Asymmetric long Josephson junction acting as a ratchet for a quantum field

We study the escape rate of flux quanta in a long Josephson junction having an asymmetric spatial inhomogeneous critical current density. Such a junction can behave as a ratchet when driven by an ac current in the presence of a magnetic field. This rectification gives rise to a dc voltage Vdc across the junction. The usual approach of particlelike tunneling cannot describe this rectification, and a quantum field theory description is required. We also show that, under specific conditions, the rectification direction, and consequently Vdc, can change its sign when varying the temperature T near the crossover temperature T* between the quantum and classical regimes

The Presence of Flavonoids in Some Products and Fruits of the Genus Eugenia: An Integrative Review

ReviewThe Myrtaceae family, one of the most prominent botanical families, is represented in Brazil with different fruit species, rich in bioactive compounds and gastronomically appreciated. This study aimed to carry out an integrative review on the genus Eugenia, highlighting the pitangueira (E. uniflora L.), cagaiteira (E. dysenterica), grumixameira (E. brasiliensis), pereira (E. klotzschiana O. Berg), and uvaieira (E. pyriformis Cambess) and which flavonoids are present in these fruits. Articles published between 2016 and 2021 were selected from the following databases: Google Scholar, Periódicos CAPES, Scielo, and Science Direct. According to each database, the descriptors used as a search strategy addressed the popular and scientific names of the five selected species, associated or not with the term “flavonoid,” according to each database. The results showed that quercetin was the main flavonoid identified in the fruits, and the principal extraction method used was HPLC. Other interesting compounds, such as catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin, and kaempferol, were also found. However, the amount and type of flavonoids detected varied according to the applied methodology. Hence, these studies highlight the importance of species of the genus Eugenia, which promotes beneficial health effects and possible applicability to the food and pharmaceutical industryinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15) key functions suggested by knockout mice phenotype characterization

Thimet oligopeptidase (THOP1) is thought to be involved in neuropeptide metabolism, antigen presentation, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Herein, the generation of THOP1 C57BL/6 knockout mice (THOP1(-/-)) is described showing that they are viable, have estrus cycle, fertility, and a number of puppies per litter similar to C57BL/6 wild type mice (WT). In specific brain regions, THOP1(-/-) exhibit altered mRNA expression of proteasome beta5, serotonin 5HT2a receptor and dopamine D2 receptor, but not of neurolysin (NLN). Peptidomic analysis identifies differences in intracellular peptide ratios between THOP1(-/-) and WT mice, which may affect normal cellular functioning. In an experimental model of multiple sclerosis THOP1(-/-) mice present worse clinical behavior scores compared to WT mice, corroborating its possible involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. THOP1(-/-) mice also exhibit better survival and improved behavior in a sepsis model, but also a greater peripheral pain sensitivity measured in the hot plate test after bradykinin administration in the paw. THOP1(-/-) mice show depressive-like behavior, as well as attention and memory retention deficits. Altogether, these results reveal a role of THOP1 on specific behaviors, immune-stimulated neurodegeneration, and infection-induced inflammation