Search

Abstract Deep geology of ancient continental crust can be difficult to access, with direct observation restricted to limited exposures. The age and composition of hidden geology can be gleaned from indirect isotopic modelling or via detrital minerals within overlying basins. Here we present an alternative, where direct grain sampling of ancient components within the South West Terrane, Yilgarn Craton, by a Proterozoic dyke evidences deep intact, or detritus from, Paleoarchean crust. U–Pb geochronology on this dyke reveals c. 3440 Ma zircon inclusions within titanite. This zircon was protected from overprinting fluids that obliterated unshielded crystals. Similar ancient zircon is present within recent sediment from the Swan-Avon river, which drains the terrane. The most parsimonious interpretation is that the dyke is 1390 Ma. Sequential overprinting is also recorded, with titanite preserving primary crystallization and c. 1000 Ma Pinjarra Orogeny-related overprinting. In contrast, apatite preserves c. 210 Ma ages, correlated with denudation of sedimentary cover.

Caused by four serotypes, dengue fever is a major public health concern worldwide. Current modeling efforts have mostly focused on primary and heterologous secondary infections, assuming that lifelong immunity prevents reinfections by the same serotype. However, recent findings challenge this assumption, prompting a reevaluation of dengue immunity dynamics.In this study, we develop a within-host modeling framework to explore different scenarios of dengue infections. Unlike previous studies, we go beyond a deterministic framework, considering individual immunological variability. Both deterministic and stochastic models are calibrated using empirical data on viral load and antibody (IgM and IgG) concentrations for all dengue serotypes, incorporating confidence intervals derived from stochastic realizations.With good agreement between the mean of the stochastic realizations and the mean field solution for each model, our approach not only successfully captures primary and heterologous secondary infection dynamics facilitated by antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) but also provides, for the first time, insights into homotypic reinfection dynamics. Our study discusses the relevance of homotypic reinfections in dengue transmission at the population level, highlighting potential implications for disease prevention and control strategies.

Replacing fossil resources as the primary source of carbon‐based chemicals by alternative feedstocks, while implementing more sustainable production routes, has become imperative for environmental and resource sustainability. In this context, lignin, often treated as a biomass waste, emerges as an appealing candidate, considering the principles of circular economy. For this pursuit, depolymerization methods offer potential strategies to harness lignin to produce valuable organic chemicals, while electrocatalysis processes stand out especially in the context of sustainability, as they can be powered by electricity from renewable sources. This minireview article explores the pivotal role of various electrocatalysts in lignin depolymerization, investigating both oxidative and reductive pathways. Emphasizing recent advancements, the review delves into the diverse nature of electrocatalysts and their influence on lignin valorization. Highlighting current trends, the discussion encompasses the catalytic mechanisms and selectivity of electrochemical processes employed for lignin breakdown. Additionally, some insights into emerging technologies are also offered, emphasizing the need for sustainable and efficient strategies. By providing an overview of the field, this minireview aims to guide future research endeavors toward innovative electrocatalytic approaches for lignin depolymerization, paving the way for sustainable biorefinery processes.

Background Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a disease with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. We investigated the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to identify predictors of disease outcome and to explore targets for therapeutic modulation.Methods Liver tissue samples were collected during 2008–2019 from patients (n = 139) diagnosed with ICC who underwent curative intent surgery without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Samples from the discovery cohort (n = 86) were immunohistochemically analyzed on tissue microarrays (TMAs) for the expression of CD68, CD3, CD4, CD8, Foxp3, PD-L1, STAT1, and p-STAT1 in tumor core and stroma areas. Results were digitally analyzed using QuPath software and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. For validation of TIME-related biomarkers, we performed multiplex imaging mass cytometry (IMC) in a validation cohort (n = 53).Results CD68+ cells were the predominant immune cell type in the TIME of ICC. CD4+high T cell density correlated with better overall survival (OS). Prediction modeling together with validation cohort confirmed relevance of CD4+ cells, PD-L1 expression by immune cells in the stroma and N-stage on overall disease outcome. In turn, IMC analyses revealed that silent CD3+CD4+ clusters inversely impacted survival. Among annotated immune cell clusters, PD-L1 was most relevantly expressed by CD4+FoxP3+ cells. A subset of tumors with high density of immune cells (“hot” cluster) correlated with PD-L1 expression and could identify a group of candidates for immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). Ultimately, higher levels of STAT1 expression were associated with higher lymphocyte infiltration and PD-L1 expression.Conclusions These results highlight the importance of CD4+ T cells in immune response against ICC. Secondly, a subset of tumors with “hot” TIME represents potential candidates for ICI, while stimulation of STAT1 pathway could be a potential target to turn “cold” into “hot” TIME in ICC.

This study builds upon our experience with electrocatalyzed dearomatization of lignin in aqueous systems, which has shown to produce sodium levulinate, sodium 4-hydroxyvalerate, sodium acetate, and sodium formate as major products. Here, we extend this investigation by exploring a water/γ-valerolactone (GVL) solvent system for electrochemical depolymerization and dearomatization of lignin, using Na2CO3 as electrolyte. GVL, derived from biomass, has frequently been employed for biomass treatment, notably in the Organosolv process. Consequently, various biorefinery strategies have emerged utilizing GVL as a green platform, primarily for its potential in delignifying lignocellulosic biomass when combined with water and dilute acid. This study proposes electrochemical depolymerization of lignin in GVL as a step toward the concept of a bioelectrorefinery, aiming to convert lignin into aliphatic organic chemicals. Consistent with our prior work in aqueous systems, applying a current of −100 mA over 8 h yielded sodium levulinate, sodium 4-hydroxyvalerate, sodium acetate, and sodium formate. Confirmation was provided by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and infrared spectroscopy. These findings advance our understanding of GVL as a biomass-based platform, highlighting its potential not only for biomass treatment but also as a medium for converting lignin into valuable aliphatic chemicals.

En el ámbito de los datos estadísticos, tanto en las ciencias naturales como sociales, se ha observado que la distribución de los primeros, segundos y dos primeros dígitos en datos reales sigue frecuentemente un patrón conocido como la “ley de Benford”. Esta ley, ha sido utilizada recientemente como una herramienta para identificar anomalías en distintas bases de datos, sugiriendo en algunos casos la posibilidad de fraude. Se observó que los dígitos de datos “genuinos” tienden a seguir la ley, mientras que los dígitos de datos manipulados no lo hacen. En este trabajo, exploramos su aplicabilidad más allá del ámbito financiero, investigando si pueden detectar irregularidades en datos científicos, específicamente en la estadística oficial de captura de la pesquería argentina de corvina rubia (Micropogonias furnieri). Para tal fin, comparamos la frecuencia del primer, segundo y el primer par de dígitos de la captura con la distribución esperada, utilizando la desviación media absoluta (MAD). Implementamos una metodología basada en simulaciones de Monte Carlo y el test de Kolmogorov-Smirnov para calcular los valores críticos de la prueba de conformidad MAD, abordando la naturaleza única de los datos y la variabilidad en el tamaño de la muestra. El análisis realizado, sugirió la existencia de anomalías que podrían indicar patrones inusuales que merecen una investigación más detallada. En el ámbito de la evaluación, manejo/administración y conservación de los recursos pesqueros, la confiabilidad de los datos de captura es esencial. El uso de la ley de Benford, podría optimizar la selección de la información utilizada para elaborar indicadores y reducir la incertidumbre en la estimación del estado poblacional de los recursos.

Abstract The rational design and implementation of synthetic mammalian communication systems can unravel fundamental design principles of cell communication circuits and offer a framework for engineering of designer cell consortia with potential applications in cell therapeutics. Here, we develop the foundations of an orthogonal, and scalable mammalian synthetic communication platform that exploits the programmability of synthetic receptors and selective affinity and tunability of diffusing coiled-coil peptides. Leveraging the ability of coiled-coils to exclusively bind to a cognate receptor, we demonstrate orthogonal receptor activation and Boolean logic operations at the receptor level. We show intercellular communication based on synthetic receptors and secreted multidomain coiled-coils and demonstrate a three-cell population system that can perform AND gate logic. Finally, we show CC-GEMS receptor-dependent therapeutic protein expression. Our work provides a modular and scalable framework for the engineering of complex cell consortia, with the potential to expand the aptitude of cell therapeutics and diagnostics.

Among the stimuli able to prevent early decreases in bone mineralization, exercise has a noticeable role per se as the source of mechanical stimulus or through lean tissue enlargement by its increasing of tensional stimulus. However, prevention strategies, including exercise, generally do not establish the moment in life when attention should begin to be paid to bone integrity, according to age group- and sex-related differences. Thus, this study analyzed the relationship between variables from the diagnosis of total and regional body composition, muscle strength, and bone mineral content (BMC) of femurs in young adult males. Thirty-four young Caucasian men (24.9 ± 8.6 years) had their body composition and bone density assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry. The subjects performed a one-repetition maximum test (1-RM) in a bench press, front pulley, seated-row, push press, arm curl, triceps pulley, leg flexion, leg extension, and 45° leg press for the assessment of muscle strength in upper and lower limbs in single- and multi-joint exercises. Lean tissue mass in the trunk and upper and lower limbs were related to femoral BMC (Pearson coefficient ranging from 0.55 to 0.72, p < 0.01), and 1-RM values for different exercises involving both upper and lower limbs also correlated with femoral BMC (Pearson coefficients ranging from 0.34 to 0.46, p < 0.05). Taken together, these correlations suggest that muscle mass and strength are positively linked with the magnitude of femoral mass in men, even in early adulthood. Hence, the importance of an enhanced muscle mass and strength to the health of femoral bones in young adults was highlighted.

Background: The enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system's response to tumors, but its exact role in cancer, especially in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of IDO1 expression and its correlation with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in HGSOC. Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and bioimage analysis using the QuPath software were employed to assess IDO1 protein expression in a well-characterized cohort of 507 patients with primary HGSOC. Statistical evaluation was performed using SPSS, and in silico validation considering IDO1 mRNA expression in bulk and single-cell gene expression datasets was conducted. Additionally, IDO1 expression in interferon-gamma (IFNG) stimulated HGSOC cell lines was analyzed. Results: Our findings revealed that IDO1 protein and mRNA expression serve as positive prognostic markers for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in HGSOC. High IDO1 expression was associated with a significant improvement in OS by 21 months (p

The timing of deformation in ancient shear zones of the Akia Terrane, Greenland, is recorded by the Proterozoic Rb-Sr age of mylonitic biotite which is determined through collision cell laser ablation and inverse thermal history modelling.

Abstract Each year, more than 40,000 people undergo mitral valve (MV) repair surgery domestically to treat regurgitation caused by myocardial infarction (MI). Although continual MV tissue remodelling following repair is believed to be a major contributor to regurgitation recurrence, the effects of the post-MI state on MV remodelling remain poorly understood. This lack of understanding limits our ability to predict the remodelling of the MV both post-MI and post-surgery to facilitate surgical planning. As a necessary first step, the present study was undertaken to noninvasively quantify the effects of MI on MV remodelling in terms of leaflet geometry and deformation. MI was induced in eight adult Dorset sheep, and real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic (rt-3DE) scans were collected pre-MI as well as at 0, 4, and 8 weeks post-MI. A previously validated image-based morphing pipeline was used to register corresponding open- and closed-state scans and extract local in-plane strains throughout the leaflet surface at systole. We determined that MI induced permanent changes in leaflet dimensions in the diastolic configuration, which increased with time to 4 weeks, then stabilised. MI substantially affected the systolic shape of the MV, and the range of stretch experienced by the MV leaflet at peak systole was substantially reduced when referred to the current time-point. Interestingly, when we referred the leaflet strains to the pre-MI configuration, the systolic strains remained very similar throughout the post-MI period. Overall, we observed that post-MI ventricular remodeling induced permanent changes in the MV leaflet shape. This predominantly affected the MV’s diastolic configuration, leading in turn to a significant decrease in the range of stretch experienced by the leaflet when referenced to the current diastolic configuration. These findings are consistent with our previous work that demonstrated increased plastic (i.e. non-recoverable) leaflet deformations post-MI, that was completely accounted for by the associated changes in collagen fiber structure. Moreover, we demonstrated through noninvasive methods that the state of the MV leaflet can elucidate the progression and extent of MV adaptation following MI and is thus highly relevant to the design of current and novel patient specific minimally invasive surgical repair strategies.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered an endocrine-disrupting compound and can cause toxicological effects, even at low doses. The development of sensitive and reliable sensors that would allow the detection of such contaminant is highly pursued. Herein, we report an electrochemical sensing strategy based on a simple and low-cost nanocomposite film sensor platform for BPA detection. The platform was developed by modifying a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode with layer-by-layer (LbL) films of chitosan (Chi) and gold nanoparticles functionalized with a polythiophene derivative (AuNPs:PTS). The growth of the Chi/AuNPs:PTS LbL films was monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Electrochemical characterization revealed that the three-bilayer film exhibited the highest electrocatalytic performance and differential-pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements demonstrated that the modified electrode was suitable for BPA detection through a quasi-reversible and adsorption-controlled electrochemical oxidation and reduction process. The developed sensor exhibited a linear response range from 0.4 to 20 μmol L−1, with a detection limit of 0.32 μmol L−1. The sensor showed good reproducibility with relative standard deviations of 2.12% and 3.73% to intra- and inter-electrode, respectively. Furthermore, the platform demonstrated to be suitable to detect BPA in real water samples, as well as selective for BPA detection in solutions with 100-fold excess of common interfering compounds.

Research towards the production of renewable chemicals for fuel and energy industries has found lignin valorization as key. With a high carbon content and aromaticity, a fine-tuning of the depolymerization process is required to convert lignin into valuable chemicals. In context, model compounds have been used to understand the electrocatalyzed depolymerization for mimicking the typical linkages of lignin. In this investigation, 2-phenoxyacetophenone, a model compound for lignin β-O-4 linkage, was electro-catalytically hydrogenated (ECH) in distinct three-electrode setups: an open and a membrane cell. A deep eutectic solvent based on ethylene-glycol and choline chloride was used to pursue sustainable routes to dissolve lignin. Copper was used as electrocatalyst due to the economic feasibility and low activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), a side reaction of ECH. By varying the cell type, we demonstrate a simple ECH route for the generation of different monomers and oligomers from lignin. Gas chromatography of the products revealed a higher content of carbonyl groups in those using the membrane cell, whereas the open cell produced mostly hydroxyl-end chemicals. Aiming at high value-added products, our results disclose the cell type influence on electrochemical reductive depolymerization of lignin. This approach encompasses cheap transition metal electrodes and sustainable solvents.

ABSTRACTPhotoluminescent carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), such as carbon dots (CDs), have attracted much attention owing to a unique set of properties, like high and tunable fluorescence. In this way, the use of carbon-rich lignin has been demonstrated to be a sustainable approach to producing a broad range of photoluminescent CNPs. However, the valorization of this complex polyphenol is limited when it comes to green and efficient ways of conversion. In addition, the existing solvothermal approaches using lignin often result in CDs with low photoluminescence, while flammable and/or toxic solvents are employed. Here, we depolymerized technical lignins, i.e. kraft and soda, through electroreductive cleavage in two different sustainable media: deep eutectic solvent and levulinic acid. After depolymerization, lignin-derived monomers were generated, with a predominance of aryl ether and phenolic groups, which were further combined with 1,2-Phenylenediamine to produce N-doped CNPs in a solvent-free approach. Photoluminescent CNPs with varied sizes were generated (5–50 nm), which presented a wide photoluminescence emission, from blue to red, depending on solvent polarity. These results demonstrate a feasible and sustainable route for the solvent-free synthesis of photoluminescent CNPs using lignin-derived monomers as carbon source, which may find applications in a wide range of fields.

The achievement of frictionless systems, known as superlubricity, has become of great importance concerning energy saving and emission reduction. In parallel, the drive toward sustainability and environmental aspects has led to intense advances in the research and development of biobased materials. From the standpoint of Green Chemistry principles, this review presents a critical overview of the latest findings and future perspectives on the application of biobased materials aiming at superlubricant pursuits. The progress in the use of biomacromolecules, such as chitosan, cellulose, and lignin, as additives to lubricants or coating materials, are addressed, as well as the advances on sustainable coatings based on diamond-like carbon (DLC). Deeper investigations on the development of non-hazardous processes dedicated to the tribological properties of DLC, such as electrochemical synthesis using environment-friendly solvents to generate molecular precursors, widen the perspectives to achieve sustainable materials. Besides, the exploration of the tribochemical interactions between the DLC surface and lubricants containing biobased materials arises as a promising strategy to achieve green superlubricity as a viable and scalable process, through different pathways: by hydrogen bonds between lubricant and additives, via surface passivation of the functional groups present in these biomacromolecules or by biomimicking natural joints.

Abstract Background Our objective was to assess whether modifications to a customized targeted RNA sequencing (RNAseq) assay to include unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) that collapse read counts to their source mRNA counts would improve quantification of transcripts from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue samples. The assay (SET4) includes signatures that measure hormone receptor and PI3-kinase related transcriptional activity (SETER/PR and PI3Kges), and measures expression of selected activating point mutations and key breast cancer genes. Methods Modifications included steps to introduce eight nucleotides-long UMIs during reverse transcription (RT) in bulk solution, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of labeled cDNA in droplets, with optimization of the polymerase enzyme and reaction conditions. We used Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) to measure concordance, including precision (Rho) and accuracy (Bias), and nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon, Levene’s) to compare the modified (NEW) SET4 assay to the original (OLD) SET4 assay and to whole transcriptome RNAseq using RNA from matched fresh frozen (FF) and FFPE samples from 12 primary breast cancers. Results The modified (NEW) SET4 assay measured single transcripts (p

Abstract Topical anesthetics are widely applied in order to relieve the discomfort and anxiety caused by needle insertion and other painful superficial interventions at the oral cavity. So far, there are no commercially available effective topical anesthetic formulations for that purpose, and the most of developments are related to hydrophilic and low mucoadhesive forms. Therefore, we have prepared different hybrid nanofilms composed of biopolymer matrices (chitosan, pectin, and chitosan-pectin) blended with nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) loading the eutectic mixture of 5% lidocaine–prilocaine (LDC–PLC), in order to fulfill this gap in the market. These dual systems were processed as hybrid nanofilms by the solvent/casting method, and its mucoadhesive, structural and mechanical properties were detailed. The most appropriate hybrid nanofilm combined the advantages of both pectin (PCT) and NLC components. The resultant material presented sustained LDC–PLC release profile for more than 8 h; permeation across porcine buccal mucosa almost twice higher than control and non-cytotoxicity against 3T3 and HACAT cell lines. Then, the in vivo efficacy of PCT/NLC formulation was compared to biopolymer film and commercial drug, exhibiting the longest-lasting anesthetic effect (> 7 h), assessed by tail flick test in mice. These pectin-based hybrid nanofilms open perspectives for clinical trials and applications beyond Dentistry.

This conceptual review investigates whether functional training (FT) is a different approach from traditional strength, power, flexibility, and endurance (aerobic or cardiorespiratory) training already adopted in the physical training plan of professional, recreational athletes, healthy, and older adults. The 20 most recent papers published involving FT were searched in the PubMed/Medline database. Definition, concepts, benefits, and the exercises employed in FT programs were analyzed. The main results were: (a) there is no agreement about a universal definition for FT; (b) FT programs aim at developing the same benefits already induced by traditional training programs; (c) exercises employed are also the same. The inability to define FT makes the differentiation from traditional training programs difficult. Physical training programs can be easily described and classified as strength, power, flexibility, endurance, and the specific exercises employed (e.g., traditional resistance training, ballistic exercises, plyometrics and Olympic-style weightlifting, continuous and high-intensity interval training). This apt description and classification may provide consistent and clear communication between students, coaches, athletes, and sports scientists. Based on the current evidence and to avoid confusion and misconceptions, we recommend that the terms FT, high-intensity FT, and functional fitness training no longer describe any physical training program.

Abstract Background Utilization of RNA sequencing methods to measure gene expression from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples in translational research and clinical trials requires reliable interpretation of the impact of pre-analytical variables on the data obtained, particularly the methods used to preserve samples and to purify RNA. Methods Matched tissue samples from 12 breast cancers were fresh frozen (FF) and preserved in RNAlater or fixed in formalin and processed as FFPE tissue. Total RNA was extracted and purified from FF samples using the Qiagen RNeasy kit, and in duplicate from FFPE tissue sections using three different kits (Norgen, Qiagen and Roche). All RNA samples underwent whole transcriptome RNA sequencing (wtRNAseq) and targeted RNA sequencing for 31 transcripts included in a signature of sensitivity to endocrine therapy. We assessed the effect of RNA extraction kit on the reliability of gene expression levels using linear mixed-effects model analysis, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and differential analysis. All protein-coding genes in the wtRNAseq and three gene expression signatures for breast cancer were assessed for concordance. Results Despite variable quality of the RNA extracted from FFPE samples by different kits, all had similar concordance of overall gene expression from wtRNAseq between matched FF and FFPE samples (median CCC 0.63–0.66) and between technical replicates (median expression difference 0.13–0.22). More than half of genes were differentially expressed between FF and FFPE, but with low fold change (median |LFC| 0.31–0.34). Two out of three breast cancer signatures studied were highly robust in all samples using any kit, whereas the third signature was similarly discordant irrespective of the kit used. The targeted RNAseq assay was concordant between FFPE and FF samples using any of the kits (CCC 0.91–0.96). Conclusions The selection of kit to purify RNA from FFPE did not influence the overall quality of results from wtRNAseq, thus variable reproducibility of gene signatures probably relates to the reliability of individual gene selected and possibly to the algorithm. Targeted RNAseq showed promising performance for clinical deployment of quantitative assays in breast cancer from FFPE samples, although numerical scores were not identical to those from wtRNAseq and would require calibration.

Thoracic aortopathy-aneurysm, dissection, and rupture-is increasingly responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Advances in medical genetics and imaging have improved diagnosis and thus enabled earlier prophylactic surgical intervention in many cases. There remains a pressing need, however, to understand better the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms with the hope of finding robust pharmacotherapies. Diverse studies in patients and mouse models of aortopathy have revealed critical changes in multiple smooth muscle cell signaling pathways that associate with disease, yet integrating information across studies and models has remained challenging. We present a new quantitative network model that includes many of the key smooth muscle cell signaling pathways and validate the model using a detailed data set that focuses on hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and its inhibition using rapamycin. We show that the model can be parameterized to capture the primary experimental findings both qualitatively and quantitatively. We further show that simulating a population of cells by varying receptor reaction weights leads to distinct proteomic clusters within the population, and that these clusters emerge due to a bistable switch driven by positive feedback in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

En este artículo se presentan las decisiones de diseño y construcción de un robot móvil autónomo que navega en la superficie acuática, conocido como vehículo autónomo de superficie (ASV por sus siglas en inglés). Fue casi totalmente desarrollado y armado en los laboratorios del Núcleo INTELYMEC-CIFICEN, de la Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina en cooperación con una empresa interesada en su comercialización. Este prototipo, llamado MACÁBOT ha sido exitosamente probado en aguas calmas. Desde el punto de vista de I+D, se lo empleará como una plataforma experimental para nuevos algoritmos y tecnología subacuática. Su construcción mecánica, la electrónica de bajo nivel, como también su arquitectura de software es explicada. También se presentan las primeras pruebas acuáticas con una discusión sobre las mismas.

This review aimed to analyze the findings in the literature related to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) through an exploratory systematic review and to present the state of the art from a multifactorial perspective. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement, with a search performed in the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Participants were competitive athletes (amateurs or professionals) of regional, national, or international levels. Of the 2763 registries identified, 112 studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled sample size and age were 20,784 participants, with a mean age of 27.7 ± 6 years for male and 28.9 ± 3 years for female, with the vast majority of athletes being male (94.9%). MMA athletes were 17.2% amateurs, 73.8% professionals, and 9% were not reported. The scientific literature related to MMA reported injuries (n = 28), weight loss (n = 21), technical and tactical analysis (n = 23), physical fitness (n = 8), physiological responses and training characteristics (n = 13), psychobiological parameters (n = 12), and interventions applied to MMA athletes (n = 7). Therefore, this exploratory systematic review presents practitioners and researchers with seven broad summaries of each facet of performance of importance in this population of athletes.

Abstract Living-dead creatures are recurrent in various folk myths and recently became an icon of popular culture. The “zombie-ism” is usually caused by an infectious-like disease that has no cure and ultimately inflicts most of the human population, leading to a Zombie Apocalypse. In this work, we propose an epidemiological model for a zombie outbreak. By introducing an infection parameter, we show that human survival is possible in certain scenarios. Furthermore, our model allows for three distinct dynamical regimes, only one of which accounts for the full blown Zombie Apocalypse. Our results are obtained both for a fully connected time continuous model and for a stochastic individual based approach.

Indoor localization has been an active research area for the last two decades. A great number of sensors have been applied in the task of localization—some with high computational and energy demands (e.g. laser beams), or with issues related to the coverage area, for example, by making use of images obtained by a network of cameras. A different approach, which presents less energy demands and a wide area of coverage, can be created by means of the signal strength of wireless networks. The open issue with signal strength is its high instability due to interferences, attenuation and fading, which, in general, makes the localization systems to present less than desired accuracy. In this article, we exploit the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (ConvNets) in the task of localization. The main motivation behind the employment of ConvNets is its inherent ability of feature extraction, which we believe can deal better with the noise without a filtering step. We evaluate how ConvNets can be employed and identify the best topologies that lead to the lowest errors.

Cu2O low-index surfaces periodic models have been simulated based on density functional theory. The calculated surfaces energies allowed estimating the morphology by means of the Wulff theorem as well as the investigation of possible paths of morphological changes. Therefore, systematic morphology diagrams and change paths according to the energy modulation in relation to the surfaces stabilizations were elaborated. The applicability of this strategy was exemplified by comparing the obtained results with experimental available data from the literature. The morphology diagrams with the quantitative energetic point of view can be used as a guide to support experimental works in order to understand the relation between surface interactions and crystal growth.

Abstract AIMS To analyze if different resistance training (machine vs free weight) would have different acute hypotensive effect in active and normotensive individuals. METHODS Fifteen male volunteers (39.2±2.5 years) performed two different resistance exercise protocols, one on machinery and one with free weights for the similar muscle groups and volume (sets x repetitions). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at rest and during 60 minutes after the sessions. RESULTS There was no interaction between (treatments vs time) for SBP (F 70, 84 = 0.9445, p = 0.595) and DBP (F 70, 84 = 0.5743, p = 0.991). However, significant differences for time for SBP (F 14, 84 = 7.058, p = 0.001) and DBP (F 14, 84 = 3.296, p = 0.001), and treatment for SBP (F 5, 6 = 291.1, p = 0.001) and DBP (F 5, 6 = 13.29, p = 0.003) were varified. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that both resistance training (machine or free weight) induce a similar hypotensive response for SBP in normotensive men.