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All light has structure, but only recently has it been possible to control it in all its degrees of freedom and dimensions, fuelling fundamental advances and applications alike. Here we review the recent advances in ‘pushing the limits’ with structured light, from traditional two-dimensional transverse fields towards four-dimensional spatiotemporal structured light and multidimensional quantum states, beyond orbital angular momentum towards control of all degrees of freedom, and beyond a linear toolkit to include nonlinear interactions, particularly for high-harmonic structured light. Using a simple interference argument, centuries old, we weave a story that highlights the common nature of seemingly diverse structures, presenting a modern viewpoint on the classes of structured light, and outline the possible future trends and open challenges.Recent effort in controlling the structure of light in all its degrees of freedom and dimensions has pushed the limits of structured light and broadened its potential beyond orbital angular momentum, two-dimensional fields, qubits and biphotons, and linear optical manipulation.

Geometric arrays of vortices found in various systems owe their regular structure to mutual interactions within a confined system. In optics, such vortex crystals may form spontaneously within a resonator. Their crystallization is relevant in many areas of physics, although their usefulness is limited by the lack of control over their topology. On the other hand, programmable devices like spatial light modulators allow the design of nearly arbitrary vortex distributions but without any intrinsic evolution. By combining non-Hermitian optics with on-demand topological transformations enabled by metasurfaces, we report a solid-state laser that generates 10 × 10 vortex laser arrays with actively tunable topologies and non-local coupling dictated by the array’s topology. The vortex arrays exhibit sharp Bragg diffraction peaks, witnessing their coherence and topological charge purity, which we spatially resolve over the whole lattice by introducing a parallelized analysis technique. By structuring light at the source, we enable complex transformations that allow to arbitrarily partition orbital angular momentum within the cavity and to heal topological charge defects, thus realizing robust and versatile resonators for applications in topological optics.A solid-state laser that generates 10 × 10 vortex laser arrays is demonstrated. The topologies are actively tunable.

O surgimento da COVID-19 foi considerado uma emergência de saúde pública de interesse internacional, com alto risco de transmissibilidade que se espalhou por todo mundo, o que a caracterizou como pandemia. Seu impacto incluiu o aumento do adoecimento mental e de traumas psicológicos provocados diretamente pela infecção e/ou por seus desdobramentos secundários. Dessa forma, essa pesquisa objetivou verificar a relação da ansiedade com a COVID-19 para a qualidade do sono e abuso do álcool no estado do Piauí (Brasil) durante o período pandêmico de agosto a setembro de 2022. Contou-se com 303 participantes (Midade = 29; dp = 9,0), os quais responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico online, juntamente com a Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), o Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) e o Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Os dados revelaram que a amostra apresentou níveis baixos de ansiedade disfuncional (M = 3,34) e baixo risco para consumo nocivo de álcool (M = 4,13), no entanto, a amostra apresentou má qualidade de sono (M = 7,71). Sendo identificada uma correlação positiva, significativa, moderada entre ansiedade e a COVID-19 e má qualidade do sono (0,30; p < 0,001), este modelo explicou 10% da sua variância (F(1;299) = 37,05, p < 0,001). Conclui-se a necessidade de planejar políticas que conciliem saúde mental e qualidade do sono, capacitando profissionais a lidarem com a situação principalmente em cenários pandêmicos. The emergence of COVID-19 was considered a public health emergency of international concern, with a high risk of transmission that spread worldwide, characterizing it as a pandemic. Its impact included an increase in mental illness and psychological trauma directly caused by the infection and/or its secondary outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between COVID-19-related anxiety, sleep quality, and alcohol abuse in Piauí (Brazil) during the pandemic period from August to September 2022. A total of 303 participants (Mage = 29; SD = 9,0) responded to an online sociodemographic questionnaire, along with the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The data revealed that the sample exhibited low levels of dysfunctional anxiety (M = 3,34) and low risk for harmful alcohol consumption (M = 4,13); however, the sample showed poor sleep quality (M = 7,71). A significant moderate positive correlation was found between COVID-19-related anxiety and poor sleep quality (0.30; p < 0,001), with this model explaining 10% of its variance (F(1;299) = 37,05, p < 0.001). The study concludes by emphasizing the need for policies that integrate mental health and sleep quality, training professionals to deal with such situations, particularly in pandemic scenarios. El surgimiento de la COVID-19 fue considerado una emergencia de salud pública de interés internacional, con alto riesgo de transmisión que se extendió por todo el mundo, por lo que se caracterizó como pandemia. Su impacto incluyó un aumento de enfermedades mentales y traumas psicológicos, provocados directamente por la infección y/o sus desdoblamientos secundarios. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo examinar la relación entre la ansiedad frente a la COVID-19, la calidad del sueño y el abuso de alcohol en el estado de Piauí (Brasil) durante el período pandémico, de agosto a septiembre de 2022. Participaron 303 personas (Medad = 29; DE = 9,0), quienes respondieron un cuestionario sociodemográfico Enel  línea, junto con la Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), el Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) y el Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Los datos revelaron que la muestra presentó niveles bajos de ansiedad disfuncional (M = 3,34) y bajo riesgo de consumo nocivo de alcohol (M = 4,13), sin embargo, la muestra mostró mala calidad del sueño (M = 7,71). Se identificó una correlación positiva, significativa y moderada entre la ansiedad frente a la COVID-19 y la mala calidad del sueño (0,30; p < 0,001), y este modelo explicó el 10% de su varianza (F(1;299) = 37,05, p < 0,001). Se concluye la necesidad de planificar políticas que concilien la salud mental y la calidad del sueño, capacitando a profesionales para enfrentar situaciones similares, especialmente en escenarios pandémicos.

The rapid evolution of quantum devices fuels concerted efforts to experimentally establish quantum advantage over classical computing. Many demonstrations of quantum advantage, however, rely on computational assumptions and face verification challenges. Furthermore, steady advances in classical algorithms and machine learning make the issue of provable, practically demonstrable quantum advantage a moving target. In this work, we unconditionally demonstrate that parallel quantum computation can exhibit greater computational power than previously recognized. We prove that polynomial-size biased threshold circuits of constant depth—which model neural networks with tunable expressivity—fail to solve certain problems solvable by small constant-depth quantum circuits with local gates, for values of the bias that allow quantifiably large computational power. Additionally, we identify a family of problems that are solvable in constant depth by a universal quantum computer over prime-dimensional qudits with bounded connectivity, but remain hard for polynomial-size biased threshold circuits. We thereby bridge the foundational theory of non-local games in higher dimensions with computational advantage on emerging devices operating on a wide range of physical platforms. Finally, we show that these quantum advantages are robust to noise across all prime qudit dimensions with all-to-all connectivity, enhancing their practical appeal. Quantum devices’ growth drives efforts to show their benefits. Here, the authors prove unconditionally that constant-depth quantum circuits surpass biased threshold circuits with neural network-like functions for all prime qudit dimensions, even with noise.

Herein, we report the antimalarial activity of nine 4-methoxychalcone derivatives 1a–i and an initial analysis of their ADMET properties. All compounds showed potent activity against the P. falciparum chloroquine-resistant clone W2, with IC50 values ranging from 1.96 µM to 10.99 µM, with moderate or low cytotoxicity against the HeLa cell line. The compound 1a (IC50 = 2.06 µM) had the best selectivity index (9.0). All the sulfonamide 4-metychalcone derivatives synthesized had cLogP values between 2 and 5 (mean value 3.79) and molecular weights (MWs) below 500. The substitution of the pyrrolidine group in 1i by a morpholine group in 1a reduced the cLogP value from 3.05 in compound 1i to 2.34 in compound 1a. Indeed, compound 1a had the highest LipE value. The binding free energy of compound 1a showed it to be the most optimal chalcone derivative for plasmepsin-2 (−7.3 Kcal/mol). The physicochemical properties and LipE analysis of the dataset allowed us to establish that compound 1a is the highest quality compound of the series and a potential oral lead candidate.

Prions are infectious agents which cause rapidly lethal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals following long, clinically silent incubation periods. They are composed of multichain assemblies of misfolded cellular prion protein. While it has long been assumed that prions are themselves neurotoxic, recent development of methods to obtain exceptionally pure prions from mouse brain with maintained strain characteristics, and in which defined structures—paired rod-like double helical fibers—can be definitively correlated with infectivity, allowed a direct test of this assertion. Here we report that while brain homogenates from symptomatic prion-infected mice are highly toxic to cultured neurons, exceptionally pure intact high-titer infectious prions are not directly neurotoxic. We further show that treatment of brain homogenates from prion-infected mice with sodium lauroylsarcosine destroys toxicity without diminishing infectivity. This is consistent with models in which prion propagation and toxicity can be mechanistically uncoupled.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a curva de sensibilidade ao contraste para estímulos de grades senoidais verticais de frequências espaciais de 0,2; 0,6; 1; 3,1; 6,1; 8,8; 13,2 e 15,6 ciclos por grau de ângulo visual; em um ritmo de 24 horas de adultos saudáveis de diferentes cronotipos. Participaram desta pesquisa 18 voluntários do sexo masculino com idade de 19 a 31 anos (M=23,8; DP=3,29). Os participantes foram divididos em grupos de acordo com o cronotipo: Matutino (n=5), Intermediário (n=9) e Moderadamente vespertino (n=4). Utilizaram-se como instrumentos medidas neuropsicológicas e o software Metropsis para avaliar a Função de Sensibilidade ao Contraste (FSC). As medidas da FSC foram realizadas com o método psicofísico da escolha forçada entre duas alternativas espaciais. Os resultados apresentaram alterações nas dimensões relacionadas ao processamento cognitivo e na FSC de sujeitos Matutinos [F (14; 76303) = 38,92; p<0,05], Intermediários [F(14; 505) = 2,79; p<0,05] e Moderadamente vespertinos [F(14; 279) = 2,75; p<0,05] de acordo com os horários de medida. Concluiu-se que a sensibilidade ao contraste é um aspecto importante para o estudo da percepção visual circadiana, sugerindo que os mecanismos sensórios que processam o contraste visual estão diretamente relacionados à hora e o padrão do cronotipo.

Although some studies have reported perceptual changes in psychosis, no definitive conclusions have been drawn about visual disturbances that are related to bipolar disorder (BPD). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate colour vision in BPD patients. Data were recorded from 24 participants: healthy control group ( n  = 12) and type 1 BPD group ( n  = 12). The participants were 20–45 years old and they were free from neurological disorders and identifiable ocular disease and had normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity. Colour discrimination was evaluated using the Lanthony D-15d, Trivector and Ellipse tests, using a psychophysical forced-choice method. The relationship of visual measures to mood state and cognitive function was also investigated. The results showed that BPD patients had higher colour discrimination thresholds in the D15d ( p  < 0.001), Trivector ( p  < 0.001) and Ellipse ( p  < 0.01) tests compared with healthy controls. Linear regression analysis showed that mood state was related to colour discrimination. BPD individuals were not impaired in cognitive tasks. The present study provided new evidence of potential links between type 1 BPD and visual processing impairments. This research suggests a new direction for studies and the need for research in this field of study.

Legumes can contribute significantly to nitrogen (N) input in grazing systems. Grazing management is a critical factor affecting N cycling in mixed pastures, altering the legume N input as a result. This study assessed how defoliation frequency affects N cycling in rotationally stocked palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha) and forage peanut (Arachis pintoi) pastures. Treatments included four grazing management strategies, defined by the rest period interruption when the canopy reached 90 (90LI), 95 (95LI), and 100% (100LI) of photosynthetically active radiation interception (LI), and a fixed rest period of 42 d (42D). A 2‐yr experimental period was adopted. Existing litter was greater at 100LI (2208 vs. 1964 kg ha−1; average of 42D, 90LI, and 95LI, respectively). Greater defoliation frequency (42D and 90LI) resulted in increase of litter legume proportion, resulting in greater decomposition rate, lower litter half‐life (p < .001, and p = .015, respectively), and greater N cycling (91 vs. 64 kg ha−1 season−1). Less frequent defoliation (100LI) resulted in reduced total forage intake, proportion of legume intake, and lower N intake compared with other treatments (p = .007, p = .081, and p < .001, respectively). Greater defoliation frequency increased N cycling via litter, but did not affect excretion due to compensation with stocking rate. Defoliation frequency between 90 and 95% LI optimizes N cycling in palisadegrass‐forage peanut mixed pastures.

El surgimiento de la COVID-19 fue considerado una emergencia de salud pública de interés internacional, con alto riesgo de transmisión que se extendió por todo el mundo, por lo que se caracterizó como pandemia. Su impacto incluyó un aumento de enfermedades mentales y traumas psicológicos, provocados directamente por la infección y/o sus desdoblamientos secundarios. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo examinar la relación entre la ansiedad frente a la COVID-19, la calidad del sueño y el abuso de alcohol en el estado de Piauí (Brasil) durante el período pandémico, de agosto a septiembre de 2022. Participaron 303 personas ([M.sub.edad] = 29; DE = 9,0), quienes respondieron un cuestionario sociodemográfico Enel línea, junto con la Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), el Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) y el Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Los datos revelaron que la muestra presentó niveles bajos de ansiedad disfuncional (M = 3,34) y bajo riesgo de consumo nocivo de alcohol (M = 4,13), sin embargo, la muestra mostró mala calidad del sueño (M = 7,71). Se identificó una correlación positiva, significativa y moderada entre la ansiedad frente a la COVID-19 y la mala calidad del sueño (0,30; p < 0,001), y este modelo explicó el 10% de su varianza ([F.sub.(1;299)] = 37,05, p < 0,001). Se concluye la necesidad de planificar políticas que concilien la salud mental y la calidad del sueño, capacitando a profesionales para enfrentar situaciones similares, especialmente en escenarios pandémicos. Palabras clave: COVID-19; Ansiedad; Alcohol; Dormir; Salud mental. O surgimento da COVID-19 foi considerado uma emergência de saúde pública de interesse internacional, com alto risco de transmissibilidade que se espalhou por todo mundo, o que a caracterizou como pandemia. Seu impacto incluiu o aumento do adoecimento mental e de traumas psicológicos provocados diretamente pela infecção e/ou por seus desdobramentos secundários. Dessa forma, essa pesquisa objetivou verificar a relação da ansiedade com a COVID-19 para a qualidade do sono e abuso do álcool no estado do Piauí (Brasil) durante o período pandêmico de agosto a setembro de 2022. Contou-se com 303 participantes ([M.sub.idade] = 29; dp = 9,0), os quais responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico online, juntamente com a Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), o Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) e o Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Os dados revelaram que a amostra apresentou níveis baixos de ansiedade disfuncional (M = 3,34) e baixo risco para consumo nocivo de álcool (M = 4,13), no entanto, a amostra apresentou má qualidade de sono (M = 7,71). Sendo identificada uma correlação positiva, significativa, moderada entre ansiedade e a COVID-19 e má qualidade do sono (0,30; p < 0,001), este modelo explicou 10% da sua variância ([F.sub.(1;299)] = 37,05, p < 0,001). Conclui-se a necessidade de planejar políticas que conciliem saúde mental e qualidade do sono, capacitando profissionais a lidarem com a situação principalmente em cenários pandêmicos. Palavras-chave: COVID-19; Ansiedade; Álcool; Sono; Saúde mental. The emergence of COVID-19 was considered a public health emergency of international concern, with a high risk of transmission that spread worldwide, characterizing it as a pandemic. Its impact included an increase in mental illness and psychological trauma directly caused by the infection and/or its secondary outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between COVID-19-related anxiety, sleep quality, and alcohol abuse in Piauí (Brazil) during the pandemic period from August to September 2022. A total of 303 participants ([M.sub.age] = 29; SD = 9,0) responded to an online sociodemographic questionnaire, along with the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The data revealed that the sample exhibited low levels of dysfunctional anxiety (M = 3,34) and low risk for harmful alcohol consumption (M = 4,13); however, the sample showed poor sleep quality (M = 7,71). A significant moderate positive correlation was found between COVID-19-related anxiety and poor sleep quality (0.30; p < 0,001), with this model explaining 10% of its variance ([F.sub.(1;299)] = 37,05, p < 0.001). The study concludes by emphasizing the need for policies that integrate mental health and sleep quality, training professionals to deal with such situations, particularly in pandemic scenarios. Keywords: COVID-19; Anxiety; Alcohol; Sleep; Mental health.