bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual cues for moisture perception of facial skin: a pilot study on the effects of enhancing high-spatial-frequency components of skin lightness to decrease perceived moisture levels in young Asian observers
Authors: Hasegawa Yuya , Tamura Hideki , Kanematsu Tama , Yamada Yuzuka , Ishiguro Yohei , Nakauchi Shigeki , Minami Tetsuto
Published: November 2024

Facial skin texture provides crucial visual cues that reflect an individual’s impressions and health conditions. In this study, we focused on the visual attribute of “moisture” and investigated which visual cues influenced skin moisture perception. The stimuli consisted of images from three facial areas (the whole face, cheek, and eyebrow areas) with and without makeup under two camera angles. The participants rated the presented stimuli on three visual attributes (moisture, glossiness, and attractiveness) via a five-point scale. The results from Experiment 1 revealed correlations between the ratings and histogram statistics of each channel in the CIELAB color space, with variations depending on the conditions and facial regions. A negative correlation was observed between cheek moisture perception and the variance in the L∗ channel. We subsequently obtained similar ratings by enhancing the high-spatial-frequency components of skin lightness for simulated skin conditions (Experiment 2) and for images depicting different skin conditions resulting from variations in post-cleansing skincare or base makeup (Experiment 3). These experiments confirmed that perceived moisture and attractiveness decreased, whereas perceived glossiness increased; these findings were correlated with images that were simulated via image processing to reduce the perceived moisture level. These findings indicated that the high-spatial-frequency components of skin lightness could be visual cues for determining the decrease in perceived moisture level.
Fluorescent emission of NV centers in diamond pillars embedded in optical fibers: optimization using a hybrid model
Authors: Zhang Wen Qi , Capelli M. , Li S. , Johnson B. C. , Greentree A. D. , Reineck P. , Simpson D. A. , Huynh H. , Ebendorff-Heidepriem H. , Gibson B. C. , Healey A. , Baghapour S. , Afshar Vahid S.
Published: November 2024

Diamond-embedded optical fibers with negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers have great potential for remote and distributed magnetic field sensing. However, the magnetic field sensitivity of the currently proposed fiber configuration is limited. This work uses a numerical approach to investigate the effect of structured diamonds on enhancing the excitation and collection efficiency in an optical fiber through a hybrid modelling approach. The results revealed that a 690-times enhancement is achievable with a pillar-shaped diamond embedded in a fiber.
High-performance self-powered broadband imaging photodetector based on single crystal-CsPbBr3/single crystal-β-Ga2O3 heterojunction
Authors: Zhou Haitao , Tan Mingyue , Wang Yuru , Wang Xiru , Chen Jianjun , Wang Xuhu , Chu Xinbo , Cong Lujia
Published: November 2024

UV/visible light detection and imaging is a vibrant research field with broad application prospects in both civilian and military fields. Metal halide perovskite materials have been widely studied in the preparation of photodetectors for image sensing due to their excellent optoelectronic properties, tunable band gaps, and low-cost preparation processes. At present, in order to further broaden the response of perovskite in the ultraviolet region (especially deep ultraviolet) and realize the self-powering function, it has been proposed to combine perovskite with wide-bandgap semiconductors to construct a heterojunction. However, existing reports are limited to some heterojunction detectors between polycrystalline and amorphous states. In this paper, we report a detector made of a heterojunction of single crystal CsPbBr3 and single crystal wide bandgap β-Ga2O3. The device has a responsivity of 7.9 mA/W and 6.5 mA/W at 250 nm and 450 nm, respectively, without an external bias, and a fast response speed (<102 µs), showing self-powered characteristics and broadband detection capabilities. Finally, the device was applied to an optical imaging system, effectively realizing image detection for solar-blind and visible light, demonstrating the practical application of single-crystal heterojunctions as signal receivers in the system.
Kilowatt high power ytterbium-doped fiber laser operation in a record-wide temperature range from -50 °C to 50 °C
Authors: Chen Jinbao , Wu Jinming , Li Fengchang , Wang Peng , Wu Hanshuo , Zhang Hanwei , Wang Xiaolin
Published: November 2024

We report on a kilowatt-level ytterbium-doped fiber laser that can operate stably over a record-wide temperature range from -50 °C to 50 °C with only an active fan-cooling system. The laser has demonstrated the reliability of continuous high-power emission for 120 seconds within the 100 °C temperature range. Under normal temperature conditions, the typical output power of the laser is 1211 W, with a conversion efficiency of 74% and a beam quality of M2∼1.42. This laser system is versatile and portable, designed to switch quickly to various scenarios and operate reliably. From frigid to scorching climates, as well as areas with substantial temperature fluctuations, it consistently delivers high performance and stability. The temperature characteristics of the laser have been modeled based on data obtained from experiments. The theoretical analysis shows that when the ambient temperature changes significantly, the absorption, power distribution, as well as the SRS and TMI characteristics of the laser will be noticeably affected.
Generation of broadband chaotic laser based on a four-segment InP-based monolithically integrated chaotic semiconductor laser
Authors: Wang Xiaona , Qiao Lijun , Zhang Mingjiang
Published: November 2024

Aiming at the problems of limited bandwidth and obvious time-delay signature (TDS) of monolithically integrated chaotic semiconductor lasers, this paper proposes a four-segment InP-based monolithically integrated chaotic semiconductor laser. The laser structure is composed of a distributed feedback (DFB1) laser region, a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) region, a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) grating region and a distributed feedback (DFB2) laser region. Mutual injection between the two DFB laser regions effectively enhances the bandwidth of power spectrum. The DBR grating region is used to form a complex multi-feedback cavity to suppress the TDS caused by the fixed external cavity structure. The simulation results show that the chaotic signal with the standard bandwidth of 29.2 GHz and the TDS value of 0.094 is generated. The research in this paper can further improve the performance of monolithically integrated chaotic laser, and provide a high-quality chaotic laser source for secure optical communication, chaotic lidar and distributed optical fiber sensing.
Geometric configuration for maximizing photocurrent collection in bulk photovoltaic effect devices
Authors: Chen Huiying , Zheng Yingshuang , Jin Chunqi , Tan Fan , Yu Jiaqi , He Ting , Wang Peng , Liang Hongwei , Wei Jingxuan , Li Longnan
Published: November 2024

The bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) and its artificial variant generate photocurrent under zero external bias in non-centrosymmetric systems, particularly in on-chip miniaturized metasurface-based photodetectors. Despite significant advancements, enhancing the efficiency of local photocurrent collection remains a challenge, often impeded by non-uniform flow fields in graphene caused by nanoantenna contacts, which lead to carrier transport losses. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the regulation of local photocurrent collection in zero-bias optoelectronic metasurface-based photodetectors and explored the impact of nanoantenna array configurations on photocurrent efficiency. Using a multi-layer graphene-based photodetector with V-shaped nanoantennas, we found that configuring the array layout – specifically, adopting a 5 × 5 configuration – significantly enhances responsivity, achieving an impressive 21.6 mA/W at zero bias with a considerable photocurrent of 129 nA. Through photocurrent mapping and analysis based on the Schottky–Ramo theorem, we demonstrated that non-uniform flow fields induced by nanoantenna contacts hinder local carrier transport.
Spectral broadening of μJ-level pulses around 8 μm in a Germanium-based multi-pass scheme
Authors: Vesco Guglielmo , Gucci Francesco , Baserga Alessandro , Moretti Luca , Gatti Davide , Cerullo Giulio , Marangoni Marco
Published: November 2024

A 2.6-fold spectral broadening of mid-infrared femtosecond μJ-level pulses has been achieved using an unfolded multi-pass configuration of germanium plates and zinc selenide lenses. This method maintains a throughput higher than 60% while preserving the spatial quality and the temporal duration of the input beam. Numerical simulations match the experimental results and show the potential to tailor the parameters of the cell to obtain different spectra.
Excess mortality of infected ectotherms induced by warming depends on pathogen kingdom and evolutionary history
Authors: Li Jingdi , Guttmann Nele , Drew Georgia C. , Hector Tobias E. , Wolinska Justyna , King Kayla C.
Published: November 2024

Climate change is causing extreme heating events and can lead to more infectious disease outbreaks, putting species persistence at risk. The extent to which warming temperatures and infection may together impair host health is unclear. Using a meta-analysis of >190 effect sizes representing 101 ectothermic animal host–pathogen systems, we demonstrate that warming significantly increased the mortality of hosts infected by bacterial pathogens. Pathogens that have been evolutionarily established within the host species showed higher virulence under warmer temperatures. Conversely, the effect of warming on novel infections—from pathogens without a shared evolutionary history with the host species—were more pronounced with larger differences between compared temperatures. We found that compared to established infections, novel infections were more deadly at lower/baseline temperatures. Moreover, we revealed that the virulence of fungal pathogens increased only when temperatures were shifted upwards towards the pathogen thermal optimum. The magnitude of all these significant effects was not impacted by host life-stage, immune complexity, pathogen inoculation methods, or exposure time. Overall, our findings reveal distinct patterns in changes of pathogen virulence during warming. We highlight the importance of pathogen taxa, thermal optima, and evolutionary history in determining the impact of global change on infection outcomes.
SPARTA: Interpretable functional classification of microbiomes and detection of hidden cumulative effects
Authors: Ruiz Baptiste , Belcour Arnaud , Blanquart Samuel , Buffet-Bataillon Sylvie , Le Huërou-Luron Isabelle , Siegel Anne , Le Cunff Yann
Published: November 2024

The composition of the gut microbiota is a known factor in various diseases and has proven to be a strong basis for automatic classification of disease state. A need for a better understanding of microbiota data on the functional scale has since been voiced, as it would enhance these approaches’ biological interpretability. In this paper, we have developed a computational pipeline for integrating the functional annotation of the gut microbiota into an automatic classification process and facilitating downstream interpretation of its results. The process takes as input taxonomic composition data, which can be built from 16S or whole genome sequencing, and links each component to its functional annotations through interrogation of the UniProt database. A functional profile of the gut microbiota is built from this basis. Both profiles, microbial and functional, are used to train Random Forest classifiers to discern unhealthy from control samples. SPARTA ensures full reproducibility and exploration of inherent variability by extending state-of-the-art methods in three dimensions: increased number of trained random forests, selection of important variables with an iterative process, repetition of full selection process from different seeds. This process shows that the translation of the microbiota into functional profiles gives non-significantly different performances when compared to microbial profiles on 5 of 6 datasets. This approach’s main contribution however stems from its interpretability rather than its performance: through repetition, it also outputs a robust subset of discriminant variables. These selections were shown to be more consistent than those obtained by a state-of-the-art method, and their contents were validated through a manual bibliographic research. The interconnections between selected taxa and functional annotations were also analyzed and revealed that important annotations emerge from the cumulated influence of non-selected taxa.
Storm: Incorporating transient stochastic dynamics to infer the RNA velocity with metabolic labeling information
Authors: Peng Qiangwei , Qiu Xiaojie , Li Tiejun
Published: November 2024

The time-resolved scRNA-seq (tscRNA-seq) provides the possibility to infer physically meaningful kinetic parameters, e.g., the transcription, splicing or RNA degradation rate constants with correct magnitudes, and RNA velocities by incorporating temporal information. Previous approaches utilizing the deterministic dynamics and steady-state assumption on gene expression states are insufficient to achieve favorable results for the data involving transient process. We present a dynamical approach, Storm (Stochastic models of RNA metabolic-labeling), to overcome these limitations by solving stochastic differential equations of gene expression dynamics. The derivation reveals that the new mRNA sequencing data obeys different types of cell-specific Poisson distributions when jointly considering both biological and cell-specific technical noise. Storm deals with measured counts data directly and extends the RNA velocity methodology based on metabolic labeling scRNA-seq data to transient stochastic systems. Furthermore, we relax the constant parameter assumption over genes/cells to obtain gene-cell-specific transcription/splicing rates and gene-specific degradation rates, thus revealing time-dependent and cell-state-specific transcriptional regulations. Storm will facilitate the study of the statistical properties of tscRNA-seq data, eventually advancing our understanding of the dynamic transcription regulation during development and disease.
Rapid prediction of key residues for foldability by machine learning model enables the design of highly functional libraries with hyperstable constrained peptide scaffolds
Authors: Cai Fei , Wei Yuehua , Kirchhofer Daniel , Chang Andrew , Zhang Yingnan
Published: November 2024

Peptides are an emerging modality for developing therapeutics that can either agonize or antagonize cellular pathways associated with disease, yet peptides often suffer from poor chemical and physical stability, which limits their potential. However, naturally occurring disulfide-constrained peptides (DCPs) and de novo designed Hyperstable Constrained Peptides (HCPs) exhibiting highly stable and drug-like scaffolds, making them attractive therapeutic modalities. Previously, we established a robust platform for discovering peptide therapeutics by utilizing multiple DCPs as scaffolds. However, we realized that those libraries could be further improved by considering the foldability of peptide scaffolds for library design. We hypothesized that specific sequence patterns within the peptide scaffolds played a crucial role in spontaneous folding into a stable topology, and thus, these sequences should not be subject to randomization in the original library design. Therefore, we developed a method for designing highly diverse DCP libraries while preserving the inherent foldability of each scaffold. To achieve this, we first generated a large-scale dataset from yeast surface display (YSD) combined with shotgun alanine scan experiments to train a machine-learning (ML) model based on techniques used for natural language understanding. Then we validated the ML model with experiments, showing that it is able to not only predict the foldability of peptides with high accuracy across a broad range of sequences but also pinpoint residues critical for foldability. Using the insights gained from the alanine scanning experiment as well as prediction model, we designed a new peptide library based on a de novo-designed HCP, which was optimized for enhanced folding efficiency. Subsequent panning trials using this library yielded promising hits having good folding properties. In summary, this work advances peptide or small protein domain library design practices. These findings could pave the way for the efficient development of peptide-based therapeutics in the future.
Characteristics of hospital pediatricians and obstetricians/gynecologists working long hours in Tokushima, Japan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nakagawa Mai , Nakagawa Kazumi , Nakai Koga , Tominaga Ayumu , Mori Yoshiro , Iwasa Takeshi , Urushihara Maki , Hashimoto Ichiro , Morioka Hisayoshi
Published: November 2024

Background

This study aimed to determine the actual working conditions, including working hours and desired future working styles of hospital pediatricians and obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) in Tokushima Prefecture.

Method

This cross-sectional study used a self-administered questionnaire. Pediatricians and OB/GYNs (n = 96) working at 14 hospitals in Tokushima Prefecture were surveyed. The questionnaire included items related to working hours, working status, number of medical institutions, task-shifting/task-sharing status, and preferred work style. Factors associated with work hours were analyzed.

Results

Approximately 40% and 10% of pediatricians and OB/GYNs worked ≥60 h/week and ≥80 h/week, respectively. Their weekly working hours were significantly positively associated with the number of nights and holidays worked and concurrent medical facilities they worked at. Multiple regression models showed that weekly working hours were significantly associated with working at night and day-off duties and the number of working medical institutions being worked at concurrently. Pediatricians and OB/GYNs who worked ≥60 h/week were not implementing a “multiple attending physician system” or “on-call system,” and task-shifting/task-sharing was inadequate. A significantly higher proportion of physicians who worked long hours (≥60 h/week or ≥80 h/week) wanted to reduce the number of night and day-off duties and work hours compared with those who did not.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that many pediatricians and OB/GYNs work long hours, and it is essential to improve their work environment, including task-shifting/task-sharing. Further enhanced recruitment and retention of hospital pediatricians and OB/GYNs is required. A detailed and large-scale study of pediatricians and OB/GYNs’ working environments is essential in the future.
Absolute and relative intensities of solo, free-form dancing in adults: A pilot study
Authors: McCullough Aston K.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Engaging in dance of various styles confers health benefits among adults; however, additional studies on free-form dancing are needed to quantify its intensity and advance research on dance and health. This study characterized the absolute and relative physical activity (PA) intensities of solo, free-form dancing at self-determined moderate and vigorous intensities in adults.

Method

Participants (N = 48) ages 18 to 83 years old, with 0 to 56 years of dance training experience, engaged in 5-minute free-form dance bouts at respectively self-determined moderate and vigorous intensities, both with and without music. Absolute intensity was measured during bouts using indirect calorimetry (metabolic equivalents; METs = V˙O2 ml·kg-1·min-1/3.5). Relative intensity was measured by ratings of perceived exertion (Borg scale) and heart rate. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess the relationship between absolute and relative intensity metrics and model covariates.

Results

On average, the relative intensity of self-determined moderate-to-vigorous intensity dancing, with and without music, was 76% of the age-predicted maximal heart rate; 74% of the heart rate reserve (HRR); and 13 on the Borg scale. By measure of %HRR, all adults reached at least a moderate PA intensity across all dance bouts. The mean absolute intensity of self-determined moderate intensity free-form dancing without music was 5.6 METs, and the presence of music (β = 0.6) and the intention to dance at a vigorous intensity (β = 1.1) were both significantly positively associated with METs, as participants engaged in free-form dance; METs were significantly inversely associated with age (β = -0.05) and BMI (β = -0.10).

Conclusions

When characterized using HRR, engaging in free-form dance at self-determined moderate-to-vigorous PA intensities provided a sufficient stimulus for all adults to reach a moderate PA intensity, which provides evidence that dancing however one wishes at such perceived intensities may support adults in accumulating the recommended weekly dose of 3150 minutes of moderate intensity PA.
Exploring the relationship between problematic social networking sites use and depression: A longitudinal study
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Li Hailei
Published: November 2024

The association between problematic social networking sites use and depression is established, yet the directionality remains to be clarified. This longitudinal study investigated the causal dynamics between the two phenomena by administering a questionnaire to 191 college students from a university in Shandong Province, China, across four assessment points with an interlude of four weeks. The study found that the impact of depression on problematic social networking sites use is not consistently sustained throughout the academic semester. Initially, this impact reached significance, but it waned and ceased to be significant during the mid- and late-semester phases. These findings allude to the possibility that depression acts as a significant precursor to problematic social networking sites use. However, the interaction between them appears to be subject to temporal and contextual shifts. Consequently, interventions tackling problematic social networking sites use should progressively pivot from moderating screen time and social media engagement towards enhancing emotional robustness.
Multi-session adaptation to audiovisual and sensorimotor biofeedback is heterogeneous among adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Spomer Alyssa M. , Conner Benjamin C. , Schwartz Michael H. , Lerner Zachary F. , Steele Katherine M.
Published: November 2024

Background

There is growing interest in the use of biofeedback-augmented gait training in cerebral palsy (CP). Audiovisual, sensorimotor, and immersive biofeedback paradigms are commonly used to elicit short-term gait improvements; however, outcomes remain variable. Because biofeedback training requires that individuals have the capacity to both adapt their gait in response to feedback and retain improvements across sessions, changes in either capacity may affect outcomes. Yet, neither has been explored extensively in CP.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the extent to which adolescents with CP (7M/1F; 14 years (12.5,15.26)) could adapt gait and retain improvements across four, 20-minute sessions using combined audiovisual and sensorimotor biofeedback. Both systems were designed to target plantarflexor activity. Audiovisual biofeedback displayed real-time soleus activity and sensorimotor biofeedback was provided using a bilateral resistive ankle exoskeleton. We quantified the time-course of change in muscle activity within and across sessions and overground walking function before and after the four sessions.

Results

All individuals were able to significantly increase soleus activity from baseline using multimodal biofeedback (p < 0.031) but demonstrated heterogeneous adaptation strategies. In-session soleus adaptation had a moderate positive correlation with short-term retention of the adapted gait patterns (0.40 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.81), but generally weak correlations with baseline walking function (GMFCS Level) and motor control complexity (ρ ≤ 0.43). The latter indicates that adaptation capacity may be a critical and unique metric underlying response to biofeedback. Notably, in-session gains did not correspond to significant improvements in overground walking function (p > 0.11).

Conclusions

This work suggests that individuals with CP have the capacity to adapt their gait using biofeedback, but responses are highly variable. Characterizing the factors driving adaptation to biofeedback may be a promising avenue to understand the heterogeneity of existing biofeedback training outcomes and inform future system optimization for integration into clinical care.
Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation: A qualitative study of partners’ experiences
Authors: Hann Katie E. J. , Cinnirella Marco , Bradley Clare , Gibbons Andrea
Published: November 2024

Chronic health conditions often affect the lives of family members as well as the patient themselves. The current study aimed to explore the experiences of partners of individuals with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) who received a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPKT) to understand the wider impact of SPKTs. Eight partners of recipients of SPKT were interviewed about their experiences before and after the transplant. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Participants described how they navigated life with an unwell partner; sub-themes included a) living with pervasive worry, b) the challenge of enhanced responsibilities, and c) the buffering effect of social support. Diabetes complications, such as the experience of severe hypoglycaemia, particularly fuelled worry. Participants felt great relief after their partner’s successful transplant but also faced certain realities around the potential for their partner’s health to deteriorate again. The study highlights the impact of diabetes and CKD on patients’ families and the wider benefit of transplantation, not just for the patient. The pancreas transplant, in addition to the kidney, relieved partners of their worry about hypoglycaemic events and the development of diabetes complications. Partners may benefit from being encouraged to seek support and to maintain their own health and wellbeing.
Microbiota composition of Culex perexiguus mosquitoes during the West Nile virus outbreak in southern Spain
Authors: Garrigós Marta , Garrido Mario , Ruiz-López María José , García-López María José , Veiga Jesús , Magallanes Sergio , Soriguer Ramón , Moreno-Indias Isabel , Figuerola Jordi , Martínez-de la Puente Josué
Published: November 2024

West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus naturally circulating between mosquito vectors and birds, occasionally infecting horses and humans and causing epidemiologically relevant outbreaks. In Spain, the first big WNV outbreak was recorded in 2020, resulting in 77 people infected and 8 fatalities, most of them in southern Spain. Culex perexiguus was identified as the primary vector of WNV maintaining its enzootic circulation of the virus. Growing evidence highlights the role of mosquito microbiota as a key component determining the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes, largely contributing to disease epidemiology. Here, we develop, to our knowledge, the first identification of the microbiota composition of this mosquito vector under natural conditions and test for the potential relationship between mosquito microbiota composition and WNV infection. To do so, we collected mosquitoes in a natural area of southern Spain during the 2020 WNV outbreak and identified the microbiota composition of mosquitoes using a 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding approach. The microbiota of Cx. perexiguus was dominated by the phylum Proteobacteria. The most abundant families were Burkholderiaceae and Erwiniaceae, including the genera Burkholderia, Erwinia, and Pantoea. The genus Wolbachia, which use to dominate the microbiota of Cx. pipiens and negatively interact with WNV according to the literature, had a low prevalence and relative abundance in Cx. perexiguus and its abundance did not differ between WNV-positive and WNV-negative mosquito pools. The microbiota diversity and composition of Cx. perexiguus were not significantly related to the WNV infection status. These results provide the first identification of the mosquito microbiota in an endemic area of WNV circulation in Spain.
Polyamines mediate cellular energetics and lipid metabolism through mitochondrial respiration to facilitate virus replication
Authors: Cruz-Pulido Yazmin E. , LoMascolo Natalie J. , May Delaina , Hatahet Jomana , Thomas Caroline E. , Chu Andrea K. W. , Stacey Samantha P. , Villanueva Guzman Maria del Mar , Aubert Gregory , Mounce Bryan C.
Published: November 2024

Polyamines are critical cellular components that regulate a variety of processes, including translation, cell cycling, and nucleic acid metabolism. The polyamines, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are found abundantly within cells and are positively-charged at physiological pH. Polyamine metabolism is connected to distinct other metabolic pathways, including nucleotide and amino acid metabolism. However, the breadth of the effect of polyamines on cellular metabolism remains to be fully understood. We recently demonstrated a role for polyamines in cholesterol metabolism, and following these studies, we measured the impact of polyamines on global lipid metabolism. We find that lipid droplets increase in number and size with polyamine depletion. We further demonstrate that lipid anabolism is markedly decreased, and lipid accumulation is due to reduced mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. In fact, mitochondrial structure and function are largely ablated with polyamine depletion. To compensate, cells depleted of polyamines switch from aerobic respiration to glycolysis in a polyamine depletion-mediated Warburg-like effect. Finally, we show that inhibitors of lipid metabolism are broadly antiviral, suggesting that polyamines and lipids are promising antiviral targets. Together, these data demonstrate a novel role for polyamines in mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, and cellular energetics.
A Vida Simbólica
Authors: Palhares Rafaela Fernanda
Published: November 2024

Resumo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a relação entre os conceitos de sagrado e profano, elaborados por Mircea Eliade, e o conceito de vida simbólica, de Carl Gustav Jung. A relação entre esses conceitos é articulada pelas noções de homem moderno e homo religiosus, também de Mircea Eliade. O homem moderno acredita que superou a necessidade do sagrado em sua vida, mas como demonstram os pesquisadores, o sagrado teima em emergir na vida profana. No entanto, essa emersão é feita por meio da linguagem simbólica dos mitos, dos ritos e das mensagens proféticas que não são compreendidas imediatamente pela razão ou consciência do homem moderno.
Palavras-chave: Vida Simbólica; Homo Religiosus; Homem Moderno; Imaginação.
The Simbolic Life
Abstract: This article aims to analyse the relation between the concepts of sacred and profane, elaborated by Mircea Eliade, and the concept of symbolic life by Carl Gustav Jung. The relation between these concests is articulated by the notions of modern man and homo religiosus, also by Mircea Eliade. The modern man believes he overcome the need of the sacred in his life, however, as demonstrated by the researchers, the sacred insists on emerging in profane life. However, this emersion is done through the symbolic language in the myths, rites, and prophetic messages, which is not comprehended immediately the reason or consciouness of the modern man.
Keywords: Simbolyc Life; Homo Religiosus; Modern Man; Imagination.
Data de registro: 12/04/2017
Data de aceite: 05/07/2017
Lack of Association of GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTO1, GSTP1 and CYP1A1 Polymorphisms for Susceptibility and Outcome in Brazilian Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Lima M. M. , Oliveira M. N. L. , Granja F. , Trindade A. C. G. , De Castro Santos L. E. M. , Ward Laura Sterian
Published: November 2024

The polymorphic inheritance of human drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as those encoded by the GST and CYP systems, has been implicated in both cancer risk and prognostic. In an effort to increase our understanding of the interaction between potential environmental exposure, lifestyle, and genetic factors in the predisposition and response to radiotherapy of prostate cancer patients, we examined GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTO1, GSTP1 and CYP1A1 genotypes in a Brazilian population. We studied 125 prostate cancer patients and 100 benign prostatic hyperplasia patients paired for ethnic and lifestyle characteristics. Lifetime occupational history, dietary patterns, cigarette-smoking, and other anamnestic data were obtained through interviews. Outcome was evaluated in 42 stage ≤ T2a patients presenting a Gleason score ≤ 6, PSA ≤ 10 ng/ml, treated with radiotherapy and followed up for 12 to 34 months (15 ± 8 months). None of the studied polymorphisms was found associated to prostate cancer risk either considered separately or in combination, in unior multivariate regression logistic analysis. Also, there was no association between genotypes and possible clinical factors of risk or any parameter of tumour aggressiveness at diagnosis or during follow-up. Patients’ response to radiotherapy treatment was not associated to any genotype. In conclusion, our data suggest that GST and CYP1A1 genotypes are not associated with the susceptibility to prostate cancer or its outcome in the Brazilian population.
Energy efficiency and economic analysis of mechanized vs conventional cotton production system: A comparative study under rainfed vertisols of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Dhamodharan P , Somasundaram S , Thirukumaran K , Kavitha R , Ravichandran V , Anantharaju P
Published: November 2024

Energy efficiency plays a pivotal role in optimizing input use and improving the sustainability of agricultural practices, especially in energy-intensive crops like cotton. Due to its high economic importance, cotton cultivation has been in the need of the hour in developing mechanized cultivation practices aimed at improving production efficiency. This study evaluated energy consumption and performed an economic analysis of mechanized versus conventional cotton production under rainfed vertisols in Tamil Nadu. Among the various inputs, fertilizer application consumed the most energy in both systems, followed by labor energy differences between the 2 methods. Mechanized cultivation drastically reduced labor energy requirements (174.2 MJ/ha) compared to manual methods (2215.6 MJ/ha), highlighting the potential for labor savings. Mechanized cultivation also showed more efficient use of non-renewable energy sources, whereas conventional methods relied more on renewable energy inputs, highlighting the trade-offs between the 2 systems. Mechanized cultivation significantly reduced production costs (Rs. 74290/ha) compared to conventional methods (Rs. 140440/ha), largely due to a 47.8 % reduction in labor costs, demonstrating its economic viability. This study suggests that improving the energy efficiency of mechanized cotton production should prioritize efficient fertilizer use and reducing diesel fuel consumption through enhanced machinery performance.
Unveils the metabolic changes in groundnut CO 7 kernels stored under modified atmospheric conditions
Authors: Thirumaniselvam K , Kali P , Renganathan U , Ramachandran K , Murugesan B , Venugopal V , Shanmugam K
Published: November 2024

Storing groundnut kernels is more challenging than storing pods due to increased oxidative damage. Pod storage requires more space and is not cost-effective for long-term storage. Therefore, an attempt was made to store kernels under modified conditions for six months to address these storage issues. An experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of different modified atmospheric storage conditions on the groundnut cultivar CO 7, in both shelled and unshelled forms. Changes in seed quality parameters and metabolic profiles were analyzed during storage at intervals of 30 days and up to 180 days. The kernels stored under nitrogen and vacuum conditions maintained their seed quality traits, including physical, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. GC-MS analysis was performed at the beginning of storage (fresh seeds) and after 180 days (aged seeds). Sixteen metabolic compounds were identified as responsible for seed viability and deterioration, with sucrose being the predominant compound. The sucrose area percentage in fresh seeds was 52.52%, which decreased during aging. At the end of the storage period, the highest sucrose area percentages were found in kernels stored under nitrogen (28.9%) and vacuum (26.95%) conditions. This study concludes that groundnut kernels stored under nitrogen conditions have good storage potential and excel at maintaining seed longevity.
Note on the status of Buchanania lanzan var. palodensis (Anacardiaceae)
Authors: Santhosh Kumar ES , Shareef SM
Published: November 2024

The paper proposes elevating Buchanania lanzan var palodensis to the species level.
Changes in immune cell populations during acclimatization to high altitude
Authors: Pham Kathy , Vargas Abel , Frost Shyleen , Shah Saheli , Heinrich Erica C.
Published: November 2024

The immune response to acute hypoxemia may play a critical role in high‐altitude acclimatization and adaptation. However, if not properly controlled, hypoxemia‐induced inflammation may exacerbate high‐altitude pathologies, such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), or other hypoxia‐related clinical conditions. Several studies report changes in immune cell subsets at high altitude. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes, and if these alterations are beneficial or maladaptive, remains unknown. To address this, we performed multiparameter flow cytometry on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected throughout 3 days of high‐altitude acclimatization in healthy sea‐level residents (n = 20). Additionally, we conducted in vitro stimulation assays to test if high‐altitude hypoxia exposure influences responses of immune cells to subsequent inflammatory stimuli. We found several immune populations were altered at high altitude, including monocytes, T cells, and B cells. Some changes in immune cell populations are potentially correlated with AMS incidence and severity. In vitro high‐altitude PBMC cultures stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) showed no changes in pro‐inflammatory cytokine production after 1 day at high‐altitude. However, by day three pro‐inflammatory cytokine production in response to LPS decreased significantly. These results indicate that high‐altitude exposure may initiate an inflammatory response that encompasses innate immune sensitization, with adaptive immune suppression following acclimatization.
ARQUEOLOGIA DA RESISTÊNCIA ESCRAVA
Authors: Jr Charles Orser , Funari Pedro Paulo de Abreu
Published: November 2024

RESUMO:A Arqueologia da escravidão no Novo Mundo tem expandido exponencialmente durante as duas últimas décadas tornando-se, provavelmente, a área de maior influência dentro da Arqueologia Histórica na atualidade. Como parte do esforço dessa pesquisa, arqueólogos têm examinado vários tipos de sítios e realizado diversas e importantes contribuições para a literatura. Tem-se estudado, mas não com muita freqüência, sítios relacionados a escravos fugidos. Argumentamos que a arqueologia da resistência e rebelião escrava deveria constituir um elemento chave para a Arqueologia da escravidão no Novo Mundo e nós propugnamos a escavação dos quilombos como arenas excelentes para tal estudo. Apresentamos um exemplo de Palmares, no nordeste do Brasil, como parte dessa pesquisa. ABSTRACT:The archaeology of New World slavery has exponentially expanded during the past two decades to become perhaps the most influential area within today’s historical archaeology. As part of this research endeavor, archaeologists have examined many kinds of sites and have made diverse and important contributions to the literature. Sites associated with fugitive slaves have been studied, but not as frequently. We argue that the archaeology of slave resistance and rebellion should be a key element of New World slave archaeology, and we promote the excavation of runaway polities, or maroons, as excellent arenas for such a study. We present an example from Palmares in northeastern Brazil as part of this exploration.
HISTÓRIA, MEMÓRIA E TECNOLOGIA: MUSEU DE TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE PELOTAS
Authors: Ferreira Maria Letícia Mazzuchi , Lopes André Luis Borges
Published: November 2024

RESUMO: O Museu de Telecomunicações UFPEL-CEFET, Pelotas, tem como seu objetivo principal estabelecer o diálogo entre o passado e o presente, ou seja, uma proposta museológica centrada no processo histórico das telecomunicações e nas novas tecnologias do presente. O museu, concebido como um espaço onde história e tecnologia andam juntas é, portanto um espaço da curiosidade, da pesquisa, do aprendizado.ABSTRACT: The Museum of Telecommunications UFPEL-CEFET of Pelotas, aims as its main project the dialogue between the past ant the present, that is to say a museum display which will be based on the historical life of telecommunications and also on the actual new technologies. This museum, built as a space where history and technology are going together, will be that connection, the space of the discovery, of the research and of the learning.
Pelotas, “cidade de gays”: um estudo sobre os usos políticos de uma representação
Authors: Cavalheiro Gláucia Lafuente
Published: November 2024

Ao estudar os usos políticos do “Folclore Gay de Pelotas”44, entendido como uma representação da cidade, e suas formas de expressão no espaço público, procurou-se discutir questões latentes na cidade, no que se refere à relação entre a representação de “Cidade de Gays” e sua dimensão política.
Acervo arqueológico de faiança fina da casa 8 (residência conselheiro Francisco Antunes Maciel) - Pelotas/RS
Authors: Cerqueira Fábio Vergara , Peixoto Luciana da Silva , Viana Jorge
Published: November 2024

O Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Antropologia e Arqueologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, vinculado ao Instituto de Ciências Humanas (LEPAARQ/ICH/UFPEL) iniciou suas atividades em 24 de Agosto de 2001, com o objetivo de desenvolver pesquisa científica nessas áreas, até então bastante carentes em Pelotas, e de desenvolver uma agenda positiva no que se refere à preservação do patrimônio cultural, material e imaterial.
Indicadores de diferenciação social e de gênero dos pescadores-coletores que ocupam a região dos Lagos-RJ
Authors: Escórcio Eliana , Gaspar Maria Dulce
Published: November 2024

Analisamos os acompanhamentos funerários presentes no sítio Corondó em busca de indicadores de diferenciações sociais e de gênero. Por muito tempo, os grupos construtores de sambaquis foram vistos como bandos nômades coletores de moluscos, com uma organização social bastante simples, mas evidências de estabilidade territorial e de statusdiferenciado colocaram em discussão este modelo. A análise empreendida confirmou a presença de hierarquia social no grupo em questão, de elementos que diferenciam adultos e jovens, e de elementos associados aos gêneros, entre os quais um aumento do prestígio feminino ao longo do tempo.
Pupil Trend Reflects Suboptimal Alertness Maintenance over 10 s in Vigilance and Working Memory Performance: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Yamashita Jumpei , Terashima Hiroki , Yoneya Makoto , Maruya Kazushi , Oishi Haruo , Kumada Takatsune
Published: November 2024

Maintaining concentration on demanding cognitive tasks, such as vigilance (VG) and working memory (WM) tasks, is crucial for successful task completion. Previous research suggests that internal concentration maintenance fluctuates, potentially declining to suboptimal states, which can influence trial-by-trial performance in these tasks. However, the timescale of such alertness maintenance, as indicated by slow changes in pupil diameter, has not been thoroughly investigated. This study explored whether “pupil trends”—which selectively signal suboptimal tonic alertness maintenance at various timescales—negatively correlate with trial-by-trial performance in VG and WM tasks. Using the psychomotor vigilance task (VG) and the visual–spatial two-back task (WM), we found that human pupil trends lasting over 10 s were significantly higher in trials with longer reaction times, indicating poorer performance, compared with shorter reaction time trials, which indicated better performance. The attention network test further validated that these slow trends reflect suboptimal states related to (tonic) alertness maintenance rather than suboptimal performance specific to VG and WM tasks, which is more associated with (phasic) responses to instantaneous interference. These findings highlight the potential role of detecting and compensating for nonoptimal states in VG and WM performance, significantly beyond the 10 s timescale. Additionally, the findings suggest the possibility of estimating human concentration during various visual tasks, even when rapid pupil changes occur due to luminance fluctuations.
Neural Encoding of Direction and Distance across Reference Frames in Visually Guided Reaching
Authors: Caceres Alejandra Harris , Barany Deborah A. , Dundon Neil M. , Smith Jolinda , Marneweck Michelle
Published: November 2024

Goal-directed actions require transforming sensory information into motor plans defined across multiple parameters and reference frames. Substantial evidence supports the encoding of target direction in gaze- and body-centered coordinates within parietal and premotor regions. However, how the brain encodes the equally critical parameter of target distance remains less understood. Here, using Bayesian pattern component modeling of fMRI data during a delayed reach-to-target task, we dissociated the neural encoding of both target direction and the relative distances between target, gaze, and hand at early and late stages of motor planning. This approach revealed independent representations of direction and distance along the human dorsomedial reach pathway. During early planning, most premotor and superior parietal areas encoded a target’s distance in single or multiple reference frames and encoded its direction. In contrast, distance encoding was magnified in gaze- and body-centric reference frames during late planning. These results emphasize a flexible and efficient human central nervous system that achieves goals by remapping sensory information related to multiple parameters, such as distance and direction, in the same brain areas.