AI can fool us humans, but not at the psycho-physiological level: a hyperscanning and physiological synchrony study

Background: Amino acids are crucially involved in a myriad of biological processes. Any aberrant changes in physiological level of amino acids often manifest in common metabolic disorders, serious neurological conditions and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, devising methods for detection of trace amounts of amino acids becomes highly elemental to their efficient clinical diagnosis. Recently, the domain of developing optical sensors for detection of amino acids has witnessed significant activity which is the focus of the current review article. Methods: We undertook a detailed search of the peer-reviewed literature that primarily deals with optical sensors for amino acids and focuses on the use of different type of materials as a sensing platform. Results: Ninety-five papers have been included in the review, majority of which deal with optical sensors. We attempt to systematically classify these contributions based on the applications of various chemical and biological scaffolds such as polymers, supramolecular assemblies, nanoparticles, DNA, heparin etc for the sensing of amino acids. This review identifies that supramolecular assemblies and nanomaterial continue to be commonly used platforms to devise sensors for amino acids followed by surfactant assemblies. Conclusion: The broad implications of amino acids in human health and diagnosis have stirred a lot of interest to develop optimized optical detection systems for amino acids in recent years, using different materials based on chemical and biological scaffolds. We have also attempted to highlight the merits and demerits of some of the noteworthy sensor systems to instigate further efforts for constructing amino acids sensor based on unconventional concepts.

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Data-driven modelling approach to circadian temperature rhythm profiles in free-living conditions

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-94522-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jari Lipsanen ◽

Liisa Kuula ◽

Marko Elovainio ◽

Timo Partonen ◽

Anu-Katriina Pesonen

Keyword(s):

Skin Surface ◽

Living Conditions ◽

Data Driven ◽

Physiological Data ◽

Free Living ◽

Physiological Level ◽

Temperature Rhythm ◽

Time Series Modelling ◽

Circadian Preference ◽

Free Living Conditions

AbstractThe individual variation in the circadian rhythms at the physiological level is not well understood. Albeit self-reported circadian preference profiles have been consolidated, their premises are grounded on human experience, not on physiology. We used data-driven, unsupervised time series modelling to characterize distinct profiles of the circadian rhythm measured from skin surface temperature in free-living conditions. We demonstrate the existence of three distinct clusters of individuals which differed in their circadian temperature profiles. The cluster with the highest temperature amplitude and the lowest midline estimating statistic of rhythm, or rhythm-adjusted mean, had the most regular and early-timed sleep–wake rhythm, and was the least probable for those with a concurrent delayed sleep phase, or eveningness chronotype. While the clusters associated with the observed sleep and circadian preference patterns, the entirely unsupervised modelling of physiological data provides a novel basis for modelling and understanding the human circadian functions in free-living conditions.

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What Did We Accomplish in Fighting Radical Species in Human Health?

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10030466 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 466

Author(s):

Rachid Skouta

Keyword(s):

Reactive Oxygen Species ◽

Human Health ◽

Reactive Nitrogen Species ◽

Reactive Oxygen ◽

The Body ◽

Reactive Nitrogen ◽

Oxygen Species ◽

Nitrogen Species ◽

Radical Species ◽

Physiological Level

Maintaining the physiological level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the body is highly important in the fight against radical species in the context of human health [...]

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Plant-Based Protein Hydrolysate Improves Salinity Tolerance in Hemp: Agronomical and Physiological Aspects

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11020342 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 342 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ida Di Mola ◽

Stefano Conti ◽

Eugenio Cozzolino ◽

Giuseppe Melchionna ◽

Lucia Ottaiano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cannabis Sativa ◽

Protein Hydrolysate ◽

Saline Water ◽

Natural Fibers ◽

Photochemical Reactions ◽

Physiological Level ◽

Affected Plant ◽

Salinity Levels ◽

Irrigation Solution ◽

Insight Into

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a multipurpose plant attracting increasing interest as a source for the production of natural fibers, paper, bio-building material and food. In this research we studied the agronomical performance of Cannabis sativa cv. Eletta Campana irrigated with saline water. Under those conditions, we tested the effect of protein hydrolysate (PH) biostimulant application in overcoming and/or balancing deleterious salinity effects. The results of the diverse treatments were also investigated at the physiological level, focusing on photosynthesis by means of a chlorophyll a fluorescence technique, which give an insight into the plant primary photochemical reactions. Four salinity levels of the irrigation solution (fresh water–EC0, and NaCl solutions at EC 2.0, 4.0 or 6.0 dS m−1, EC2, EC4 and EC6, respectively) were combined with 2 biostimulant treatments (untreated (control) or treated with a commercial legume-derived protein hydrolysate (LDPH)). The increasing salinity affected plant photochemistry resulting in lower plant growth and seed production, while the LDPH biostimulant showed a protective effect, which improved crop performance both in control and in salinity conditions. The LDPH treatment improved seeds yield (+38.6% on average of all treated plants respect to untreated plants), as well as residual biomass, relevant in fiber production.

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Comparative Proteomic Analysis during the Involvement of Nitric Oxide in Hydrogen Gas-Improved Postharvest Freshness in Cut Lilies

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms19123955 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (12) ◽

pp. 3955 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jianqiang Huo ◽

Dengjing Huang ◽

Jing Zhang ◽

Hua Fang ◽

Bo Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nitric Oxide ◽

Atp Synthase ◽

Hydrogen Gas ◽

Vase Life ◽

Photosynthetic Parameters ◽

Cut Flowers ◽

Proteomics Analysis ◽

Physiological Level ◽

Positive Effects ◽

The Relationship

Our previous studies suggested that both hydrogen gas (H2) and nitric oxide (NO) could enhance the postharvest freshness of cut flowers. However, the crosstalk of H2 and NO during that process is unknown. Here, cut lilies (Lilium “Manissa”) were used to investigate the relationship between H2 and NO and to identify differentially accumulated proteins during postharvest freshness. The results revealed that 1% hydrogen-rich water (HRW) and 150 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP) significantly extended the vase life and quality, while NO inhibitors suppressed the positive effects of HRW. Proteomics analysis found 50 differentially accumulated proteins in lilies leaves which were classified into seven functional categories. Among them, ATP synthase CF1 alpha subunit (chloroplast) (AtpA) was up-regulated by HRW and down-regulated by NO inhibitor. The expression level of LlatpA gene was consistent with the result of proteomics analysis. The positive effect of HRW and SNP on ATP synthase activity was inhibited by NO inhibitor. Meanwhile, the physiological-level analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters also agreed with the expression of AtpA regulated by HRW and SNP. Altogether, our results suggested that NO might be involved in H2-improved freshness of cut lilies, and AtpA protein may play important roles during that process.

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Coastal sand dunes as biological systems

Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh Section B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0269727000010836 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 96 ◽

pp. 17-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

A. J. Willis

Keyword(s):

Sand Dunes ◽

Coastal Dunes ◽

Nutrient Status ◽

Large Animal ◽

Ammophila Arenaria ◽

Physiological Level ◽

Tyria Jacobaeae ◽

Ecological Importance ◽

Dune Plants ◽

Stress Metabolites

SynopsisWith the gradation of intensities of environmental factors from the strand-line to stable inland areas, coastal dunes show many ecological phenomena especially clearly. These are reviewed broadly, with some emphasis on topics on which important advances are being made. The nutrient status of dune soil and changes with time are shown with reference to several dune systems. Changes in major nutrients are given for Braunton Burrows, north Devon, where the influence of nitrogen fixation by Lotus corniculatus is illustrated. The effects of sand burial on plants are considered, and details given of the root systems of vigorous and relict marram; factors which may affect its decline in vigour are reviewed. Also discussed is the likely significance of nematodes in the decline of Hippophaë rhamnoides. Reasons for the richness of the dune flora are considered and also some autecological studies. At the physiological level, reference is made to the water relations of plants and at the biochemical level to the occurrence and possible ecological importance of stress metabolites. Life strategies, phenology, survivorship, competition and the population ecology of dune plants are reviewed and also the interaction of ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae). The population genetics of dune plants is illustrated by reference to Festuca rubra and Ammophila arenaria and of animals to Cepaea nemoralis.The abundance and ecological relationships of the invertebrate fauna are exemplified by surveys at Spurn Point, extensive investigations on spiders and the influence of marram on arthropod communities. The ecology of the natterjack load is considered in relation to conservation and the effects of large animal grazers in relation to the diversity of vegetation.

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The proliferative effect of cortisol on bovine endometrial epithelial cells

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-019-0544-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Junsheng Dong ◽

Jun Li ◽

Jianji Li ◽

Luying Cui ◽

Xia Meng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Growth Factors ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Epithelial Cells ◽

Signaling Pathways ◽

Akt Signaling ◽

Tissue Growth ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Physiological Level ◽

Endometrial Epithelial Cells

Abstract Background Bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) undergo regular regeneration after calving. Elevated cortisol concentrations have been reported in postpartum cattle due to various stresses. However, the effects of the physiological level of cortisol on proliferation in BEECs have not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cortisol can influence the proliferation properties of BEECs and to clarify the possible underlying mechanism. Methods BEECs were treated with different concentrations of cortisol (5, 15 and 30 ng/mL). The mRNA expression of various growth factors was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), progression of the cell cycle in BEECs was measured using flow cytometric analysis, and the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Cortisol treatment resulted in upregulated mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF); however, it had no influence on transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). Cortisol (15 ng/mL) accelerated the cell cycle transition from the G0/G1 to the S phase. Cortisol upregulated the expression of β-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclinD1 and promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. Conclusions These results demonstrated that cortisol may promote proliferation in BEECs by increasing the expression of some growth factors and activating the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

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Relationship Between Physiological Response Type (RA and SA) and Vibrissal Receptive Field of Neurons Within the Rat Trigeminal Ganglion

Journal of Neurophysiology ◽

10.1152/jn.00157.2005 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 95 (5) ◽

pp. 3129-3145 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Steven C. Leiser ◽

Karen A. Moxon

Keyword(s):

Trigeminal Ganglion ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Receptive Fields ◽

Somatosensory System ◽

Response Type ◽

Physiological Level ◽

Somatotopic Organization ◽

Tactile Stimuli ◽

Distinct Features ◽

The Relationship

Cells within the trigeminal ganglion (Vg) encode all the information necessary for the rat to differentiate tactile stimuli, yet it is the least-studied component in the rodent trigeminal somatosensory system. For example, extensive anatomical and electrophysiological investigations have shown clear somatotopic organization in the higher levels of this system, including VPM thalamus and SI cortex, yet whether this conserved schemata exists in the Vg is unknown. Moreover although there is recent interest in recording from vibrissae-responsive cells in the Vg, it is surprising to note that the locations of these cells have not even been clearly demarcated. To address this, we recorded extracellularly from 350 sensory-responsive Vg neurons in 35 Long-Evans rats. First, we determined three-dimensional locations of these cells and found a finer detail of somatotopy than previously reported. Cells innervating dorsal facial features, even within the whisker region, were more dorsal than midline and ventral features. We also show more cells with caudal than rostral whisker receptive fields (RF), similar to that found in VPM and SI. Next, for each vibrissal cell we determined its response type classified as either rapidly (RA) or slowly (SA) adapting. We examined the relationship between vibrissal RF and response type and demonstrate similar proportions of RA and SA cells responding to any whisker. These results suggest that if RA and SA cells encode distinct features of stimuli, as previously suggested, then at the basic physiological level each whisker has similar abilities to encode for such features.

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Bridging physiological and perceptual views of autism by means of sampling-based Bayesian inference

Network Neuroscience ◽

10.1162/netn_a_00219 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-27

Author(s):

Rodrigo Echeveste ◽

Enzo Ferrante ◽

Diego H. Milone ◽

Inés Samengo

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Neural Circuit ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Physiological Level ◽

Cortical Dynamics ◽

Significant Challenge ◽

Characteristic Features ◽

Neural Variability ◽

Two Sides ◽

Different Levels

Abstract Theories for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been formulated at different levels: ranging from physiological observations to perceptual and behavioral descriptions. Understanding the physiological underpinnings of perceptual traits in ASD remains a significant challenge in the field. Here we show how a recurrent neural circuit model which was optimized to perform sampling-based inference and displays characteristic features of cortical dynamics can help bridge this gap. The model was able to establish a mechanistic link between two descriptive levels for ASD: a physiological level, in terms of inhibitory dysfunction, neural variability and oscillations, and a perceptual level, in terms of hypopriors in Bayesian computations. We took two parallel paths: inducing hypopriors in the probabilistic model, and an inhibitory dysfunction in the network model, which lead to consistent results in terms of the represented posteriors, providing support for the view that both descriptions might constitute two sides of the same coin.

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