For possible readings of the public space in Paul Auster's 'City of Glass'

Este artigo resulta de uma reformulação do Capítulo 2 - Espaço Público da dissertação de Mestrado em Ciências da Comunicação, ‘Cidade de Escrita: Sobre espaço e leitura na Nova Iorque de Paul Auster’, apresentada pelo autor em fevereiro de 2009, na Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa.O conto de Paul Auster sugere e remete para reais e hipotéticos espaços nova-iorquinos, motivados por diferentes escalas e elementos, diferentes regimes e usos, diferentes ou semelhantes ruas e parques ou até confinados apartamentos e quartos. Nesse texto, o espaço público de Manhattan, assente numa linhagem de grelha urbana, serve de base a reflexões e mudanças narrativas tão inesperadas quanto pós-modernas. Este artigo propõe leituras outras dos lugares geneticamente inscritos e escritos na ilha, na história, na matriz e no sistema de Manhattan.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The wall as an urban liminality: on fictional Manhattan and Cambridge

Walls imply war and vice-versa. Walls, for instance, are often highlighted as urban elements that both separate and capture. Although their consequences have several forms yet to analyze, one may find in recent literary dystopias a very precise and realistic representation of them. In fact, walls reveal with accuracy violent architectures that characterize part of our human and urban cultures. Hence, it comes as no surprise that narratives such as “In the Country of Last Things” or “The Handmaid’s Tale” can definitely represent liminal places (and regimes) at war with walls amongst them. Following this outcome, our communication seeks to address how these specific elements have become a display for fictional visions adapting, depicting, and assembling versions of the urban space. Through two fictional settings located in the near future (as it happens in Paul Auster’s and Margaret Atwood’s novels), we aim to investigate urban liminalities produced by walls as relevant ones to define our present condition and its built environment. According to these authors, we may enhance multiple understandings of reality and scrutinize our collective existence using the conventions of fiction

Citypunk: transgeographies in science fiction comics

In the history of cyber-fiction in comics there have been bizarre cities with both utopian and dystopian foundations. Mostly located in the future, those urbanscapes are built in space to be recognizable from the present. In fact, they are inevitably linked to variations of our everyday territories. In comics like Dan O’Bannon and Moebius’ The Long Tomorrow (1975) or Warren Ellis and Darick Richardson’s Transmetropolitan series (1997-2002), cities are characterized and designed as merged environments and inverted punk territories. Urban places become sites of addiction and starvation while technological enterprises continue rising. Mainly set in Europe and North America, the future exposed in these science fiction comics seems rather ungracious and grotesque. Metropolises have grown overscaled and overrated as Paris, London, the generic Cité or The City (a continental compound of New York City, Chicago and San Francisco) have turned into recognizable cities with disturbances and awkward morphologies. Banal places and exquisite architectures become obsolete and opposite versions of themselves. Economic conflicts or politic scandals bring social anarchy and urban-biological ambiguity to these places and their inhabitants. In science fiction comics, protagonists like Pete Club, Alcide Nikopol, Spider Jerusalem or Michael (Desolation) Jones drift through the streets, towers and trash, solving mysteries, testing drugs, and exploring vicious media circles. Paradoxically, these fictions produce a common and complex sense of disenchantment in human and urban promises, as if fiction was just a symbol of our monstrous realities. Mostly based in science fiction comics, this chapter aims at revealing resonances and representations of the contemporary human and urban aberrancies within the graphic genre.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Até ao último quarto

Este texto é baseado numa parte do que foi o Capítulo 4 de uma dissertação de mestrado em Ciências da Comunicação, 'Cidade de Escrita: Sobre espaço e leitura na Nova Iorque de Paul Auster', apresentada em 2009 na Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa.Publicado na revista "Opúsculo". ISSN 1646-5253. N.º 22 (Maio 2010), p. 3-19.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Lisbon in cinema: studio, location, and archive

This masterclass was shared with Mélanie van der Hoorn, Christel Leenen, and Inês Sapeta Dias.For this masterclass, the goal was to probe a link between the use of documentary and archive found footage in the fiction around Lisbon. After establishing the contents under a sort of foreword, the present hypothesis is mainly organized in three parts/categories (mapping a path from studio to location and ending in the archive). It all starts framing part of the research outcome on the city and architecture of Lisbon and its cinema: sometimes being real, sometimes not; sometimes, even, being other places, or being somewhere else

Fictional realism: architecture and science fiction dimensions

Following Mark Fisher’s theoretical work on contemporary society and literature, science fiction (SF) may enhance multiple understandings of a globalized reality. According to the thinker, the SF genre resonates a permanent link between present modes of governance and scopes of inequality. At some point, we notice that current political systems tend to deal with migration and statelessness in a way quite common in some dystopias. Either in literature or in cinema, it comes as no surprise that narratives such as “Low-Flying Aircraft” and “The Children of Men” can definitely represent places (and regimes) similar to existent environments and movements. The decrease in the birth rate, the migrant crisis, and economic unbalanced populations are all realistic topics these fictions seem to have anticipated and dealt with. This communication seeks to address how certain literary and cinematic visions have adapted, depicted, and assembled parallel versions of the urban space under nondemocratic dimensions. Through these two fictional realisms set in the near future, we aim to present urban elements such as walls, refugee camps, or abandoned buildings as displays for these violent and extreme experiences. In fact, they reveal with accuracy unstable and insecure architectures that characterize part of our human and urban emergencies. Thus, according to Fisher’s latest book, even though the formulation of a ‘capitalist realism’ may be the best method to scrutinize our present state, we believe that a ‘fictional realism’ is needed to complement it

Gene Regulation by the transcription factor ZEB1 in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent type of glioma, bearing the highest incidence rate of brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) malignant tumors and the lowest survival rate. GBMs distinguish themselves from lower grade glial tumors by the presence of certain hallmark histological features such as the presence of central necrosis in the tumor mass, marginal proliferation of endothelial cells and the presence of palisading cells around the area of necrosis. Several hallmark features contribute to the poor responsiveness that GBM tumors have to treatment including their high inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity at a phenotypic, cellular, genetic and epigenetic level. Most importantly, the existence of cancer stem cell (CSC) populations within GBM tumors is crucial for driving invasive tumor growth due to their potential to proliferate in vascular conditions, while becoming highly invasive in hypoxic conditions. Moreover, the ability of GBM CSCs to infiltrate surrounding brain parenchyma means that even the smallest number of such cells left after surgery will cause tumor recurrence.(...

Distribution patterns and functional traits of nematode meiofauna assemblages in Sado Estuary (Portugal)

Estuaries are naturally stressed systems with a high degree of variability in their physical-chemical characteristics. The natural gradient of salinity, linked with other gradients (e.g. sediment type and dynamics, oxygen availability, temperature and current speed) are well documented as important factors in determining temporal and spatial variations in meiofauna communities. Among the estuarine biological components, meiobenthic communities are good indicators of environmental conditions and therefore changes in their density, diversity, structure and functioning indicate important alterations of the ecosystem. In fact, the phylum Nematoda are the ideal indicator group because they are the most diverse and abundant meiofaunal metazoans of aquatic habitats. The main aim of this study was to advance the general understanding of the spatial distribution patterns of the nematode assemblages along the Sado estuarine gradient. There were analysed structural components of nematode assemblages (abundance, species richness and diversity metrics) as well as functional attributes such as Maturity Index and Trophic Diversity Index. Additionally, multivariate analysis on community data was performed, together with Redundancy Analysis to understand which environmental factors explain the variations in the community. The results showed significant differences in the nematode structural assemblage patterns among the estuary sections. The abundance and diversity of nematodes were related with environmental variables including TOM (Total Organic Matter) concentration, the sediment grain size and the levels of dissolved oxygen. The sections with the highest TOM and lowest oxygen concentration were dominated by the opportunistic genera that were more resistant to unfavourable conditions and were responsible for low species richness. Functional attributes did not exhibit any significant differences among Estuary sections. As a conclusion, nematodes assemblages turned to be good bioindicators of heterogenous environmental conditions of this estuary, especially regarding the detection of sites with higher TOM concentration; Padrões de distribuição espacial das comunidades de nematodes bentónicos e das suas características funcionais no Estuário do Sado (Portugal). Resumo: Os estuários são sistemas naturalmente perturbados, com grande variabilidade nas suas características físicas e químicas. O gradiente natural de salinidade, associado a outros gradientes (por exemplo, granulometria, hidrodinamismo, oxigénio, temperatura e correntes das marés), estão bem documentados como sendo fatores determinantes para as variações temporais e espaciais das comunidades de meiofauna. Entre os diferentes componentes biológicos associados a um ambiente estuarino, as comunidades meiobentónicas são consideradas bons indicadores das condições ambientais. Isto porque, quando existem alterações na sua abundância, estrutura funcional pode ser resultado do efeito de alterações nos ecossistemas. Nematoda é o grupo taxonómico da meiofauna que em geral é mais abundante e é considerado um bom indicador ecológico. O principal objetivo deste estudo é analisar o padrão de distribuição espacial das comunidades de nematodes ao longo do gradiente estuarino do estuário do Sado. Foram analisadas variáveis ambientais consideradas determinantes para os padrões de distribuição da abundância e composição de géneros ao longo do estuário do Sado, assim como para a distribuição dos atributos funcionais das comunidades. Através da análise multivariável das abundância e diversidade comunidades foi possível determinar os fatores ambientais que melhor explicam as variações na comunidade. Também foi feita analise multivariada com base nos dados das comunidades tais como a Analise de Redundância para entender quais os fatores ambientais que melhor explicam as variações das comunidades. Os resultados mostram diferenças significativas na densidade e diversidade das comunidades de nematodes entre as várias secções do estuário. A densidade de nematodes apresentou relação com diferentes variáveis ambientais analisadas, tais como a concentração de TOM (matéria orgânica total), granulometrias e consequentemente os níveis de oxigénio dissolvido. Nas seções com maior TOM e menor concentração de oxigênio verificou-se que os géneros oportunistas eram mais abundantes, sendo estes mais resistentes a condições desfavoráveis e responsáveis pela baixa riqueza de espécies. As características funcionais não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre as seções do estuário. Pode concluir-se que as comunidades de nematodes se tornaram bons bioindicadores de condições ambientais heterogêneas deste estuário, principalmente quanto à deteção de sítios com maior concentração de TOM

Sonolência diurna em estudantes de medicina

Trabalho de projecto de mestrado em Medicina (Psicologia Médica), apresentado á Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de CoimbraIntrodução: A sonolência diurna excessiva (SDE) é uma queixa comum nas populações, com prevalência estimada entre 6.7-36% na população geral (Roberts et al., 2000; Santibañez, 1994) e entre 22-93.2% nos estudantes de Medicina (Rodrigues et al., 2002; Santibañez, 1994), variabilidade decorrente, possivelmente, das diferenças metodológicas. A sonolência diurna (SD) tem sido associada a consequências funcionais incluindo lentificação cognitiva e dificuldades de memória bem como a elevada morbi-mortalidade por acidentes de trabalho e rodoviários. Nos estudantes de Medicina tem sido associada a piores resultados académicos (Rodrigues et al., 2002). Também tem sido relacionada à maior probabilidade de cometer erros médicos (Kramer, 2010). Não temos conhecimento da existência, à data, de trabalhos publicados acerca da prevalência de SD em estudantes de Medicina portugueses. Objectivos: Avaliar a prevalência de SD em estudantes de Medicina, determinar o seu impacto no funcionamento do indivíduo e analisar factores que lhe possam estar associados e que contribuam para o seu risco. Metodologia: A amostra deste estudo transversal é constituída por 465 estudantes do 1º e 2º anos do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina da Faculdade de Medicina de Coimbra, que preencheram voluntariamente questionários que incluíam a Escala de Sonolência de Epworth e itens relacionados com hábitos do ciclo sono-vigília e impacto funcional da SD. Resultados: A prevalência de SD nesta amostra é de 31.4% e 69.7% dos sujeitos relatam restrição de sono. 42.6% sentem que o rendimento é prejudicado pela SD e 31.6% sentem necessidade de dormir sesta durante o dia. Foi encontrada uma associação estatística significativa negativa entre SD e latência de sono e positiva entre SD e tempo necessário para levantar depois de acordar, sendo estes os únicos predictores de SD. Conclusões: Parte significativa da amostra apresenta SDE, pelo que, medidas de sensibilização junto de professores e alunos devem ser tomadas no sentido de promover a regularização do ciclo sono-vigília e higiene do sono adequada, com vista à diminuição da SD e do prejuízo por ela causada nos estudantes.Introduction: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common complaint among the populations, with estimated prevalence between 6.7-36% in general population (Roberts et al., 2000; Santibañez, 1994) and 22-93.2% in medical students (Rodrigues et al., 2002; Santibañez, 1994), variability probably caused by methodological differences. Daytime sleepiness (DS) has been associated with functional impairment including cognitive slowing and memory difficulties as well as high morbidity and mortality caused by work and road accidents. In medical students DS has been associated with lower academic performance (Rodrigues et al., 2002). It has also been related with higher chance of committing medical errors (Kramer, 2010). To our knowledge there is no published data about the prevalence of DS in Portuguese medical students. Objectives: Evaluate the DS prevalence in medical students, determine its impact on individual functioning and analyze factors that could be associated with and contribute to DS. Methodology: The sample of this transversal study comprises 465 first and second year medical students from Coimbra’s Faculty of Medicine, Portugal. Subjects voluntarily filled in several questionnaires including items covering a wide range of sleep-wake habits, functional impairment caused by DS and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results: The prevalence of DS in our sample is 31.4% and 69.7% of subjects report sleep restriction. 42.6% report performance impairment caused by DS and needs of daytime napping are reported by 31.6%. A significant negative association was found between DS and sleep latency and a positive one between DS and the time needed to get up after being awake. Sleep latency and time to get up after awake are the only DS predictors in this sample. Conclusions: Large percentage of our sample has EDS. Education and information about the importance of good sleep should be provided to professors and students so that they can promote regular sleep-wake schedules and good sleep hygiene in order to lower DS prevalence and its negative consequences

Shadow and false brightness on Michelangelo Antonioni’s cinema

Michelangelo Antonioni’s films are the epitome of darkness: not the phenomenal, but one other that, although it also cannot be seen, lies upon the interiority of the characters and the abstraction of the spaces: obscured and tormented individuals mostly operating in double layered environments. In Antonioni’s films, darkness is a state of mind, an existential condition, expressed not only through action and characters (The Passenger), but also through titles (The Night, The Eclipse). This presentation will establish a connection between the inner shadow of Antonioni’s characters and their metaphors through architectures and locations (The Adventure, Red Desert, Blow Up, Zabriskie Point), demonstrating a concomitant bright vision and dark version. Blankness is a way of not seeing, such as of darkness or blindness themselves. To conclude, the presentation will start addressing a scene at the end of “The Passenger” in which the protagonist David Locke says to the girl: “I know a man who was blind [but] when he was nearly 40 years old, he had an operation and regained his sight. (…) After he regained his sight… he became afraid. He began to live in darkness.