porcine surfactant Poractant alfa (n = 5). These lambs were ventilated for one minute, and then the lungs were extracted for MSI analysis. Another group of lambs (n = 5) received the combination of budesonide and Poractant alfa, followed by two hours of mechanical ventilation. MSI enabled the label-free detection and visualization of both budesonide and the essential constituent of Poractant alfa, the porcine surfactant protein C (SP-C). 2D ion intensity images revealed a non-uniform distribution of budesonide with saline, which appeared clustered in clumps. In contrast, the combination therapy showed a more homogeneous distribution of budesonide throughout the sample, with more budesonide distributed towards the lung periphery. We found similar distribution patterns for the SP-C and budesonide in consecutive lung tissue sections, indicating that budesonide was transported across the lungs associated with the exogenous surfactant. After two hours of mechanical ventilation, the budesonide intensity signal in the 2D ion intensity maps dropped dramatically, suggesting a rapid lung clearance and highlighting the relevance of achieving a uniform surfactant-assisted lung distribution of budesonide early after delivery to maximize the anti-inflammatory and maturational effects throughout the lung.

This paper reports the results of a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey of the ground-floor of Academia Gallery (Florence, Italy) where the Michelangelo’s David is exhibited to the public. The equipment used was a step-frequency GPR operating in the 100 MHz-1 GHz band, named ORFEUS. The survey covered an area of 13 m × 7.3 m, and the scans were performed along two orthogonal directions. Acquisitions in the same direction were separated by 0.25 m from each other. The GPR was able to confirm the underground structure, as it can be deducted by planimetry and historical documentation. In particular, the radar clearly detected the air-conditioning ducts under the floor and an approximately circular foundation below the basement of the statue.

Protein aggregation into amyloid fibrils is a phenomenon that attracts attention from a wide and composite part of the scientific community. Indeed, the presence of mature fibrils is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, and in addition these supramolecular aggregates are considered promising self-assembling nanomaterials. In this framework, investigation on the effect of cosolutes on protein propensity to aggregate into fibrils is receiving growing interest, and new insights on this aspect might represent valuable steps towards comprehension of highly complex biological processes. In this work we studied the influence exerted by the osmolyte trehalose on fibrillation of two model proteins, that is, lysozyme and insulin, investigated during concomitant variation of the solution ionic strength due to NaCl. In order to monitor both secondary structures and the overall tridimensional conformations, we have performed UV spectroscopy measurements with Congo Red, Circular Dichroism, and synchrotron Small Angle X-ray Scattering. For both proteins we describe the effect of trehalose in changing the fibrillation pattern and, as main result, we observe that ionic strength in solution is a key factor in determining trehalose efficiency in slowing down or blocking protein fibrillation. Ionic strength reveals to be a competitive element with respect to trehalose, being able to counteract its inhibiting effects toward amyloidogenesis. Reported data highlight the importance of combining studies carried out on cosolutes with valuation of other physiological parameters that may affect the aggregation process. Also, the obtained experimental results allow to hypothesize a plausible mechanism adopted by the osmolyte to preserve protein surface and prevent protein fibrillation.

The dynamic impact factor (IM) is a widely accepted parameter to account for the effect of vehicles on bridges. An accurate evaluation of this IM is of paramount importance in bridge engineering, both for designing safe and economical new bridges, and for the assessment of the existing ones. At the state of the art, the current procedure for the experimental assessment of the IM of a bridge relies upon the deployment of a sensor network. The aim of this article is to propose the use of a remote sensor, the interferometric radar, for assessing the IM without the deployment of any sensor on the bridge, with evident advantages in terms of cost, time and safety of the workers. Two different case studies of bridges in Northern Iran are reported. In both cases the interferometric radar has been demonstrated an effective and reliable measurement equipment for this kind of in-field assessment.

Ground-based/terrestrial radar interferometry (GBRI) is a scientific topic of increasing interest in recent years. This article is a bibliographic review, as much complete as possible, of the scientific papers/articles published in the last 20 years, since the pioneering works in the nineties. Some statistics are reported here about the number of publications in the years, popularity of applications, operative modalities, operative bands. The aim of this review is also to identify directions and perspectives. In the opinion of authors, this type of radar systems will move forward faster modulations, wider view angle, MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) systems and radar with capability to detect the vector of displacement and not only a single component.

Fermented cereals, staple foods in Asia and Africa, are recently receiving a growing interest in Western countries. The object of this work is the characterization of a fermented wheat used as a food ingredient and dietary supplement. To this aim, the phenolic composition, the activity on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), an enzyme overexpressed in type-II diabetes, the in vitro prebiotic properties on Lactobacillus reuteri and the microbial composition were investigated. Basic and acidic hydrolysis were tested for an exhaustive recovery of bound phenols: the acidic hydrolysis gave best yields. Methyl ferulate and neocarlinoside were identified for the first time in wheat. The inhibitory power of the extracts of several batches were investigated on PTP1B enzyme. The product was not able to inhibit the enzyme, otherwise, for the first time, a complete inhibition was observed for schaftoside, a major C-flavonoid of wheat. The microbial composition was assessed identifying Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Pediococcus as the main bacterial species. The fermented wheat was a suitable substrate for the grown of L. reuteri, recognized for its health properties in the human gut. The proposed method for phenols is easier compared to those based on strong basic hydrolysis; our results assessed the bound phenols as the major fraction, differently from that suggested by the literature for fermented cereals.

Step-frequency continuous-wave (SFCW) modulation can have a role in the detection of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) at short range (less than 1–2 km). In this paper, the theory of SFCW range detection is reviewed, and a specific method for correcting the possible range shift due to the Doppler effect is devised. The proposed method was tested in a controlled experimental set-up, where a free-falling target (i.e., a corner reflector) was correctly detected by an SFCW radar. This method was finally applied in field for short-range detection of a small UAV.

Compressive sensing (CS) is a recent technique that promises to dramatically speed up the radar acquisition. Previous works have already tested CS for ground-based synthetic aperture radar (GBSAR) performing preliminary simulations or carrying out measurements in controlled environments. The aim of this article is a systematic study on the effective applicability of CS for GBSAR with data acquired in real scenarios: an urban environment (a seven-storey building), an open-pit mine, and a natural slope (a glacier in the Italian Alps). The authors tested the most popular sets of orthogonal functions (the so-called ‘basis’) and three different recovery methods (l1-minimization, l2-minimization, orthogonal pursuit matching). They found that Haar wavelets as orthogonal basis is a reasonable choice in most scenarios. Furthermore, they found that, for any tested basis and recovery method, the quality of images is very poor with less than 30% of data. They also found that the peak signal⁻noise ratio (PSNR) of the recovered images increases linearly of 2.4 dB for each 10% increase of data.

The hair follicle (HF) is a dynamic “mini-organ” which undergoes bi-continuous cycles of growth, destruction and rest. The molecular mechanisms underlying the HF cycle are complex yet not fully understood. Anyhow, it is clear that the epithelial–mesenchymal interactions, and in particular the cross-talk between dermal papilla fibroblast (DPF) and the keratinocytes of the outer root sheath (ORSK) play a pivotal role. Aim of this study is the evaluation of the biological activity of anisotropic osmolyte solutions on the HF cycle. As reported in recent studies, dermal papilla cells deeply modify their gene expression profile when cultured as monolayers, but their transcriptional pattern can be partially restored when they are cultured as 3-dimensional spheroids. This draws our attention to the discovery that the spatial distribution of cells in the growth medium is fundamental in order to produce a verisimilar model. Therefore, we used the hanging drop technology to produce a scaffold-free micro-tissue model applied to a DPF-ORSK co-culture in order to create a µHF 3-dimensional model. As a result, this system was capable of evaluating the efficacy of the anisotropic osmolyte solutions on the progressive increase of the follicle turnover and ‘health’. Moreover, an in silico model was used in order to screen the most promising combination of osmolyte molecules. In vivo objective evaluations were finally carried out on volunteers having hair disorders.

Ground-based synthetic aperture radar (GBSAR) systems are popular remote sensing instruments for detecting the ground changes of landslides, glaciers, and open pits as well as for detecting small displacements of large structures, such as bridges and dams. Recently (2017), a novel mono/bistatic GBSAR configuration was proposed to acquire two different components of displacement of the targets in the field of view. This bistatic configuration relies on a transponder that consists—in its basic implementation—of just two antennas and an amplifier. The aim of this article was to design and experimentally test an improved transponder with cross-polarized antennas and frequency shifter that is able to prevent possible oscillations even at very high gain, as required in long-range applications. The transponder was successfully field-tested, and its measured gain was 91 dB gain.

In this paper the use of a continuous-wave microwave sensor as a non-contact tool for quantitative measurement of respiratory tidal volume has been evaluated by experimentation in seventeen healthy volunteers. The sensor working principle is reported and several causes that can affect its response are analyzed. A suitable data processing has been devised able to reject the majority of breath measurements taken under non suitable conditions. Furthermore, a relationship between microwave sensor measurements and volume inspired and expired at quiet breathing (tidal volume) has been found.