Abstract: There is provided a device for vascularising a cell aggregate, the device comprising: a matrix region configured to contain a gel-like matrix and cells that form a vasculature network within th ematrix region. The matrix region having at least one opening for positioning the cell aggregate therein based on a desired three-dimensional spatial location; and one or more fluidic regions configured to contain a supporting fluid that is capable of supporting vascularisation of the cell aggregate, the one or more fluidic regions being in fluid communication with the matrix region, wherein a flow passage from the one or more fluidic regions to a gel-like matrix disposed in the matrix region is configured to allow three-dimensional vascularisation around the cell aggregate and perfusion of the vasculature once formed. There is also provided a chip comprising a plurality of the device as disclosed herein and a method for vascularising a cell aggregate.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform for investigating cell-based interactions with a chip base is made of a suitable plastics material with the appropriate optical properties. The chip base has a plurality of ports in fluid communication with a microfluidic channel for containing a culture medium in which cells are held. A gas permeable laminate is bonded to a bottom surface of the chip base. Each port has an internal inlet, connecting the port with the microfluidic channel, and a trough for containing a small reservoir of culture medium fluid adjacent to the inlet. When in use, culture medium can be aspirated from the microfluidic channel via the trough rather than directly via the internal inlet.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform for investigating cell-based interactions with a chip base is made of a suitable plastics material with the appropriate optical properties. The chip base has a plurality of ports in fluid communication with a microfluidic channel for containing a culture medium in which cells are held. A gas permeable laminate is bonded to a bottom surface of the chip base. Each port has an internal inlet, connecting the port with the microfluidic channel, and a trough for containing a small reservoir of culture medium fluid adjacent to the inlet. When in use, culture medium can be aspirated from the microfluidic channel via the trough rather than directly via the internal inlet.

Abstract: An infotelematic system for a road vehicle, having: at least one liquid-crystal display; and a control device of the joystick type provided with a bar, which has a visible top portion that is shaped so as to be guided by a user's hand, and a hidden bottom portion, which is hinged at the bottom by means of a ball joint so as to be able to turn freely about a central hinge point; the control device is moreover provided with at least one haptic actuator, which is coupled to the bottom portion of the bar for varying the effort necessary for displacement of the bar itself.

Abstract: An infotelematic system for a road vehicle, having: at least one liquid-crystal display; and a control device of the joystick type provided with a bar, which has a visible top portion that is shaped so as to be guided by a user's hand, and a hidden bottom portion, which is hinged at the bottom by means of a ball joint so as to be able to turn freely about a central hinge point; the control device is moreover provided with at least one haptic actuator, which is coupled to the bottom portion of the bar for varying the effort necessary for displacement of the bar itself.

Abstract: The present invention related to microorganisms producing taxanes, such as paclitaxel or related taxanes, to the use of said microorganisms for the production of taxanes, and to the procedure for the isolation of said microorganisms from plants. In particular, the present invention relates to microorganisms of the Actinomycetes group producing taxanes as well as to the biologically pure cultures of a strain of the Actinomycetes group which produces taxanes. The microorganisms of Actinomycetes group are preferably belonging to the suprageneric groups of Streptomycetes, Actinoplanetes, Maduromycetes, Thermomonosporas or Nocardioforms, more preferably they are belonging to genus Streptomyces, Actinoplanes, Nocardiopsis, Micromonospora, Actinomadura or Kitasatosporia, still more preferably to the genus Kitasatosporia. A particularly preferred microorganism is Kitasatosporia sp. CECT 4991.