Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Screenwriting Framework for an Interactive Virtual Reality Film

This paper presents a proposal for a screenplay writing framework for interactive VR feature films made using 360° video technology, presenting possible diegetic and extradiegetic interaction options on a pre-scripted story with different navigation alternatives. The interactive structure is based on the hero’s journey and the classic cinematographic structure in order to assure the dramatic tension of the story. The framework for an interactive VR storytelling project can be applied in a Narrative Learning context. Both VR and storytelling have the potential to favor immersion and by this means favor the construction of innovative and effective learning environments.
SPARSE BASED IMAGE FUSION USING COMPACT SUB-DICTIONARIES

Image fusion schemes are desirable to obtain a high-quality image by integrating complementary information from multiple source images. The main aim of this paper is to propose a novel image fusion technique that provides a highly informative image, which is useful in various applications like computer vision, medical diagnosis, remote sensing, etc. Traditional Sparse Representation (SR) based fusion method makes use of a single highly redundant dictionary for image fusion. This increases complexity and may also lead to visual artefacts in the fused image. Fusion scheme using dictionary-based sparse representation is proposed in this paper. A large number of image patches are pre-classified based on projections using R-Transform and a set of compact sub-dictionaries are learnt from them. At the fusion stage, one of the sub-dictionaries is chosen to fuse the given set of source images. Quantitative and Qualitative evaluation of the proposed fusion scheme on multi-focus and multi-modal images shows the superiority of the proposed scheme over other existing fusion algorithms.
Leaf Conductance as Related to Xylem Water Potential and Carbon Dioxide Concentration in Sitka Spruce

Current year shoots of Sitka spruce [Picea sitchensis Bong. (Carr.)] from the forest canopy were equilibrated in a leaf chamber. The shoots were excised in air, and removed at differing times in order to establish a relationship between stomatal conductance and xylem water potential. The experiment was repeated at five ambient CO2 concentrations. A second set of excised forest shoots, and shoots excised from 2-year- old nursery seedlings were allowed to evaporate freely in a controlled environment wind tunnel until a constant rate of transpiration was measured, to establish a relationship between cuticular conductance and xylem water potential. Cuticular conductance was estimated to be 0.012 cm s-1 at high water potential and declined linearly to 0.007 cm s-1 at −3.5 MPa. The implication of this decline in the subsequent calculation of stomatal and mesophyll conductance is considered. Stomatal conductance remained constant at water potentials above −1.4 MPa and was not affected by ambient carbon dioxide concentrations between 20 and 600 cm-3. At lower water potentials, stomatal conductance declined and approached zero at −2.5 to −2.6 MPa. The results suggest that stomatal aperture is not controlled by either ambient or intercellular space carbon dioxide concentration, and that stomatal closure at low water potential is unlikely to be mediated by carbon dioxide.
Absorption bleaching of squarylium dye J aggregates via a two-photon excitation process

Squarylium dye J aggregates exhibit ultrafast nonlinear optical response of absorption saturation at the resonant wavelength of 770 nm. We studied the two-photon excitation process of J aggregates. By fluorescence measurement, we found the two-photon absorption band at 1.3 μm, which was different from that of the dye solution at 1.2 μm. Absorption saturation at 770 nm via a two-photon excitation process was observed by two-photon resonant excitation at 1.3 μm and also by off-resonant excitation at 1.55 μm, suggesting the possibility of J aggregates for optical switching materials working at the wavelength used in optical communications.
Rhodium Tolane Complex and Cyclotrimerization of Substituted Acetylenes Catalyzed by Transition Metal Complexes

Cyclotrimerization of tolane and phenylacetylene has been studied from the viewpoint of the reaction intermediates and the composition of reaction products. Rh4(CO)12 and Co4(CO)12 have been found to catalyze the trimerization of tolane and phenylacetylene to yield some substituted benzenes. By the reaction of Rh4(CO)12 with tolane, an unknown complex was obtained. The triphenyl phosphine derivative of this complex has been determined to be Rh2(CO)3(C6H5C≡CC6H5)2P(C6H5)3. From infrared spectroscopic study, it was concluded that the two tolane molecules in the complex are connected to rhodium atoms separately without completion of dimerization. On the basis of the ratio of 1,2,4-triphenylbenzene to 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene, the reaction course of trimerization is discussed.
The first organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of 3-substituted isoindolinones

Herein we describe the first asymmetric organocatalytic synthesis of 3-substituted isoindolinones in a convenient aldol-cyclization-rearrangement tandem reaction of malonates with 2-cyanobenzaldehyde. Bifunctional thiourea-cinchona catalysts proved to be particularly effective, giving the title compounds in high yields and moderate to good enantiomeric excesses. Moreover an efficient process of reverse crystallization led to a further enrichment up to >99% ee.
Neutron diffraction study of the relaxor-ferroelectric phase transition in disordered Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3

The crystal structure of chemically disordered lead scandium niobate, Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3, is studied by the high-resolution neutron powder diffraction method. The data, collected over the temperature range 2-653? K, are analysed using Rietveld refinement. From 653? K to 378? K, the symmetry of PSN is found to be cubic (space group Pmm) with positional disorder on the lead and oxygen crystallographic sites. For temperatures close to the ferroelectric phase transition (~378? K), the formation of polar domains in the paraelectric phase is deduced from the observation of the diffuse scattering around Bragg peaks. For the ferroelectric phase, between 368? K and down to 2? K, the symmetry of PSN is determined to be trigonal (with space group R3m) and a positional disorder on the Pb site is evidenced perpendicular to the ferroelectric axis.
Design of Polymeric and Biocompatible Delivery Systems by Dissolving Mesoporous Silica Templates

There are many nanoencapsulation systems available today. Among all these, mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) have received great attention in the last few years. Their large surface-to-volume ratio, biocompatibility, and versatility allow the encapsulation of a wide variety of drugs inside their pores. However, their chemical instability in biological fluids is a handicap to program the precise release of the therapeutic compounds. Taking advantage of the dissolving capacity of silica, in this study, we generate hollow capsules using MSPs as transitory sacrificial templates. We show how, upon MSP coating with different polyelectrolytes or proteins, fully customized hollow shells can be produced. These capsules are biocompatible, flexible, and biodegradable, and can be decorated with nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes to endow the systems with supplementary intrinsic properties. We also fill the capsules with a fluorescent dye to demonstrate intracellular compound release. Finally, we document how fluorescent polymeric capsules are engulfed by cells, releasing their encapsulated agent during the first 96 h. In summary, here, we describe how to assemble a highly versatile encapsulation structure based on silica mesoporous cores that are completely removed from the final polymeric capsule system. These drug encapsulation systems are highly customizable and have great versatility as they can be made using silica cores of different sizes and multiple coatings. This provides capsules with unique programmable attributes that are fully customizable according to the specific needs of each disease or target tissue for the development of nanocarriers in personalized medicine.
Preparation, Spectroscopic Characterization, Theoretical Investigations, and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Cd(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Cu(II) Complexes of 4(3H)-Quinazolinone-Derived Schiff Base

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new Schiff base ligand 3-[[(E)-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-methylidene]amino]-2-methyl-quinazolin-4(3H)-one (HAMQ) and its Cd(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Cu(II) complexes (C1–C4). The ligand HAMQ was synthesized by reacting 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 3-amino-2-methyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone in a 1:1 molar ratio. The structure of the ligand and its complexes (C1–C4) were evaluated using ultraviolet (UV)–visible (Vis) light spectroscopy, 1H-NMR, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, MS, elemental analysis, conductance data, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The characterization results suggested that the bidentate ligand, HAMQ, coordinated to the metal center through the lactum oxygen and the azomethine nitrogen. Moreover, all the metal complexes were analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed that all of them belong to a triclinic crystal system. The research was supplemented by density functional theory (DFT) studies on the IR and UV–Vis spectra, as well as the chemical reactivity of the HAMQ and its four metallic derivatives making use of conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) by means of KID (Koopmans in DFT) methodology. The synthesized complexes displayed significant in vitro anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines (HeLa and HCT-115).
N-Acetyl Cysteine Targets Hepatic Lipid Accumulation to Curb Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in NAFLD: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Literature

Impaired adipose tissue function and insulin resistance remain instrumental in promoting hepatic lipid accumulation in conditions of metabolic syndrome. In fact, enhanced lipid accumulation together with oxidative stress and an abnormal inflammatory response underpin the development and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There are currently no specific protective drugs against NAFLD, and effective interventions involving regular exercise and healthy diets have proved difficult to achieve and maintain. Alternatively, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there has been growing interest in understanding the therapeutic effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against metabolic complications, including NAFLD. Here, reviewed evidence suggests that NAC blocks hepatic lipid accumulation in preclinical models of NAFLD. This is in part through the effective regulation of a fatty acid scavenger molecule (CD36) and transcriptional factors such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c/-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Importantly, NAC appears effective in improving liver function by reducing pro-inflammatory markers such as interleukin (IL)-6 IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). This was primarily through the attenuation of lipid peroxidation and enhancements in intracellular response antioxidants, particularly glutathione. Very few clinical studies support the beneficial effects of NAC against NAFLD-related complications, thus well-organized randomized clinical trials are still necessary to confirm its therapeutic potential.
The inverse relationship between solar-induced fluorescence yield and photosynthetic capacity: benefits for field phenotyping

Abstract Improving photosynthesis is considered a promising way to increase crop yield to feed a growing population. Realizing this goal requires non-destructive techniques to quantify photosynthetic variation among crop cultivars. Despite existing remote sensing-based approaches, it remains a question whether solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) can facilitate screening crop cultivars of improved photosynthetic capacity in plant breeding trials. Here we tested a hypothesis that SIF yield rather than SIF had a better relationship with the maximum electron transport rate (Jmax). Time-synchronized hyperspectral images and irradiance spectra of sunlight under clear-sky conditions were combined to estimate SIF and SIF yield, which were then correlated with ground-truth Vcmax and Jmax. With observations binned over time (i.e. group 1: 6, 7, and 12 July 2017; group 2: 31 July and 18 August 2017; and group 3: 24 and 25 July 2018), SIF yield showed a stronger negative relationship, compared with SIF, with photosynthetic variables. Using SIF yield for Jmax (Vcmax) predictions, the regression analysis exhibited an R2 of 0.62 (0.71) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 11.88 (46.86) μmol m–2 s–1 for group 1, an R2 of 0.85 (0.72) and RMSE of 13.51 (49.32) μmol m–2 s–1 for group 2, and an R2 of 0.92 (0.87) and RMSE of 15.23 (30.29) μmol m–2 s–1 for group 3. The combined use of hyperspectral images and irradiance measurements provides an alternative yet promising approach to characterization of photosynthetic parameters at plot level.
Structural Characterization of Glycerol Kinase from the Thermophilic Fungus Chaetomium thermophilum

Glycerol is an organic compound that can be utilized as an alternative source of carbon by various organisms. One of the ways to assimilate glycerol by the cell is the phosphorylative catabolic pathway in which its activation is catalyzed by glycerol kinase (GK) and glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) is formed. To date, several GK crystal structures from bacteria, archaea, and unicellular eukaryotic parasites have been solved. Herein, we present a series of crystal structures of GK from Chaetomium thermophilum (CtGK) in apo and glycerol-bound forms. In addition, we show the feasibility of an ADP-dependent glucokinase (ADPGK)-coupled enzymatic assay to measure the CtGK activity. New structures described in our work provide structural insights into the GK catalyzed reaction in the filamentous fungus and set the foundation for understanding the glycerol metabolism in eukaryotes.
BET-Inhibitor I-BET762 and PARP-Inhibitor Talazoparib Synergy in Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive type of lung cancer with high mortality that is caused by frequent relapses and acquired resistance. Despite that several target-based approaches with potential therapeutic impact on SCLC have been identified, numerous targeted drugs have not been successful in providing improvements in cancer patients when used as single agents. A combination of targeted therapies could be a strategy to induce maximum lethal effects on cancer cells. As a starting point in the development of new drug combination strategies for the treatment of SCLC, we performed a mid-throughput screening assay by treating a panel of SCLC cell lines with BETi or AKi in combination with PARPi or EZH2i. We observed drug synergy between I-BET762 and Talazoparib, BETi and PARPi, respectively, in SCLC cells. Combinatorial efficacy was observed in MYCs-amplified and MYCs-wt SCLC cells over SCLC cells with impaired MYC signaling pathway or non-tumor cells. We indicate that drug synergy between I-BET762 and Talazoparib is associated with the attenuation HR-DSBR process and the downregulation of various players of DNA damage response by BET inhibition, such as CHEK2, PTEN, NBN, and FANCC. Our results provide a rationale for the development of new combinatorial strategies for the treatment of SCLC.
The Nomenclature of Electroconvulsive Therapy.

ABSTRACT Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an established but stigmatized psychiatric treatment. The term ECT reflects the treatment's modality and action. Several authors proposed different names for ECT to deal with stigma; however, available literature that promoted different names did not address the risk/benefit ratio or offer evidence-based approach to the efficacy of this approach. We aim to examine proposed names for their specificity, accuracy, understandability, and popularity. In addition, we aim to find evidence-based methods to combat the ECT-related stigma. We reviewed the literature relating to the proposed names using snowballing technique for literature search. Known ECT alternative names were used for search, and whenever another name appears, it was added to our search list. We conducted Medline, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and PubMed search to check for popularity and cross examine whether proposed terms refer back to ECT. We searched for ECT and stigma, to find evidence for methods to tackle ECT-related stigma. Once, the search stopped yielding newer ideas, we stopped the search at a point of saturation, where no more ideas where generated. Our name search yielded 14 terms. Nine names avoided "electricity" and "convulsion," because of perceived associated stigma. Presence of different terminology can affect the clarity of patient-doctor communication, with no evidence of added benefit. Alternative names may affect doctor-doctor communication about this treatment. We concluded that it is safer to retain the term ECT for the sake of consistency and clarity of communication. Education and experience are evidence-based effective methods of tackling ECT-related stigma.
Comparative safety review of the current therapies for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

ABSTRACT Introduction: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, whose management requires complex and individualized clinical decisions. Over the last decades the advent of novel medications and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, alongside our deeper understanding of the disease, revolutionized the landscape of their management, significantly improving both prognosis and quality of life of patients. Area covered: Treatment-related adverse events and safety concerns as demonstrated in clinical trials, as well as in real-world clinical practice. Expert opinion: The only true curative option for NENs remains surgery, whereas high-grade advanced neuroendocrine carcinomas should be primarily managed with platinum-based chemotherapy. For the remaining cases, that comprise the vast majority, the current armamentarium includes somatostatin analogs, interferon, telotristat ethyl, molecular targeted therapies, chemotherapy, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, and locoregional treatment. The use of the aforementioned therapeutic options is associated with several and not uncommonly severe treatment-related adverse events. However, the benefits offered inclusive of improved prognosis, amelioration of symptoms, and better quality of life amidst others, by far outweighs any adverse event.
Report of envenomation in humans by handling a dyeing poison frog Dendrobates tinctorius (SCHNEIDER, 1799) (Anura: Dendrobatidae) in the Amazon, Brazil

Abstract We report a case of envenomation by Dendrobates tinctorius in the northwest of the Amazon Forest. The patients were two men, who presented with numbness in the right arm and slight numbness in the lower lip, respectively. Dendrobates tinctorius secretions contain pumiliotoxin, one of several toxins found in the dendrobatidis skin, which interferes with muscle contraction and causes locomotor difficulties. Although Dendrobatidae is a family of anurans known for their venom, few studies describe the symptoms of envenomation in humans.
The Reducing Effects of Pyrogallol-Phloroglucinol-6,6-Bieckol on High-Fat Diet-Induced Pyroptosis in Endothelial and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Mice Aortas

In hyperlipidemia, pyroptosis in endothelial cells (ECs) induces atherosclerosis via the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway. We evaluated the effects of Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) and pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol (PPB) on pyroptosis of ECs and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which leads to attenuation of these cells and dysfunction of the aorta in high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice and in palmitate-treated ECs and VSMCs. The expression of TLR4 and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), which induce formation of NOD-LRR-and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, were increased by HFD and were decreased by ECE and PPB. The TLR4/NF-κB pathway was upregulated in palmitate-treated ECs and VSMCs and was decreased by ECE and PPB. The expressions of NLRP3/apoptosis-associated speck like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 were increased by HFD and were decreased by ECE and PPB. Pyroptotic cells were increased by HFD and decreased by ECE and PPB. The expressions of the adhesion molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule and vascular cell adhesion molecule, and endothelin-1 were increased by HFD and were decreased by ECE and PPB. ECE and PPB decreased pyroptosis in the ECs and VSMCs, which was induced by HFD in the mouse aorta, and attenuated EC and VSMC dysfunction, an initiation factor of atherosclerosis.
Single-Option P300-BCI Performance Is Affected by Visual Stimulation Conditions

The P300 paradigm is one of the most promising techniques for its robustness and reliability in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) applications, but it is not exempt from shortcomings. The present work studied single-trial classification effectiveness in distinguishing between target and non-target responses considering two conditions of visual stimulation and the variation of the number of symbols presented to the user in a single-option visual frame. In addition, we also investigated the relationship between the classification results of target and non-target events when training and testing the machine-learning model with datasets containing different stimulation conditions and different number of symbols. To this end, we designed a P300 experimental protocol considering, as conditions of stimulation: the color highlighting or the superimposing of a cartoon face and from four to nine options. These experiments were carried out with 19 healthy subjects in 3 sessions. The results showed that the Event-Related Potentials (ERP) responses and the classification accuracy are stronger with cartoon faces as stimulus type and similar irrespective of the amount of options. In addition, the classification performance is reduced when using datasets with different type of stimulus, but it is similar when using datasets with different the number of symbols. These results have a special connotation for the design of systems, in which it is intended to elicit higher levels of evoked potentials and, at the same time, optimize training time.