University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

About: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is a education organization based out in Modena, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 8179 authors who have published 22418 publications receiving 671337 citations. The organization is also known as: Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia & Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia.

Electric field controlled magnetic anisotropy in a single molecule.

Abstract: We have measured quantum transport through an individual Fe4 single-molecule magnet embedded in a three-terminal device geometry. The characteristic zero-field splittings of adjacent charge states and their magnetic field evolution are observed in inelastic tunneling spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the molecule retains its magnetic properties and, moreover, that the magnetic anisotropy is significantly enhanced by reversible electron addition/subtraction controlled with the gate voltage. Single-molecule magnetism can thus be electrically controlled.

Italian guidelines on the systemic treatments of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Abstract: Psoriasis is a common disease, which has a considerable impact on the healthcare system. Therefore, appropriate use of therapeutic resources is very important. Management of psoriasis in daily clinical practice is highly variable because many issues are still debated and not definitely addressed by the evidence-based medicine. Moreover, the different availability and reimbursability of drugs in each country justifies national guidelines. Expert consensus can provide helpful guidelines for optimizing patient care. A total of 20 dermatologists from different areas of Italy and with large experience in the treatment of psoriasis agreed to participate in the guidelines expert panel who aimed to reach consensus on the factors influencing psoriasis severity, the indications for systemic treatments, the parameters to be considered in the choice of treatment, and the factors to be considered in the choice of biological treatment. The recommendations for the use, screening and monitoring of systemic therapies were based on the 2015 S3 European Dermatology Forum/European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology psoriasis guidelines. Recommendations on the treatment of psoriasis in special patient populations were also agreed. The final document was discussed in a meeting moderated by a facilitator with participation of the entire group and adopting a nominal group technique to reach consensus. A statement was regarded as consented when agreement was achieved by at least 75% of the voting experts according to the Delphi procedure.

Inhibition of autophagy, lysosome and VCP function impairs stress granule assembly

Abstract: Stress granules (SGs) are mRNA-protein aggregates induced during stress, which accumulate in many neurodegenerative diseases. Previously, the autophagy-lysosome pathway and valosin-containing protein (VCP), key players of the protein quality control (PQC), were shown to regulate SG degradation. This is consistent with the idea that PQC may survey and/or assist SG dynamics. However, despite these observations, it is currently unknown whether the PQC actively participates in SG assembly. Here, we describe that inhibition of autophagy, lysosomes and VCP causes defective SG formation after induction. Silencing the VCP co-factors UFD1L and PLAA, which degrade defective ribosomal products (DRIPs) and 60S ribosomes, also impaired SG assembly. Intriguingly, DRIPs and 60S, which are released from disassembling polysomes and are normally excluded from SGs, were significantly retained within SGs in cells with impaired autophagy, lysosome or VCP function. Our results suggest that deregulated autophagy, lysosomal or VCP activities, which occur in several neurodegenerative (VCP-associated) diseases, may alter SG morphology and composition.

Electric Field Controlled Magnetic Anisotropy in a Single Molecule

Abstract: We have measured quantum transport through an individual Fe$_4$ single-molecule magnet embedded in a three-terminal device geometry. The characteristic zero-field splittings of adjacent charge states and their magnetic field evolution are observed in inelastic tunneling spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the molecule retains its magnetic properties, and moreover, that the magnetic anisotropy is significantly enhanced by reversible electron addition / subtraction controlled with the gate voltage. Single-molecule magnetism can thus be electrically controlled.

The Geomorphodiversity of the Dolomites (Italy): A Key of Geoheritage Assessment

Abstract: The term geodiversity is presented and critically examined. A summary of the concepts and definitions of this term is given, underlining the various approaches; in general, geodiversity is defined as a set of different “geological” elements over a certain area. A new approach is proposed, based on the identification of the “geological” elements, which mostly characterise the landscape features of a given territory, independently of their frequency and spatial distribution, but on the basis of type, scale and level of a new concept of geodiversity. With respect to Geomorphology, geodiversity may be defined with the term geomorphodiversity: “the critical and specific assessment of the geomorphological features of a territory, by comparing them in an extrinsic and in intrinsic way, taking into account the scale of investigation, the purpose of the research and the level of scientific quality”. The same concepts and methods can be experimented for other branches of the Earth Sciences; therefore, the same definition can be extended to the more general concept of diversity, by substituting the term “geomorphological” with the term “geological”. The peculiarities of the geomorphodiversity are shown, with particular reference to the Dolomites. First of all, they have specific geomorphological and landscape characteristics which distinguish them from all other mountains in the world, i.e. they have greatly accentuated extrinsic geomorphodiversity on a global scale. On a regional scale and in relation to morphostructural landforms, the Dolomites have a high degree of extrinsic geomorphodiversity compared with other alpine mountains in relation to morphotectodynamics, morphotectostatics and morpholithology. They also have greatly accentuated intrinsic geomorphodiversity on a regional scale from the morphoclimatic viewpoint, considering their polygenesis linked to pre- or inter-glacial, glacial, periglacial, fluvial, relict, dormant or active landforms. Nevertheless, when some geomorphological features, chosen with a subjective criterion, are examined in detail on a regional scale (for example talus cones or scree slopes), they show a limited intrinsic geomorphodiversity; whereas in other cases (as for landslides) they have a great intrinsic geomorphodiversity. Another example is offered by karst areas; they display in detail a vast array of landforms, that is considerable intrinsic geomorphodiversity on a local scale. In conclusion, the Dolomites make up an important geoheritage that can be considered as a high-altitude field laboratory for research and development of geomorphological theories and understanding.