Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthetic High-density Lipoprotein Nanodiscs for Personalized Immunotherapy Against Gliomas

Purpose: Gliomas are brain tumors with dismal prognoses. The standard-of-care treatments for gliomas include surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide administration; however, they have been ineffective in providing significant increases in median survival. Antigen-specific cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint blockade may provide promising immunotherapeutic approaches for gliomas. Experimental Design: We have developed immunotherapy delivery vehicles based on synthetic high-density lipoprotein (sHDL) loaded with CpG, a Toll-like receptor-9 agonist, and tumor-specific neoantigens to target gliomas and elicit immune-mediated tumor regression. Results: We demonstrate that vaccination with neoantigen peptide-sHDL/CpG cocktail in combination with anti–PD-L1 immune checkpoint blocker elicits robust neoantigen-specific T-cell responses against GL261 cells and eliminated established orthotopic GL261 glioma in 33% of mice. Mice remained tumor free upon tumor cell rechallenge in the contralateral hemisphere, indicating the development of immunologic memory. Moreover, in a genetically engineered murine model of orthotopic mutant IDH1 (mIDH1) glioma, sHDL vaccination with mIDH1 neoantigen eliminated glioma in 30% of animals and significantly extended the animal survival, demonstrating the versatility of our approach in multiple glioma models. Conclusions: Overall, our strategy provides a general roadmap for combination immunotherapy against gliomas and other cancer types.
A new Hydrometra species from Argentina (Heteroptera: Hydrometridae)

A new Hydrometridae species, Hydrometra quadrispina, is described here. The most distinctive characteristics are: Male VIIIth abdominal segment bears 4 ventral spines, a dorsal white stripe runs all along the body in both sexes, and the anteclypeus is broad and slightly pointed. Several other differences were found between this species and the sympatric H. argentina Berg and H. sztolcmani Jaczewski. Hydrometra quadrispina seems to have a very restricted distribution in a relict of the marginal forest in Punta Lara (Buenos Aires, Argentina). This area is threatened by a future bridge project to Uruguay.
How executive functions contribute to reading comprehension

Background Executive functions have been proposed to account for individual variation in reading comprehension beyond the contributions of decoding skills and language skills. However, insight into the direct and indirect effects of multiple executive functions on fifth‐grade reading comprehension, while accounting for decoding and language skills, is limited. Aim The present study investigated the direct and indirect effects of fourth‐grade executive functions (i.e., working memory, inhibition, and planning) on fifth‐grade reading comprehension, after accounting for decoding and language skills. Sample The sample included 113 fourth‐grade children (including 65 boys and 48 girls; Age M = 9.89; SD = .44 years). Methods The participants were tested on their executive functions (working memory, inhibition and planning), and their decoding skills, language skills (vocabulary and syntax knowledge) and reading comprehension, one year later. Results Using structural equation modelling, the results indicated direct effects of working memory and planning on reading comprehension, as well as indirect effects of working memory and inhibition via decoding (χ2 = 2.46). Conclusions The results of the present study highlight the importance of executive functions for reading comprehension after taking variance in decoding and language skills into account: Both working memory and planning uniquely contributed to reading comprehension. In addition, working memory and inhibition also supported decoding. As a practical implication, educational professionals should not only consider the decoding and language skills children bring into the classroom, but their executive functions as well.
Optimal Sets of Color Receptors and Color Opponent Systems for Coding of Natural Objects in Insect Vision

Abstract Model calculations are used to find an optimal color vision system for the coding of natural objects. The criteria to assess the quality of color vision are (a) discriminability between all colors of a given set; (b) discriminability between nearest neighbors (only the most similar colors of a set); and (c) detectability (color difference between target and background). The colored objects investigated are several sets of flower colors, one set of green foliage colors, and one set of fruit colors. A large variety of hypothetical color vision systems was generated by varying both the wavelength positions of photoreceptors and the weights of color opponent processes used to evaluate the receptor inputs. It is shown that the set of spectral receptor types in flower visiting bees (λmax=340, 430 and 540 nm) is close to optimal for the discrimination of several sets of sympatric and simultaneously blooming flower colors, as well as for discrimination of green foliage, but not for fruit coloration. For two sets of objects, the illuminant was varied, which changed the results only marginally. Detectability of flowers against background is likewise optimal. The optimal wavelength positions of photoreceptors are largely independent of the particular color opponent mechanisms used to evaluate the photoreceptor signals. Optimal color opponent systems are all those which comprise two opponent processes with weighting factors differing strongly form one another. The evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed against the background of a recent phylogenetic study which showed that wavelength tuning of insect photoreceptors likely predated the evolution of flower color.
Pegylation of RNA Spiegelmers by a Novel Widely Applicable Two‐Step Process for the Conjugation of Carboxylic Acids to Amino‐Modified Oligonucleotides

The reaction between N‐hydroxy succinimide (NHS) ester−activated carboxylic acids and amino‐modified nucleic acids is commonly used for the post‐synthetic modification of oligonucleotides. Here, we report a two‐step variation of the method in which the NHS ester is replaced by the corresponding parent carboxylic acid. In the first step, the carboxylic acid is activated with a standard peptide coupling reagent like HBTU in an anhydrous water‐miscible aprotic organic solvent. In the second step, the solution of the activated carboxylic acid is added to the amino‐modified oligonucleotide in water. The method is demonstrated using 40‐kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG) carboxylic acid and biotin as examples. Recycling of the carboxylic acid, which is typically used in molar excess over the nucleic acid, is shown for the conjugation with 40‐kDa PEG carboxylic acid. This conjugation method is generally applicable to the conjugation of carboxylic acids to amino‐modified oligonucleotides, thus enabling the attachment of small to large molecular entities such as dyes, tags, peptides, and other macromolecules. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Strains Isolated from the InSight Spacecraft and Associated Surfaces Using Oxford Nanopore- and Illumina-Based Sequencing

Whole-genome sequencing and annotation have allowed planetary protection engineers to assess the functional capabilities of microorganisms isolated from spacecraft hardware and associated surfaces. Here, we report draft genomes of six strains isolated from the InSight mission, determined using Oxford Nanopore- and Illumina-based sequencing. ABSTRACT Whole-genome sequencing and annotation have allowed planetary protection engineers to assess the functional capabilities of microorganisms isolated from spacecraft hardware and associated surfaces. Here, we report draft genomes of six strains isolated from the InSight mission, determined using Oxford Nanopore- and Illumina-based sequencing.
Study of the Metabolomics of Equine Preovulatory Follicular Fluid: A Way to Improve Current In Vitro Maturation Media

Simple Summary Commercial in vitro embryo production in horses by ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is currently used to produce embryos clinically. However, the successful pregnancy and foaling rates obtained after ICSI are only 10% of the oocytes matured in vitro. Conditions used for oocyte in vitro maturation are not optimized for equine oocytes. Hence, in the present work, we aimed to elucidate the major metabolites present in equine preovulatory follicular fluid obtained from postmortem mares using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). Twenty-two metabolites were identified; among these, nine of them are not included in the composition of in vitro maturation media. Hence, our data suggest that the currently used media for equine oocyte maturation can be further improved. Abstract Production of equine embryos in vitro is currently a commercial technique and a reliable way of obtaining offspring. In order to produce those embryos, immature oocytes are retrieved from postmortem ovaries or live mares by ovum pick-up (OPU), matured in vitro (IVM), fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and cultured until day 8–10 of development. However, at best, roughly 10% of the oocytes matured in vitro and followed by ICSI end up in successful pregnancy and foaling, and this could be due to suboptimal IVM conditions. Hence, in the present work, we aimed to elucidate the major metabolites present in equine preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) obtained from postmortem mares using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). The results were contrasted against the composition of the most commonly used media for equine oocyte IVM: tissue culture medium 199 (TCM-199) and Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium/nutrient mixture F-12 Ham (DMEM/F-12). Twenty-two metabolites were identified in equine FF; among these, nine of them are not included in the composition of DMEM/F-12 or TCM-199 media, including (mean ± SEM): acetylcarnitine (0.37 ± 0.2 mM), carnitine (0.09 ± 0.01 mM), citrate (0.4 ± 0.04 mM), creatine (0.36 ± 0.14 mM), creatine phosphate (0.36 ± 0.05 mM), fumarate (0.05 ± 0.007 mM), glucose-1-phosphate (6.9 ± 0.4 mM), histamine (0.25 ± 0.01 mM), or lactate (27.3 ± 2.2 mM). Besides, the mean concentration of core metabolites such as glucose varied (4.3 mM in FF vs. 5.55 mM in TCM-199 vs. 17.5 mM in DMEM/F-12). Hence, our data suggest that the currently used media for equine oocyte IVM can be further improved.
CD86-based analysis enables observation of bona fide hematopoietic responses.

-Sca-1+c-Kit+ cells; LSKs), is not suitable for the analysis of hematopoietic responses under biological stresses with interferon (IFN) production. Lin-Sca-1-c-Kit+ cells (LKs), downstream progenitors of LSKs, acquire Sca-1 expression upon inflammation, which makes it impossible to distinguish between LSKs and LKs. As an alternative and stable marker even under such stresses, we identified CD86 by screening 180 surface markers. The analysis of infection/inflammation-triggered hematopoiesis on the basis of CD86 expression newly revealed urgent erythropoiesis producing stress-resistant RBCs and intact reconstitution capacity of LSKs, which could not be detected by conventional Sca-1-based analysis.
A Simple and Rapid Fungal DNA Isolation Assay Based on ZnO Nanoparticles for the Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised people. Imaging and specimen tests used in the clinical diagnosis of aspergillosis with weak and indistinct defects leads to delay in the treatment of early aspergillosis patients. The developing molecular techniques provide a new method for the aspergillosis diagnosis. However, the existing methods are complex, time-consuming and may even be potentially hazardous. In this study, we developed a simple and rapid Aspergillus fumigatus spores DNA isolation assay using synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO). ZnO nanoparticles were used to take the place of the traditional commercial lysis buffer. The quality and quantity of the extracted DNA were sufficient for further diagnostics with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. This method offers easy, green, and economic alternative DNA isolation for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis.
Carcass characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acid profile of longissimus muscle of young bulls from four genetic groups finished in feedlot

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the carcass characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the longissimus muscle of 32 young bulls from four genetic groups: Caracu; Canchin; Aberdeen Angus × Canchin; and Charolais × Caracu, finished in feedlot and slaughtered at 22 months old. Each group was composed of eight animals. There was no difference for moisture, ash, crude protein or total cholesterol between bulls from different genetic groups. However, total lipids percentage was higher for bulls from Caracu and Aberdeen Angus × Canchin and lower for Canchin and Charolais genetic groups. Polyunsaturated fattty acids and n-6 percentage was higher for Canchin and lower for Caracu, Aberdeen Angus × Canchin and Charolais genetic groups. Canchin and Charolais × Caracu genetic groups presented higher n-3 percentage than Caracu and Aberdeen Angus × Canchin. There was no difference for the n-6/n-3 ratio among the bulls from the four genetic groups.
Twelve microsatellite markers developed in woundfin (Plagopterus argentissimus), an endangered warmwater fish of the lower Colorado River basin

Woundfin (Plagopterus argentissimus) is one of several endangered warmwater fishes once common to the lower Colorado River basin. Dexter National Fish Hatchery & Technology Center maintains a refugium stock founded in 1982, and augmented with c. 1000 young fish in 1989. Genetic characterization of the refugium stock and salvaged fish from the Virgin River is necessary to develop a strategy to incorporate salvaged fish into the hatchery stock. We developed an enriched microsatellite library and 12 species-specific polymorphic loci. Alleles per locus ranged from 10 to 19, averaging 13. The average expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.884 and 0.895, respectively.
The diversity–stability relationship in floral production

The diversity–stability hypothesis posits that species diversity confers redundancy in function, so that richer communities show higher temporal stability in ecosystem processes than poorer communities. The diversity–stability relationship has not been studied in terms of flower production before. A diverse flower community may stabilize the availability of floral resources along the floral season. Considering this type of stability is important because it could promote the stability and persistence of the pollination service. We evaluated 1) the diversity–stability relationship in floral production along a flowering season; 2) the effect of additional factors that could blur the diversity–stability relationship, such as flower abundance, elevation, and the time elapsed since the last fire, a common human disturbance in the study area; and 3) whether the most important plants for pollinators in terms of interspecific interactions contribute differentially to temporal stability. The most diverse communities were more stable in floral resource production along the flowering season. Stability of flower production was also influenced by a positive indirect effect of elevation. The plants that contributed the most to temporal stability were the most abundant and densely connected species, those at the core of the plant–pollinator network. Our study shows that species richness enhances the availability of floral resources for pollinators, providing a strong support for the diversity–stability hypothesis.
Wetland plant species diversity in sandy land of a semi-arid inland region of China

Abstract Though often ignored, small patches of wetland in sandy land within semi-arid inland regions can support diverse plant community types that greatly contribute to both local and regional species richness. This study characterizes the full range of wetland vegetation within the Mu Us sandy land, and compares the plant diversity and composition of different wetland plant community types. In the Mu Us sandy land, wetland vegetation types including swamps, wet meadows, and salt meadows were sampled. Clustering, dominant species analysis, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination were applied to identify and compare plant community types. Over 320 species of vascular plants, comprising 72.1% of the Mu Us sandy land flora, were found in the wetland, which occupies only 12.15% of the area. Local diversity is 11 ± 1.75 species per m2 on average, much greater than in the surrounding dune. Plant community types were classified into six types, whose dominant species were Phragmites australis, Eleocharis intersita, Salix cheilophila, Carex duriuscula, Calamagrostis pseudophragmites and Achnatherum splendens. The detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) axes represent gradients of water and soil salinity. Both local species richness and compositional variation differed among the six types. The plant assemblages of the wetland make important contributions to landscape-level diversity.
Methodology for radiochromic film analysis using FilmQA Pro and ImageJ

Radiochromic film (RCF) has several advantageous characteristics which make it an attractive dosimeter for many clinical tasks in radiation oncology. However, knowledge of and strict adherence to complicated protocols in order to produce accurate measurements can prohibit RCF from being widely adopted in the clinic. The purpose of this study was to outline some simple and straightforward RCF fundamentals in order to help clinical medical physicists perform accurate RCF measurements. We describe a process and methodology successfully used in our practice with the hope that it saves time and effort for others when implementing RCF in their clinics. Two RCF analysis software programs which differ in cost and complexity, the commercially available FilmQA Pro package and the freely available ImageJ software, were used to show the accuracy, consistency and limitations of each. The process described resulted in a majority of the measurements across a wide dose range to be accurate within ± 2% of the intended dose using either FilmQA Pro or ImageJ.
Are Seasonal Dormancy Patterns in Arabidopsis thaliana Regulated by Changes in Seed Sensitivity to Light, Nitrate and Gibberellin?

Imbibed seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. , passed annually through a pattern of changes in dormancy. Dormancy was broken in summer and re-induced in autumn-winter. A second small germination flush occurred in early spring. The role of sensitivity to light, nitrate and gibberellins (GAs) in regulating annual dormancy patterns and germination was studied with the use of GA-deficient (gal-2) and wild-type seeds. Dark-incubated seeds were exposed to a natural temperature regime for periods up to 18 months and at regular intervals germination capacity of portions of seeds was tested at laboratory conditions. Germination data fitted as logistic dose response curves showed that sensitivity to light varied with the seasons in both genotypes. From interpretation of curve parameters, it is proposed that the observed sensitivity changes involve alterations in the number of receptors, in the binding characteristics of the receptors and/or in the response chain initiated by ligand-receptor interaction. In this response chain GA biosynthesis is stimulated (wild type) and sensitivity to GAs is enhanced (wild type, gal -2). GA sensitivity is also directly influenced by temperature, thus without the interference of light. However, the significance of direct regulation of GA requirement seemed to diminish with prolonged incubation outdoors, whereas reversible changes in light sensitivity remained clear. Therefore, we propose that seasonal dormancy patterns are mainly regulated by changes in sensitivity to light. GA sensitivity contributes to this pattern but is not primarily controlling dormancy. The GA requirement for germination is obvious as gal-2 seeds did not germinate at any time of the year when deprived of applied GAs. However, GA biosynthesis is not required for dormancy control, as a dormancy pattern was also observed in the absence of the capacity to synthesize GAs. Nitrate or sensitivity to nitrate did not contribute to the regulation of dormancy and germination of this species.
The Formation and Biological Significance of Aggregations in the Distribution of Collembola

The formation and biological significance of aggregations of 6 species of surface dwelling Collembola of a coniferous forest soil were studied. The species are: Tomocerus minor (Lubbock), Lepidocyrtus cyaneus Tullberg, Orchesella cincta (Linne), Entomobrya nivalis (Linne), Isotomurus palustris (Muller) and Isotoma viridis Bourlet. All species showed a marked aggregation, but to a different degree and in different places, since the degree of aggregation of total Collembola appeared to be less than that of the individual species. The different degree of aggregation could not only in field studies, but also in laboratory experiments be related to the specific humidity preferences of the species. The stenohygric species Lepidocyrtus cyaneus, Isotoma viridis and Tomocerus minor appeared to have a high degree of aggregation, the euryhygric species Orchesella cincta and Entomobrya nivalis a lower one. The observations contribute to the view that aggregation is the result of the coming together of individuals by undirected movements in sites with optimum humidity conditions, the specific movements being stimulated by drought. The biological significance of aggregation is described as a protectional function (survival, moulting) and as a meeting system where reproductive behaviour is not yet developed.
What’s Next in Design Education? Transforming role of a designer and its implications in preparing youth for an ambiguous and volatile future

Abstract In today’s dynamic world, it is imperative to monitor and map trends that have far-reaching impact on the larger society and the resulting implications on preparing design students. Definitely the future requires a different skill set. Employers are more and more looking towards hiring quick learners who can easily swing from one role to another and in the process be more productive for an organization; a definite shift from specialized subject skills that are the primary outcome of a design education, towards life skills. This paper outlines the results of a qualitative study examining - Design education: what needs to change - Employability trends: expectation from a young graduate - Potential skill sets for the future This paper further discusses the need to reconstruct the education model to prepare a student to respond quickly to opportunities for expanding the influence of design in places we can’t yet imagine.