Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Mixture of Tocopherol Acetate and L-Menthol Synergistically Promotes Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice

Oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are single components approved by the US FDA for treating hair loss. Some other compounds originating from natural products are also traditionally used for promoting hair growth. In this study, observations of treated keratinocyte cells were used to demonstrate that tocopherol acetate, L-menthol, and stevioside exert an effect on cell regeneration. Furthermore, these were topically applied to the shaved skin of C57BL/6 mice to observe their effects on hair growth. A mixture of tocopherol acetate, L-menthol, and stevioside showed the highest potential for promoting hair growth in vivo. In in vivo experiments, the mixture of tocopherol acetate, L-menthol, and stevioside was more effective than tocopherol acetate or L-menthol alone in promoting hair growth. The transcriptome analysis of skin from the dorsal side of a mouse treated with tocopherol acetate or L-menthol versus vehicle revealed key changes in keratin, keratin-associated protein, forkhead box, sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor 10, desmoglein 4, deoxyribonuclease 1-like 2, and cadherin 3, known to play roles in promoting hair growth.
Molecular Origin of the Influence of the Temperature on the Loss Factor of a Solid Propellant

This study focuses on the viscoelastic behavior of an industrial hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) based solid propellant. The analysis of the loss factor as function of temperature enables the investigation of the molecular mechanisms participating in the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior. A design of experiments determines the influences of the filler fraction, of the NCO/OH ratio, of the plasticizer content, and of the presence or absence of filler-binder bonding agents. For all the tested materials, the loss factor as function of temperature exhibits two distinct peaks when measured by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis. Exponentially modified Gaussian distributions are applied on each peak to characterize the behavior. While the first peak is commonly associated with the rubber-glass transition of the material, the second peak has not been clearly associated with a molecular mechanism. This study shows that the second peak of the loss factor in HTPB-based solid propellants originates from the flow of free polymer chains in the polymer network with a reptation mechanism. The sol polymer fraction controls the area of the second peak, whereas its temperature at the maximum corresponds to an activation temperature determined by the molar masses of the sol polymer. Finally, when the propellant is stretched, a decrease in area and an increase in the temperature of the peak show that the reptation of the sol polymer chains is constrained by the network.
A Novel Thiourea Ligand Applied in the Pd‐Catalyzed Heck, Suzuki and Suzuki Carbonylative Reactions

A novel C2 symmetrical and sterically bulky thiourea ligand 1 has been successfully applied to Heck, Suzuki and Suzuki-type carbonylative coupling reactions under aerobic conditions. Since the metal-sulfur bond in the thiourea complexes is stronger than the metal-phosphorus bond of typical phosphine complexes, thiourea ligands generally do not easily dissociate from the metal center under catalytic conditions, which establishes the thiourea 1-based palladium complexes as effective catalysts for the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.
Interpretability of Spatiotemporal Dynamics of the Brain Processes Followed by Mindfulness Intervention in a Brain-Inspired Spiking Neural Network Architecture

Mindfulness training is associated with improvements in psychological wellbeing and cognition, yet the specific underlying neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning these changes are uncertain. This study uses a novel brain-inspired artificial neural network to investigate the effect of mindfulness training on electroencephalographic function. Participants completed a 4-tone auditory oddball task (that included targets and physically similar distractors) at three assessment time points. In Group A (n = 10), these tasks were given immediately prior to 6-week mindfulness training, immediately after training and at a 3-week follow-up; in Group B (n = 10), these were during an intervention waitlist period (3 weeks prior to training), pre-mindfulness training and post-mindfulness training. Using a spiking neural network (SNN) model, we evaluated concurrent neural patterns generated across space and time from features of electroencephalographic data capturing the neural dynamics associated with the event-related potential (ERP). This technique capitalises on the temporal dynamics of the shifts in polarity throughout the ERP and spatially across electrodes. Findings support anteriorisation of connection weights in response to distractors relative to target stimuli. Right frontal connection weights to distractors were associated with trait mindfulness (positively) and depression (inversely). Moreover, mindfulness training was associated with an increase in connection weights to targets (bilateral frontal, left frontocentral, and temporal regions only) and distractors. SNN models were superior to other machine learning methods in the classification of brain states as a function of mindfulness training. Findings suggest SNN models can provide useful information that differentiates brain states based on distinct task demands and stimuli, as well as changes in brain states as a function of psychological intervention.
Positive Emotion Amplification by Representing Excitement Scene with TV Chat Agents

This paper proposes emotion amplification for TV chat agents allowing users to get more excited in TV sports programs, and a model that estimates the excitement level of TV programs based on the number of social comment posts. The proposed model extracts the exciting intervals from social comments to the program scenes. By synchronizing recorded video streams and the intervals, the agents may talk with the user dynamically changing the frequency and volume of upbeat utterances, increasing the excitement of the user. To test these agents, participants watched TV content under three conditions: without an agent, with four agents that utter with a flat voice, and with four agents with emotion amplification. Results from 24 young adult Japanese individuals showed that their arousal of participants’ subjective and physiological emotional responses were boosted because of the agents, enhancing their motivation to interact with the agent in the future. With empirical evidence, this paper supports these expectations and demonstrates that these agents can amplify the positive emotions of TV watchers, enhancing their motivation to interact with the agent in the future.
Melanogenesis Connection with Innate Immunity and Toll-Like Receptors

The epidermis is located in the outermost layer of the living body and is the place where external stimuli such as ultraviolet rays and microorganisms first come into contact. Melanocytes and melanin play a wide range of roles such as adsorption of metals, thermoregulation, and protection from foreign enemies by camouflage. Pigmentary disorders are observed in diseases associated with immunodeficiency such as Griscelli syndrome, indicating molecular sharing between immune systems and the machineries of pigment formation. Melanocytes express functional toll-like receptors (TLRs), and innate immune stimulation via TLRs affects melanin synthesis and melanosome transport to modulate skin pigmentation. TLR2 enhances melanogenetic gene expression to augment melanogenesis. In contrast, TLR3 increases melanosome transport to transfer to keratinocytes through Rab27A, the responsible molecule of Griscelli syndrome. TLR4 and TLR9 enhance tyrosinase expression and melanogenesis through p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and NFκB signaling pathway, respectively. TLR7 suppresses microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and MITF reduction leads to melanocyte apoptosis. Accumulating knowledge of the TLRs function of melanocytes has enlightened the link between melanogenesis and innate immune system.
Primary HIV-1 and Infectious Molecular Clones Are Differentially Susceptible to Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies

To prevent the spread of HIV-1, a vaccine should elicit antibodies that block viral entry for all cell types. Recently, we have developed a virus capture assay to quantitatively examine early time points of infection. Here we present data on the ability of bNAbs to inhibit capture (1 h) or replication (48 h) of purified primary acute or chronic HIV or infectious molecular clones (IMCs) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as quantified by qRT-PCR. Although bNAbs significantly inhibited HIV-1 replication in PBMCs in a virus subtype and in a PBMC-donor specific manner, they did not inhibit virus capture of primary viruses. In contrast, IMC capture and replication in PBMCs and purified CD4+ T cells were significantly inhibited by bNAbs, thus indicating that unlike IMCs, primary HIV-1 may initially bind to other cell surface molecules, which leads to virus capture even in the presence of bNAbs. Our results demonstrate that the initial interactions and some aspects of infectivity of primary HIV-1 and IMCs are inherently different, which underscores the importance of studying virus transmission using primary viruses in in vitro studies, an issue that could impact HIV-1 vaccine design strategies.
Evolution of Urban Haze in Greater Bangkok and Association with Local Meteorological and Synoptic Characteristics during Two Recent Haze Episodes

This present work investigates several local and synoptic meteorological aspects associated with two wintertime haze episodes in Greater Bangkok using observational data, covering synoptic patterns evolution, day-to-day and diurnal variation, dynamic stability, temperature inversion, and back-trajectories. The episodes include an elevated haze event of 16 days (14–29 January 2015) for the first episode and 8 days (19–26 December 2017) for the second episode, together with some days before and after the haze event. Daily PM2.5 was found to be 50 µg m−3 or higher over most of the days during both haze events. These haze events commonly have cold surges as the background synoptic feature to initiate or trigger haze evolution. A cold surge reached the study area before the start of each haze event, causing temperature and relative humidity to drop abruptly initially but then gradually increased as the cold surge weakened or dissipated. Wind speed was relatively high when the cold surge was active. Global radiation was generally modulated by cloud cover, which turns relatively high during each haze event because cold surge induces less cloud. Daytime dynamic stability was generally unstable along the course of each haze event, except being stable at the ending of the second haze event due to a tropical depression. In each haze event, low-level temperature inversion existed, with multiple layers seen in the beginning, effectively suppressing atmospheric dilution. Large-scale subsidence inversion aloft was also persistently present. In both episodes, PM2.5 showed stronger diurnality during the time of elevated haze, as compared to the pre- and post-haze periods. During the first episode, an apparent contrast of PM2.5 diurnality was seen between the first and second parts of the haze event with relatively low afternoon PM2.5 over its first part, but relatively high afternoon PM2.5 over its second part, possibly due to the role of secondary aerosols. PM2.5/PM10 ratio was relatively lower in the first episode because of more impact of biomass burning, which was in general agreement with back-trajectories and active fire hotspots. The second haze event, with little biomass burning in the region, was likely to be caused mainly by local anthropogenic emissions. These findings suggest a need for haze-related policymaking with an integrated approach that accounts for all important emission sectors for both particulate and gaseous precursors of secondary aerosols. Given that cold surges induce an abrupt change in local meteorology, the time window to apply control measures for haze is limited, emphasizing the need for readiness in mitigation responses and early public warning.
Genetic Diversity of Potyviruses Associated with Tulip Breaking Syndrome

Tulip breaking is economically the most important viral disease of modern-day tulip growing. It is characterized by irregular flame and feather-like patterns in the flowers and mosaic on the foliage. Thirty-two leaf samples were collected from cultivated tulip plants showing tulip breaking syndrome from Hungary in 2017 and 2018. Virus identification was performed by serological (ELISA) and molecular (RT-PCR) methods. All samples proved to be infected with a potyvirus and evidence was provided that three potyvirus species could be identified in the samples: Lily mottle virus (LMoV), Tulip breaking virus (TBV) and Rembrandt tulip-breaking virus (ReTBV). Recombination prediction accomplished with Recombination Detection Program (RDP) v4.98 revealed potential intraspecies recombination in the case of TBV and LMoV. Phylogenetic analyses of the coat protein (CP) regions proved the monophyletic origin of these viruses and verified them as three different species according to current International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) species demarcation criteria. Based on these results, we analyzed taxonomic relations concerning potyviruses associated with tulip breaking syndrome. We propose the elevation of ReTBV to species level, and emergence of two new subgroups in ReTBV.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Iron and Zinc Deficiency in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Globally, one-third of the population is affected by iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiency, which is severe in developing and underdeveloped countries where cereal-based diets predominate. The genetic biofortification approach is the most sustainable and one of the cost-effective ways to address Fe and Zn malnutrition. Maize is a major source of nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America. Understanding systems’ biology and the identification of genes involved in Fe and Zn homeostasis facilitate the development of Fe- and Zn-enriched maize. We conducted a genome-wide transcriptome assay in maize inbred SKV616, under –Zn, –Fe and –Fe–Zn stresses. The results revealed the differential expression of several genes related to the mugineic acid pathway, metal transporters, photosynthesis, phytohormone and carbohydrate metabolism. We report here Fe and Zn deficiency-mediated changes in the transcriptome, root length, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and reduced rate of photosynthesis. Furthermore, the presence of multiple regulatory elements and/or the co-factor nature of Fe and Zn in enzymes indicate their association with the differential expression and opposite regulation of several key gene(s). The differentially expressed candidate genes in the present investigation would help in breeding for Fe and Zn efficient and kernel Fe- and Zn-rich maize cultivars through gene editing, transgenics and molecular breeding.
Parametric modelling of wheat grain morphology: a new perspective

Abstract A parametric model of wheat grain morphology is proposed. It consists of simple mathematical equations describing the grain shape. A thorough comparison of the model equations with cross-, side- and longitudinal-sections of grains from ten different wheat varieties led to a proposal of two geometrical systems capable of describing wheat and durum. This model was built on the basis of simple geometrical data: the length, width, thickness and depth of the crease. It has many potential morphological applications, e.g. for calculation of geometrical characteristics like grain volume and surface are used to assess the theoretical yield of varieties. The calculated milling yield based on morphological characteristics thus allows a better estimation of the real milling yield of different varieties than the simple measurement of the mass to the hectolitre (kg/hl). It can also be advantageously used in applications with models requiring average grain shape, e.g. mechanical or granular simulations.
Incidence and Survival Trends of Pancreatic Cancer in Girona: Impact of the Change in Patient Care in the Last 25 Years

(1) Background: We investigated the incidence and survival trends for pancreatic cancer (PC) over the last 25 years in the Girona region, Catalonia, Spain; (2) Methods: Data were extracted from the population-based Girona Cancer Registry. Incident PC cases during 1994–2015 were classified using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology Third Edition (ICD-O-3). Incidence rates age-adjusted to the European standard population (ASRE) and world standard population (ASRW) were obtained. Trends were assessed using the estimated annual percentage of change (EAPC) of the ASRE13. Observed and relative survivals (RS) were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier and Pohar Perme methods, respectively; (3) Results: We identified 1602 PC incident cases. According to histology, 44.4% of cases were exocrine PC, 4.1% neuroendocrine, and 51.1% malignant-non-specified. The crude incidence rate (CR) for PC was 11.43 cases-per-100,000 inhabitants/year. A significant increase of incidence with age and over the study period was observed. PC overall 5-year RS was 7.05% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.63; 8.84). Longer overall survival was observed in patients with neuroendocrine tumours (5-year RS 61.45%; 95% CI 47.47; 79.55). Trends in 5-year RS for the whole cohort rose from 3.27% (95% CI 1.69–6.35) in 1994–1998 to 13.1% (95% CI 9.98; 17.2) in 2010–2015; (4) Conclusions: Incidence rates of PC in Girona have increased in the last two decades. There is a moderate but encouraging increase in survival thorough the study period. These results can be used as baseline for future research.
Peptone-Induced Physio-Biochemical Modulations Reduce Cadmium Toxicity and Accumulation in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

The accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in edible plant parts and fertile lands is a worldwide problem. It negatively influences the growth and productivity of leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach, Spinacia oleracea L.), which have a high tendency to radially accumulate Cd. The present study investigated the influences of peptone application on the growth, biomass, chlorophyll content, gas exchange parameters, antioxidant enzymes activity, and Cd content of spinach plants grown under Cd stress. Cd toxicity negatively affected spinach growth, biomass, chlorophyll content, and gas exchange attributes. However, it increased malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), electrolyte leakage (EL), proline accumulation, ascorbic acid content, Cd content, and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in spinach plants. The exogenous foliar application of peptone increased the growth, biomass, chlorophyll content, proline accumulation, and gas exchange attributes of spinach plants. Furthermore, the application of peptone decreased Cd uptake and levels of MDA, H2O2, and EL in spinach by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This enhancement in plant growth and photosynthesis might be due to the lower level of Cd accumulation, which in turn decreased the negative impacts of oxidative stress in plant tissues. Taken together, the findings of the study revealed that peptone is a promising plant growth regulator that represents an efficient approach for the phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soils and enhancement of spinach growth, yield, and tolerance under a Cd-dominant environment.
A Critical Review of Nonlinear Damping Identification in Structural Dynamics: Methods, Applications, and Challenges

In recent decades, nonlinear damping identification (NDI) in structural dynamics has attracted wide research interests and intensive studies. Different NDI strategies, from conventional to more advanced, have been developed for a variety of structural types. With apparent advantages over classical linear methods, these strategies are able to quantify the nonlinear damping characteristics, providing powerful tools for the analysis and design of complex engineering structures. Since the current trend in many applications tends to more advanced and sophisticated applications, it is of great necessity to work on developing these methods to keep pace with this progress. Moreover, NDI can provide an effective and promising tool for structural damage detection purposes, where the changes in the dynamic features of structures can be correlated with damage levels. This review paper provides an overview of NDI methods by explaining the fundamental challenges and potentials of these methods based on the available literature. Furthermore, this research offers a comprehensive survey of different applications and future research trends of NDI. For potential development and application work for nonlinear damping methods, the anticipated results and recommendations of the current paper can assist researchers and developers worldwide to find out the gaps and unsolved issues in the field of NDI.
Methotrexate Gold Nanocarriers: Loading and Release Study: Its Activity in Colon and Lung Cancer Cells

In the present study, the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) loaded with methotrexate (MTX) has been carried out in order to obtain controlled size and monodispersed nanocarriers of around 20 nm. The characterization study shows metallic AuNPs with MTX polydispersed on the surface. MTX is linked by the replacement of citrate by the MTX carboxyl group. The drug release profiles show faster MTX release when it is conjugated, which leads to the best control of plasma concentration. Moreover, the enhanced release observed at pH 5 could take advantage of the pH gradients that exist in tumor microenvironments to achieve high local drug concentrations. AuNP–MTX conjugates were tested by flow cytometry against lung (A-549) and colon (HTC-116) cancer cell lines. Results for A-549 showed a weaker dose–response effect than for colon cancer ones. This could be related to the presence of folate receptors in line HTC-116 in comparison to line A-549, supporting the specific uptake of folate-conjugated AuNP–MTX by folate receptor positive tumor cells. Conjugates exhibited considerably higher cytotoxic effects compared with the effects of equal doses of free MTX. Annexin V-PI tests sustained the cell death mechanism of apoptosis, which is normally disabled in cancer cells.
Genotype × Environment Interaction for Wheat Yield Traits Suitable for Selection in Different Seed Priming Conditions

Different seed priming treatments are widely used in order to improve the nutritional status of wheat, as well as to improve its grain yield and yield- related traits. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of seed priming with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the yield related traits, such as, field emergence, plant height, spike length and grain yield per plant of four winter wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) during two vegetation seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. The seeds of each wheat genotypes were primed with different concentrations of ZnO NPs (0 mg L−1, 10 mg L−1, 100 mg L−1 and 1000 mg L−1) for 48 h in a dark box by continuous aeration and were sown in soil pots with 60–70% moisture content until full maturity. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) models were used to study the genotype environment effects. The results indicated that the plants response to ZnO nanoparticles significantly increased all of the observed traits of the wheat, while its maximum rates reduced the traits of the wheat. The AMMI analysis revealed the very complex nature of the variation observed in the trial and showed the significant effect of the G×E interaction, in which the first main component was significant for all components.