Subliminally Perceived Odours Modulate Female Intrasexual Competition: An Eye Movement Study

Background: Evidence suggests that subliminal odorants influence human perception and behavior. It has been hypothesized that the human sex-steroid derived compound 4,16-androstadien-3-one (androstadienone) functions as a human chemosignal. The most intensively studied steroid compound, androstadienone is known to be biologically relevant since it seems to convey information about male mate quality to women. It is unclear if the effects of androstadienone are menstrual cycle related. Methodology/Principal Findings: In the first experiment, heterosexual women were exposed to androstadienone or a control compound and asked to view stimuli such as female faces, male faces and familiar objects while their eye movements were recorded. In the second experiment the same women were asked to rate the level of stimuli attractiveness following exposure to the study or control compound. The results indicated that women at high conception risk spent more time viewing the female than the male faces regardless of the compound administered. Women at a low conception risk exhibited a preference for female faces only following exposure to androstadienone. Conclusions/Significance: We contend that a woman’s level of fertility influences her evaluation of potential competitors (e.g., faces of other women) during times critical for reproduction. Subliminally perceived odorants, such as androstadienone, might similarly enhance intrasexual competition strategies in women during fertility phases not critica

Adaptive fuzzy system-based variable-structure controller for multivariable nonaffine nonlinear uncertain systems subject to actuator nonlinearities

International audienc

Monocopper complex based on N-tripodal ligand immobilized in a Nafion® film for biomimetic detection of catechols: Application to dopamine

International audienceA complex based on bis-pyrazolyl N-tripodal ligand known to present a good catalytic activity for the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol is used to prepare a novel biomimetic sensor for the determination of catechol derivatives. The modified electrode prepared by encapsulation of the complex in a Nafion® film leads to an electrochemical signal 4.4 times higher than with a glassy carbon electrode for dopamine detection in pH 7 medium. After optimization of the conditions used to immobilize the catalyst on the electrode surface, a calibration curve was obtained with linearity in the range of 30–320 μmol L−1 and a detection limit of 8 μmol L−1. The sensor was not affected by ascorbic acid and uric acid in similar concentrations to dopamine and its electrochemical response was stable after 40 determinations. The biomimetic sensor can also be used for the detection of other catechol derivatives