Biological Forms Research Articles

Brain mechanisms involved in the perception of emotional gait: A combined magnetoencephalography and virtual reality study.

Brain processes associated with emotion perception from biological motion have been largely investigated using point-light displays that are devoid of pictorial information and not representative of everyday life. In this study, we investigated the brain signals evoked when perceiving emotions arising from body movements of virtual pedestrians walking in a community environment. Magnetoencephalography was used to record brain activation in 21 healthy young adults discriminating the emotional gaits (neutral, angry, happy) of virtual male/female pedestrians. Event-related responses in the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), fusiform body area (FBA), extrastriate body area (EBA), amygdala (AMG), and lateral occipital cortex (Occ) were examined. Brain signals were characterized by an early positive peak (P1;∼200ms) and a late positive potential component (LPP) comprising of an early (400-600ms), middle (600-1000ms) and late phase (1000-1500ms). Generalized estimating equations revealed that P1 amplitude was unaffected by emotion and gender of pedestrians. LPP amplitude showed a significant emotion X phase interaction in all regions of interest, revealing i) an emotion-dependent modulation starting in pSTS and Occ, followed by AMG, FBA and EBA, and ii) generally enhanced responses for angry vs. other gait stimuli in the middle LPP phase. LPP also showed a gender X phase interaction in pSTS and Occ, as gender affected the time course of the response to emotional gait. Present findings show that brain activation within areas associated with biological motion, form, and emotion processing is modulated by emotional gait stimuli rendered by virtual simulations representative of everyday life.

Lusca: FIJI (ImageJ) based tool for automated morphological analysis of cellular and subcellular structures

The human body consists of diverse subcellular, cellular and supracellular structures. Neurons possess varying-sized projections that interact with different cellular structures leading to the development of highly complex morphologies. Aiming to enhance image analysis of complex biological forms including neurons using available FIJI (ImageJ) plugins, Lusca, an advanced open-source tool, was developed. Lusca utilizes machine learning for image segmentation with intensity and size thresholds. It performs particle analysis to ascertain parameters such as area/volume, quantity, and intensity, in addition to skeletonization for determining length, branching, and width. Moreover, in conjunction with colocalization measurements, it provides an extensive set of 29 morphometric parameters for both 2D and 3D analysis. This is a significant enhancement compared to other scripts that offer only 5–15 parameters. Consequently, it ensures quicker and more precise quantification by effectively eliminating noise and discerning subtle details. With three times larger execution speed, fewer false positive and negative results, and the capacity to measure various parameters, Lusca surpasses other existing open-source solutions. Its implementation of machine learning-based segmentation facilitates versatile applications for different cell types and biological structures, including mitochondria, fibres, and vessels. Lusca’s automated and precise measurement capability makes it an ideal choice for diverse biological image analyses.

The Three-Dimensional Reference Interaction Site Model Approach as a Promising Tool for Studying Hydrated Viruses and Their Complexes with Ligands.

Viruses are the most numerous biological form living in any ecosystem. Viral diseases affect not only people but also representatives of fauna and flora. The latest pandemic has shown how important it is for the scientific community to respond quickly to the challenge, including critically assessing the viral threat and developing appropriate measures to counter this threat. Scientists around the world are making enormous efforts to solve these problems. In silico methods, which allow quite rapid obtention of, in many cases, accurate information in this field, are effective tools for the description of various aspects of virus activity, including virus-host cell interactions, and, thus, can provide a molecular insight into the mechanism of virus functioning. The three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM) seems to be one of the most effective and inexpensive methods to compute hydrated viruses, since the method allows us to provide efficient calculations of hydrated viruses, remaining all molecular details of the liquid environment and virus structure. The pandemic challenge has resulted in a fast increase in the number of 3D-RISM calculations devoted to hydrated viruses. To provide readers with a summary of this literature, we present a systematic overview of the 3D-RISM calculations, covering the period since 2010. We discuss various biophysical aspects of the 3D-RISM results and demonstrate capabilities, limitations, achievements, and prospects of the method using examples of viruses such as influenza, hepatitis, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

A fitness landscape instability governs the morphological diversity of tip-growing cells

Cellular morphology affects many aspects of cellular and organismal physiology. This makes it challenging to dissect the evolutionary basis for specific morphologies since various cellular functions may exert competing selective pressures on this trait, and the influence of these pressures will depend on the specific mechanisms of morphogenesis. In this light, we combined experiment and theory to investigate the complex basis for morphological diversity among tip-growing cells from across the tree of life. We discovered that an instability in the widespread mechanism of "inflationary" tip growth leads directly to a bifurcation in the common fitness landscape of tip-growing cells, which imposes a strict global constraint on their morphologies. This result rationalizes the morphology of an enormous diversity of important fungal, plant, protistan, and bacterial systems. More broadly, our study elucidates the principle that strong evolutionary constraints on complex traits, like biological form, may emerge from emergent instabilities within developmental systems.

National Survey of FACT-Accredited Cell Processing Facilities: Assessing Preparedness for Local Manufacturing of Immune Effector Cells

The utilization of the human immune system as a therapeutic modality has materialized in the form of novel biologics known as immune effector cells (IECs). However, currently approved IECs rely on autologous cells for manufacturing that are funneled through costly centralized supply chains leading to long wait times and potentially increased mortality. Alternative models for manufacturing at or near the point-of-care in a distributed and local approach are being proposed to overcome such a bottleneck. Cell processing facilities for minimally manipulated products, as well as academic good manufacturing practice facilities, are being considered for such manufacturing tasks. However, the infrastructure and the practices of these facilities remains unstudied. Here, we surveyed the cell processing facilities accredited by the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) in the United States to better understand their preparedness for local manufacturing of IECs. A structured survey consisting of 40 items was distributed to the directors of 157 facilities. The survey evaluated 6 domains, including facility characteristics, quality practices, personnel, use of automation, experience with IECs, and the perception of the point-of-care model. Thirty-eight facilities completed the survey (24.2%). Most facilities were involved in handling IEC products (35/38, 92.1%), and the majority had infrastructure to support basic operations and quality control such as viability (36/36, 100%), identity (33/36, 91.7%), and sterility (33/36, 91.7%). The quality practices varied among the facilities depending on the types of products processed. A slight majority implemented automation in their workflows (22/38, 57.9%). Facilities expressed a general interest in adopting point-of-care models (23/38, 61%), with financial and human resources identified as the most significant constraints. In conclusion, FACT-accredited cell processing facilities may provide the infrastructure required for local manufacturing. However, there is a need for standardization and minimum quality requirements to effectively implement such models.

Fashioning Frankenstein: Deathliness, technology and the body in contemporary fashion photography

The deathly aesthetic of Heroin Chic caused a moral panic in the late 1990s for its aestheticization of cadaverously pale and skeletally thin models. Subsequent photographers have experimented with the female body as a prop, staging high-fashion crime scenes and mimicking the passivity of corpses in prone posture. Fashion photography offers an arena to explore daily life and the national imagination by materializing concepts through a focus on corporeality and compelling stylized visuals. These images therefore represent a commercialized articulation of broader cultural concerns surrounding mortality. Steven Klein’s 2015 fashion editorial ‘Love machine’, published in W magazine, will be analysed to argue that this represents a cultural response to the shifting relationship between the human body and technology. The discourse of human–machine coexistence presents the transhumanist stance as idealized with the fashion field’s agenda of body modification, wellness and leisure assisted and instigated by technology. However, the tone of this shoot presents a less optimistic vision of a posthuman future. Whilst posthuman ideology is decisive and assured in its deference to technology, Klein’s use of Frankensteinian and cyborg motifs evidence the uncertainty and unease with which biological and technical forms begin to blur. The styling of the model as cyborg and the invocation of Frankenstein’s monster are a logical vehicle for personifying the ontological anxieties coming to the fore of public conscience as debates on digital immortality and artificial intelligence become more prevalent.

Interiority, Metamorphosis, and Simone Leigh’s Hybrid Cowries

By way of an analysis of Simone Leigh’s You Don’t Know Where Her Mouth Has Been (2017), this essay argues that by hybridizing the cowrie and watermelon, Leigh creates her own natural history of these biological forms that disorders the rigid taxonomic classification on which systems of discrimination rely. The resulting hybrid cowrie not only defies classification, it also forms a folded architecture that facilitates a Deleuzian reading. The hybrid cowries, by way of their capacious construction and narrow slits, evoke an interiority that enables metamorphosis. By way of the analysis of the works of Cupboard (2014) and Cowrie (Pannier) (2015), the essay further investigates architectural forms. It considers the intricate interactions between the hybrid architecture of natural forms, such as cowries and watermelons, and human-fabricated forms, such as teleuks and crinolines.

MOLECULAR DETECTION OF WATER PROTOZOAN PARASITES FROM SELECTED RIVERS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Drinking water or potable water also known as improved drinking water is said to be any water that is free from physical, chemical, biological or radiological form of contamination. Water samples were collected from 5 rivers in Omuchi Aluu, Choba, Chokocho, Oyigbo, and Aleto communities, in Rivers State, Nigeria, used for activities such as washing, bathing, fishing, and dredging by community indigenes. Water samples were collected from various sampling stations and, transported to the laboratory, African Biosciences, Ibadan for analysis to characterize and identify the protozoan parasites using molecular techniques. This study aimed at characterizing the genotype of protozoan parasites of water from selected rivers in River State, Nigeria, using molecular methods to check for portability and purity of water. DNA Primers of five protozoan parasites, Giardia species, Entamoeba species, Cryptosporidium species, Cyclospora species, and Toxoplasma species were used to analyze and detect the presence of the genes of these protozoans. The study showed the presence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium parvuum, and the absence of Entamoeba histolytica, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Toxoplasma gondii from the water samples collected from Omuchi Aluu, Choba, Chokocho, Oyigbo, and Aleto rivers. It was concluded that water samples collected from rivers contaminated with parasites, is unsuitable for drinking, hence community locals should be sensitized to embark on good water sanitary and hygiene (WASH) practices, for a healthy life and sustainable environment.

“Searching for order at all levels”. Antonio Lima-de-Faria (July 4, 1921 – December 27, 2023)

“Searching for order at all levels”. Antonio Lima-de-Faria (July 4, 1921 – December 27, 2023)

Dynamics of fractional plant virus propagation model with influence of seasonality and intraspecific competition

All biological forms of life rely on plants for many of their basic needs. Nonetheless, viruses can often infect plants. The ecosystem that depends on it could be destroyed as a result. An insect vector may be responsible for the virus's spread from plant to plant. A fractional order epidemic model is developed since it gives the more realistic solutions as the epidemics always persists in some or the other region and never becomes zero. The dynamics of the plant virus propagation model with effect from seasonality (PVP‐S) and intraspecific competition among predators are investigated in terms of existence of solutions, boundedness, and uniqueness. Analysis of plant virus propagation with effect from seasonality and intraspecific competition among predators in terms of fractional order is the novelty of this model. Here, we observe that the infection almost becomes zero in case of integral value, whereas it always persists as the fractional order is introduced, which is more realistic in nature. The occurrence of transcritical bifurcation for the model has been investigated. The proposed nonlinear model is numerically studied by the Adams–Bashforth–Moulton method. This study reveals the effectiveness of the numerical technique as well as the effect of the fractional order derivative on PVP‐S dynamics.

3D Morphological Scanning and Environmental Correlates of Bufo gargarizans in the Yellow River Basin

Morphology plays a crucial role in understanding the intricacies of biological forms. Traditional morphometric methods, focusing on one- or two-dimensional geometric levels, often fall short of accurately capturing the three-dimensional (3D) structure of organisms. The advent of 3D scanning techniques has revolutionized the study of organismal morphology, enabling comprehensive and accurate measurements. This study employs a 3D structured light scanning system to analyze the morphological variations in the Chinese toad (Bufo gargarizans Cantor, 1842) along the Yellow River Basin. The 3D digital model obtained from the scan was used to calculate various morphological parameters including body surface area, volume, fractal dimensions, and limb size. The research explores geographic variability patterns and identifies environmental drivers affecting the 3D phenotypic variation of B. gargarizans. Results reveal a bimodal pattern of variation in the toad population, with higher elevations exhibiting smaller body sizes, greater appendage proportions, and more complex body structures. Linear regression analyses highlight the influence of elevation and annual mean temperature on the morphological variation of B. gargarizans, with elevation playing a significant role. This study underscores the significance of 3D morphometric analysis in unraveling the intricacies of organismal morphology and understanding the adaptive strategies of species in diverse environments.

Decoding the nature and complexity of extracellular mtDNA: Types and implications for health and disease

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is replicated and canonically functions within intracellular mitochondria, but recent discoveries reveal that the mtDNA has another exciting extracellular life. mtDNA fragments and mitochondria-containing vesicular structures are detected at high concentrations in cell-free forms, in different biofluids. Commonly referred to as cell-free mtDNA (cf-mtDNA), the field is currently without a comprehensive classification system that acknowledges the various biological forms of mtDNA and whole mitochondria existing outside the cell. This absence of classification hampers the creation of precise and consistent quantification methods across different laboratories, which is crucial for unraveling the molecular and biological characteristics of mtDNA. In this article, we integrate recent findings to propose a classification for different types of Extracellular mtDNA [ex-mtDNA]. The major biologically distinct types include: Naked mtDNA [N-mtDNA], mtDNA within non-mitochondrial Membranes [M-mtDNA], Extracellular mitochondria [exM-mtDNA], and mtDNA within Mitochondria enclosed in a Membrane [MM-mtDNA]. We outline the challenges associated with accurately quantifying these ex-mtDNA types, suggest potential physiological roles for each ex-mtDNA type, and explore how this classification could establish a foundation for future research endeavors and further analysis and definitions for ex-mtDNA. By proposing this classification of circulating mtDNA forms, we draw a parallel with the clinically recognized forms of cholesterol, such as HDL and LDL, to illustrate potential future significance in a similar manner. While not directly analogous, these mtDNA forms may one day be as biologically relevant in clinical interpretation as cholesterol fractions are currently. We also discuss how advancing methodologies to reliably quantify distinct ex-mtDNA forms could significantly enhance their utility as health or disease biomarkers, and how their application may offer innovative therapeutic approaches.

Fast soil recovery after a fire: case study in Maritime Alps (Piedmont, Italy) using microarthropods and QBS-ar index

Soil is a very fragile ecosystem, often subject to many threats. Wildfires can affect edaphic communities depending on the intensity and seasonality of the fire. Different groups of soil fauna tend to respond differently to this type of disturbance, but the lack of data prevents to fully analyze the impact of fire. Soil microarthropods show a particular sensitivity to disturbances of different nature, making them excellent biological indicators. That is why in recent years many biotic indices to assess soil quality, like QBS-ar (Soil Biological Quality based on arthropods), have been developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there might be a significant difference between areas affected or not by fire in the locality of Andonno (Piedmont, Italy) in terms of QBS-ar values, 18 years after this disturbance, and whether the reforestation intervention is having a positive effect on soil quality. Two sampling sites were selected within the sampling area and in each, six soil samples were taken. Microarthropods were extracted with a Berlese-Tüllgren extractor and soil biological quality was calculated using the QBS-ar index. No significant difference in QBS-ar values were found between the fire burned and unburned areas (p=0.37). The number of biological and euedaphic forms in the two sites was similar. It appears that microarthropod communities manage to recover in a short time, indicating that in the study area soil fauna has shown a fast recovery after extreme events like wildfires.

Floristic survey of aquatic macrophytes in eastern Maranhão, Brazil: richness, biological forms and three new records.

The aim of this study was to carry out a floristic survey of aquatic macrophytes in the municipality of Chapadinha, eastern Maranhão, and classify their biological forms. The study was done between September 2021 and September 2022. A total of 31 families, 49 genera and 72 species of aquatic macrophytes were catalogued, of which 65 are angiosperms. Among them, Bacopa stricta (Plantaginaceae), Staurogyne diantheroides (Acanthaceae), and Xanthosoma aristeguietae (Araceae) are new records for the flora of Maranhão, with the last two new records for Northeast Brazil. The richest family was Cyperaceae, with 11 species, followed by Plantaginaceae (seven taxa), Fabaceae (five taxa) and Lentibulariaceae (five taxa). Six biological forms were recorded, amphibious (27 taxa) and emergent (26 taxa) being the most common. The aquatic environments of Chapadinha are home to a considerable number of species, families, and life forms of macrophytes. The results show that due to the lack of surveys, evidenced by the new records presented, the state aquatic flora is still underestimated. Further studies in poorly explored areas are suggested, especially in the eastern part of the state, to improve understanding of species richness.

Forms of sacred buildings inspired by mountain sculpture. References to geological forms in the design of small contemporary mountain chapels

For centuries, architects have been inspired by nature, mimicking forms or observing phenomena and translating the principles of the natural environment into the structure of a building. The conscious mimicking of nature is mainly based on biological forms, but architects also draw on patterns derived from geomorphic features. Important sources of architectural inspiration among the inanimate elements of nature are mountains as models of beauty, stones and rocks as “indestructible” elements, and rock crystals as symbols of perfection and light. The aim of the study is to attempt to analyse and interpret the building lumps of selected small chapels from the Alpine region in terms of their reference to the motif of mountains or rock crystals and the means of architectural expression used for this purpose. The article discusses the principles of form, colours, materials used, the relationship to the natural landscape and the symbolic meanings of the buildings. It has been shown that the buildings analysed bear the characteristics of organic architecture and reflect the relationship between human spirituality and nature. In them, architecture becomes a means of expression that is accentuated by the spiritual element of art.

Design of a Species Identification Application to Fuel Sustainable Innovation through Biomimicry

This study aims to create an application that can be used for species identification and assist designers in creating biomimicry-inspired products. Biomimicry mimics nature to develop sustainable products that have the capabilities of outperforming conventional solutions. Biomimicry is a tool in a designer’s toolkit to design for resource-conserving and effective solutions promoting creativity and innovation. To fuel this innovation, the designer is equipped with an app that emulates species around them in a 3D model that serves as a catalyst for design inspiration. The app aims to recognise species through artificial intelligence and capture them in an interactive application that can be revisited as a part of the design process and can be used as a tool to educate students about biological forms, processes, and structures. Additionally, the application provides necessary information regarding species like facts, behavior, habitat, etc. Interventions in design education have been recognised but none have explored incorporating a smartphone application interface for fostering design inspiration through biomimicry. This solution has the capability of benefiting designers worldwide making the mental tool more tangible enhancing the prospects of sustainable innovation and empowering student education through visual resources

The Physical and Mechanical Properties of Coral Sand

Coral sand interacts with a variety of particles and species in tropical marine habitats due to its special characteristics. particular emphasizes the benefits of using contemporary mathematical technologies to examine the characteristics and behavior of coral sand for engineering applications. Coral sand's composition and creation processes influence its distinctive qualities. Coral sand is mostly made up of the skeletal remains of tiny coral polyps and has a white or off-white appearance due to its high calcium carbonate content. Particularly in the area of geotechnical engineering, the interaction of coral sand particles is of great importance. Particle form, size distribution, and interparticle forces are a few examples of the variables that affect how coral sand behaves as a granular material. Investigations on its geotechnical characteristics, such as its shear strength, permeability, and compressibility, are the main focus of current research. To learn more about the engineering behavior of coral sand, researchers are examining field monitoring approaches and laboratory testing procedures. Additionally, research aims to comprehend how biological activity, cementation, and particle form affect coral sand's mechanical characteristics. In the coral sand study, the benefit of contemporary computation technologies is remarkable. Advanced computer methods, in combination with numerical modeling and simulation approaches, provide precise forecasting of coral sand behavior under various loading and climatic conditions. Engineers may use these technologies to examine foundation design issues, determine the stability of coastal buildings, and create methods for controlling coastal erosion. The study of coral sand and its characteristics has important ramifications for geotechnical engineering. The capacity to assess and construct engineering structures in coral sand settings is improved by the application of contemporary computation technologies.

In vitro anti-parasitic effect of the alkaloids harmaline and piperine on Toxoplasma gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii is a coccidian protozoan of zoonotic importance that causes toxoplasmosis. Although the current treatments for toxoplasmosis may be associated with adverse effects and limited efficacy for different biological forms of the parasite, evidence suggests that alkaloid molecules such as harmaline and piperine exhibit antiparasitic effects against protozoa parasites. This investigation aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of harmaline and piperine against T. gondii tachyzoites in infected Vero cell cultures. After 24 hours of host cell infection, the cultures were treated with harmaline or piperine (0.49 to 15.63 µg/mL). Negative and positive controls were RPMI/DMSO (0.1%) and sulfadiazine (200 µg/mL). Harmaline significantly reduced parasite multiplication by 20% compared to the negative control, while piperine decreased between 55.56% and 88.89% in a dose-dependent manner. According to an intracellular parasite proportion scale, it was observed that the Vero cells with low or moderate parasitic proliferation were more prevalent after the alkaloid treatment. The study demonstrated that the alkaloids had antiparasitic effects on T. gondii, with piperine being the most effective. Additional studies must be carried out to clarify other aspects of the action of the alkaloids on parasites.

Philosophical and Anthropological Understanding of the Nature of Collective Violence

Purpose. The purpose of this research is to analyse and systematize modern philosophical and anthropological ideas about the nature, essence, causes and sources of collective violence. Theoretical basis. Given the complexity and multifaceted nature of the phenomenon of violence, the authors used a range of philosophical and general scientific research methods. In particular, the comparative method helped to identify the main advantages and disadvantages of using philosophical and anthropological approaches to studying the nature and patterns of violence in the social environment. The use of the systemic and structural-functional methods contributed to a better understanding of the structure, features, mechanisms and criteria for ethical justification of the permissibility of collective violence. The psychological approach made it possible to analyse the role of social dissatisfaction, disappointment, relative deprivation and frustration in the process of radicalization of individuals and their readiness to use violence. Originality. The originality of this research lies in the application of modern analytical approaches to the study and philosophical understanding of the phenomenon of violence. It has been proven that at the current stage of social development, the following non-traditional forms of violence are becoming widespread: structural, symbolic, cultural, and psychological. It has been established that the main sources of collective violence are value, cultural, ideological and structural contradictions, as well as socio-psychological dissatisfaction, economic inequality and discrimination. Conclusions. Throughout history, violence has been an integral part of spiritual, social, value and economic transformations. The study of such a complex phenomenon requires the creation of an effective interdisciplinary theory that would take into account various anthropological, social, philosophical, psychological, physiological and biological dimensions and forms of its use. That is why there is a need to further improve scientific theories and approaches to studying the nature, forms and sources of violence. Taking advantage of a comprehensive approach, we have been able to establish that violence is a form of social influence that involves the use of physical force against individuals, social groups or institutions to cause physical, mental or moral harm and to subordinate their behaviour and will.

Bioenergetics as an Integral Part of a Special Biological Form of Motion of Matter

Bioenergetics as an Integral Part of a Special Biological Form of Motion of Matter