bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Working with Worms: Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model Organism
Authors: Meneely Philip M. , Dahlberg Caroline L. , Rose Jacqueline K. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSince its introduction as a laboratory organism 50 years ago, the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans has become one of the most widely used and versatile models for nearly all aspects of biological and genomic research. Many experiments in C. elegans begin with the generation and analysis of mutants that affect a specific biological process, so genetic techniques are the foundation of worm research. Many different aspects of biology are being studied in C. elegans, and three different recent Nobel Prizes have recognized six researchers working with worms. In addition, C. elegans was the first multicellular organism to have its genome sequenced, so many of the standard genomic methods have also been pioneered in C. elegans. In fact, many novel techniques and ideas are initially tested in C. elegans because of its versatility as a research organism. It is also appropriate for introducing undergraduate students to research, and some of its strengths and challenges for this purpose are discussed. © 2019 The Authors.
Identification of a thermal degradation product of CUMYL‐PEGACLONE and its detection in biological samples
Authors: Nash Christine , Glowacki Linda , Gerostamoulos Dimitri , Pigou Paul , Scott Timothy , Kostakis Chris 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe structural diversity of synthetic cannabinoids makes it a challenging task to have a comprehensive screening method for this class of drugs. The difficulty is increased by the fact that some synthetic cannabinoids undergo thermal decomposition during common routes of administration, such as smoking or vaping. CUMYL‐PEGACLONE is a relatively new synthetic cannabinoid which has a structural variant from most other synthetic cannabinoids: a γ‐carbolinone core. To investigate its thermal stability, CUMYL‐PEGACLONE was heated in an oven at temperatures ranging from 200 to 350oC, and a major thermal degradation product, N‐pentyl‐γ‐carbolinone, was subsequently identified. Unlike some other synthetic cannabinoids, the thermal degradation product of CUMYL‐PEGACLONE is not one of its known metabolites, nor were any known metabolites detected during the thermal stability experiments. The degradation product was formed in significant amounts at temperatures above 250°C, and has been detected (along with CUMYL‐PEGACLONE) in case samples, including post‐mortem blood and urine, and residue found at a scene.
Parental genetic similarity and offspring performance in blue tits in relation to brood size manipulation
Authors: Arct Aneta , Drobniak Szymon M. , Mellinger Samantha , Gustafsson Lars , Cichoń Mariusz 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn birds, as in many other taxa, higher genetic similarity of mates has long been known to reduce offspring fitness. To date, the majority of avian studies have focused on examination whether the genetic similarity of social mates predicts hatching success. Yet, increased genetic similarity of mates may also reduce offspring fitness during later life stages, including the nestling period and beyond. Here, we investigated whether parental genetic similarity influences offspring performance using data from free‐living blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) collected across three breeding seasons. Additionally, we tested whether brood size manipulation affects the magnitude and direction of the relationship between genetic similarity of mates and offspring performance. Sixteen microsatellite markers were used to measure genetic similarity between biological parents. We found that the genetic similarity of parents negatively affects offspring immune response and this effect was independent of the experimental brood size manipulation.
Ecosystem functioning of two marine food webs in the North‐Western Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Ricci Pasquale , Libralato Simone , Capezzuto Francesca , D’Onghia Gianfranco , Maiorano Porzia , Sion Letizia , Tursi Angelo , Solidoro Cosimo , Carlucci Roberto 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe ecosystem functioning of two marine food webs covering the north‐eastern (Salento) and south‐western (Calabria) sectors of the North‐Western Ionian Sea (NWIS) (Central Mediterranean Sea) was investigated through a food‐web model. Data inputs covered a wide set of ecological information applied to 58 functional groups (FGs). The sum of consumption and the mean predation mortality rate were calculated for benthic, demersal, and pelagic subsystems indicating the predator and prey roles of the FGs. A complex system of energy and biomass exchanges characterized the investigated food webs indicating an important benthic‐pelagic coupling. In the food webs of both areas, the regulation of flows between the benthic‐pelagic coupling seems to occur through the benthopelagic shrimps and the small pelagics due to their wasp‐waist control role. Differences were observed concerning the top predators. Odontocetes play this keystone role in the Salento food web. Anglers, bathyal squids, and sharks assume this functional role in Calabria. The geomorphology and hydrography in the NWIS could affect the biomass and energy exchanges in this coupling. The higher flows of consumption of the benthic system observed in the Calabria food web could be influenced by a widespread presence of canyons along the continental edge which increase the benthic productivity. In contrast, the flows of consumption in the Salento food web seem to be driven by the planktonic productivity supporting the pelagic, benthopelagic, and demersal compartments. This condition could be favored by the large extension of the shelf break zone. The food‐web models realized for the NWIS represent ideal platforms for the development of analysis with dynamic simulations. The comparative analysis of the two food webs by means of the FGs and their functional traits allowed the general pattern of ecosystem structure and functioning in the NWIS to be identified, making it an interesting approach to investigate the marine ecosystem.
Time since fire strongly and variously influences anthophilous insects in a fire‐prone landscape
Authors: Adedoja Opeyemi , Kehinde Temitope , Samways Michael J. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDrivers of species productivity and ecosystem function are of great ecological significance. In fire‐prone ecosystems, dispersion patterns of important pollinator species are driven by the various fire events over space and time. However, different species have varying responses to fire intensity and frequency. Here, we assess how time since last fire influences abundance, composition, and dispersion patterns of flowering plants and anthophiles in a highly fire‐prone landscape. We classified study area into age since last fire, which were <1 yr (short‐term burned), 2–3 yr (medium‐term burned), and 9–10 yr (long‐term burned). We collected insect anthophiles using yellow, blue, and white pan traps at sites established in each post‐fire class. We also estimated flower abundance at each study site. Overall, anthophile abundance was highest in medium‐term burned, while lowest in short‐term burned sites. Also, flower abundance was highest at medium‐term burned and lowest in long‐term burned sites. Species composition of flowering plants and anthophiles, especially bees and flies, differed significantly across post‐fire class. Overall, flower abundance had a significant positive effect on bee abundance. Of all the taxa, bees were the only group that showed dispersion patterns reflecting those of flower abundance. Other factors, especially requirements for other resources such as logs, drive the distribution of other anthophile taxa, especially flies. We conclude that fire drives the distribution patterns of bees through its direct effect on flower abundance and composition in a fire‐prone landscape. While high frequency of short‐term fire may reduce flower abundance, flower‐rich areas with moderate time since fire may increase diversity of anthophiles in this fire‐prone landscape.
Floodplains provide important amphibian habitat despite multiple ecological threats
Authors: Holgerson Meredith A. , Duarte Adam , Hayes Marc P. , Adams Michael J. , Tyson Julie A. , Douville Keith A. , Strecker Angela L. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractFloodplain ponds and wetlands are productive and biodiverse ecosystems, yet they face multiple threats including altered hydrology, land use change, and non‐native species. Protecting and restoring important floodplain ecosystems requires understanding how organisms use these habitats and respond to altered environmental conditions. We developed Bayesian models to evaluate occupancy of six amphibian species across 103 off‐channel aquatic habitats in the Chehalis River floodplain, Washington State, USA. The basin has been altered by changes in land use, reduced river–wetland connections, and the establishment of non‐native American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana = Lithobates catesbeianus) and centrarchid fishes, all of which we hypothesized could influence native amphibian occupancy. Despite potential threats, the floodplain habitats had relatively high rates of native amphibian occupancy, particularly when compared to studies from non‐floodplain habitats within the species’ native ranges. The biggest challenge for native amphibians appears to be non‐native centrarchid fishes, which strongly reduced occupancy of two native amphibians: the northern red‐legged frog (Rana aurora) and the northwestern salamander (Ambystoma gracile). Emergent vegetative cover increased occupancy probability for all five native amphibian species, indicating that plant management may offer a strategy to counter the negative effect of centrarchids by providing refuge from predation. We found that temporary and permanent hydroperiod sites supported different species; hence, both should be conserved on the landscape. Lastly, human‐created and natural ponds had similar amphibian occupancy patterns, suggesting that pond construction offers a viable strategy for adding habitats to the floodplain landscape. Overall, floodplain ponds and wetlands provide important amphibian habitat, and we offer management strategies that will bolster amphibian occupancy in an altered floodplain landscape.
Handheld Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy for Distinction of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Other Olive Oil Grades Substantiated by Compositional Data
Authors: Yan Jing , van Stuijvenberg Louka , van Ruth Saskia M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMiniaturization of analytical technology has paved the way for in‐situ screening of foods. In the current study, the spectral features of olive oils are examined by handheld near‐infrared spectroscopy to explore the technology's capabilities to distinguish extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from lower grade oils. Eighty EVOO, forty refined olive oil (ROO), and ten pomace olive oil (POO) samples are analysed for their spectral and compositional features. The latter included analysis of the fatty acids (FAs), the chlorophylls and carotenoids, chromatic coordinates and moisture contents. The 1350–1570 nm wavelength range appeared most suitable for distinction of the oils. One‐class classification models with three different classifiers are subsequently estimated using this range, and their quantitative performance is assessed from probabilistic data. Soft independent modeling of class analogies models appears to predict the identity of the oils with a high success rate. Compared to the other oils, POO comprises a significantly higher and lower proportion of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated FAs, respectively. Higher contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and moisture are noted for EVOO. The relevant spectral information for distinction of the oils correlates strongly with the degree of unsaturation of the oils as well as their levels of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and moisture.Practical Applications: The findings of this study demonstrate that the handheld NIRS technique is promising for future rapid screening of olive oil grades. The statistical methods used and the robust validation procedure will help potential users to select the optimal strategy for multivariate data analysis. In addition, the exploration of correlations with compositional characteristics provides insight into the handheld NIRS working mechanism in regard to EVOO authentication.
Displacement‐based analysis and design of rocking structures
Authors: Reggiani Manzo Natalia , Vassiliou Michalis F. 
Published: September 2019

SummaryThe response of a rigid rocking block is traditionally described by its tilt angle. This is a correct description, but this paper suggests that describing rocking via displacements is more meaningful, because it uncovers that two geometrically similar blocks of different size will experience the same top displacement, provided that they are not close to overturn. The above is illustrated for both analytical pulse excitations and for recorded ground motions. Thus, the displacement demand of a ground motion on a rocking block is only a function of its slenderness, not of its size. This reduces the dimensionality of the problem and allows for the construction of size‐independent rocking demand spectra.
Effect of nanofluidic electrolyte on the electrochemically enhanced long‐term efficiency of vanadium redox flow battery
Authors: Kim Jungmyung , Park Heesung 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe low‐energy density of flow batteries using aqueous electrolytes such as vanadium redox flow batteries is a limitation of commercialization. Our ground‐breaking research has increased the limited energy density by 21.5% and the reversibility to oxidation/reduction by 8.5% through a nanofluidic electrolyte in which commercial multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are dispersed in an electrolyte. Three nanofluidic electrolytes (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 wt%) are prepared according to the electrolyte weight ratio and electrochemical performance is verified experimentally through half‐cell and single‐cell test. The increased active area due to the graphitic edge sites of MWCNT is an effective nanofluidic electrolyte to increase electrochemical performance. Our research provides the concept of nanofluidic electrolytes for increasing the electrochemical performance of VRFB, and the weight ratio of the optimal nanofluidic electrolyte of the vanadium redox flow battery electrolyte through single‐cell test is 0.1 wt% MWCNTs.
Prostaglandin D2 synthase modulates macrophage activity and accumulation in injured peripheral nerves
Authors: Forese Maria Grazia , Pellegatta Marta , Canevazzi Paolo , Gullotta Giorgia S. , Podini Paola , Rivellini Cristina , Previtali Stefano C. , Bacigaluppi Marco , Quattrini Angelo , Taveggia Carla 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe have previously reported that prostaglandin D2 Synthase (L‐PGDS) participates in peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelination during development. We now describe the role of L‐PGDS in the resolution of PNS injury, similarly to other members of the prostaglandin synthase family, which are important for Wallerian degeneration (WD) and axonal regeneration. Our analyses show that L‐PGDS expression is modulated after injury in both sciatic nerves and dorsal root ganglia neurons, indicating that it might play a role in the WD process. Accordingly, our data reveals that L‐PGDS regulates macrophages phagocytic activity through a non‐cell autonomous mechanism, allowing myelin debris clearance and favoring axonal regeneration and remyelination. In addition, L‐PGDS also appear to control macrophages accumulation in injured nerves, possibly by regulating the blood–nerve barrier permeability and SOX2 expression levels in Schwann cells. Collectively, our results suggest that L‐PGDS has multiple functions during nerve regeneration and remyelination. Based on the results of this study, we posit that L‐PGDS acts as an anti‐inflammatory agent in the late phases of WD, and cooperates in the resolution of the inflammatory response. Thus, pharmacological activation of the L‐PGDS pathway might prove beneficial in resolving peripheral nerve injury.
Tumor‐Derived Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 2 Predicts Survival and Antitumor Immune Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Zongyi , Feng Jia , Xiao Li , Chen Xi , Yao Yuanfei , Li Yiqun , Tang Yu , Zhang Shuai , Lu Min , Qian Yu , Wu Hongjin , Shi Ming 
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is linked to immunosuppression. Relieving immunosuppression has been an attractive strategy to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Peptidoglycan recognition protein 2 (PGLYRP2) is a pattern recognition receptor which is specifically expressed in liver and implicated in the regulation of innate immunity and immunosurveillance. However, the role of hepatic PGLYRP2 in modulating immune responses against HCC remains to be investigated.

Approach and Results
In this study, we investigated whether PGLYRP2 is able to influence HCC progression through regulating host antitumor immune responses. We demonstrated that PGLYRP2 was down‐regulated in HCC, which was linked with poor prognosis in patients (P < 0.001). PGLYRP2 overexpression in HCC cells significantly enhanced antitumor immune responses in immune‐competent mice and elevated immune response rates of peripheral blood mononuclear cells against HCC. Mechanistically, DNA methyltransferase 3A–mediated promoter hypermethylation was responsible for the down‐regulation of PGLYRP2 in HCC. PGLYRP2 promoted production of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) in HCC through binding to the CCL5 promoter, which contributed to the enhanced antitumor immunity.

Conclusions
We provide evidence that tumor‐derived PGLYRP2 acts as a candidate biomarker for adequate immune response against HCC and improved patient outcomes, indicating the importance of hepatic PGLYRP2 in cancer immunosurveillance and in designing immunotherapeutic approaches.
Retracted: lncRNA CCAT1 contributes to the growth and invasion of gastric cancer via targeting miR‐219‐1
Authors: Li Yanfeng , Zhu Guanyu , Ma Yan , Qu Hongyan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is one of the most malignant tumors that seriously threaten human health. Increased reports have indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with GC. This study aims to investigate the regulatory role of colon cancer–associated transcript‐1 (CCAT1) in GC. The results exhibited the fact that CCAT1 was expressed higher in 57 GC tissue samples than in 57 paired adjacent normal tissue samples. The expression of CCAT1 was also increased in GC cell lines (MKN45, Hs746T, and SGC‐7901) compared with the gastric epithelial cell line GES‐1. Besides this, decreased cell proliferation with increased cell apoptosis was detected in SGC‐7902 cells transfected with CCAT1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA). At the same time, a lower cell invasion ability was measured in SCG‐7901 cells transfected with CCAT1 shRNA.In addition, miR‐219‐1 was predicted and convinced a direct target of CCAT1. The expression of miR‐219‐1 was decreased in GC tissues and GC cell lines. Further studies demonstrated that the roles of CCAT1 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were inhibited by miR‐219‐1. Finally, in vivo experiment indicated that tumor growth of GC was suppressed through knockdown of CCAT1. In conclusion, these results suggested that CAT1 promotes the tumorigenesis and progression of GC by negatively regulating miR‐219‐1.
LINC00346 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activating the JAK‐STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Yin Yun‐Zhi , Zheng Wei‐Hua , Zhang Xin , Chen Yan‐Hao , Tuo Yan‐Hong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most common malignant tumor worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs can modulate various tumorigenic processes. In addition, growing evidence has indicated tha the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK‐STAT) pathway is activated in multiple cancers, including HCC. Recently, it was found that LINC00346 can participate in several cancers. Nevertheless, the biological roles of LINC00346 in HCC have been barely investigated. In this study, the function of LINC00346 was specifically concentrated upon. We observed that LINC00346 was obviously elevated in HCC cells (Bel7404, Huh‐6, HepG2, and QGY‐7703 cells). Then, Bel7404 and HepG2 cells were overexpressed with LINC00346. Overexpression of LINC00346 repressed HCC cell survival and cell proliferation. In addition, apoptosis of Bel7404 and HepG2 cells was triggered by LINC00346 upregulation. Bel7404 and HepG2 cell cycle was arrested in the G1 phase by LINC00346. Meanwhile, we conducted wound‐healing assay and Transwell invasion assays. As shown, we observed that the migratory and invasive capacities of Bel7404 and HepG2 cells were remarkably restrained by the increase of LINC00346. Moreover, we showed that LINC00346 overexpression activated the JAK‐STAT3 pathway, which is involved in many cancers. Afterward, in vivo experiments were utilized and we proved that LINC00346 was able to induce HCC tumor growth via activating the JAK‐STAT3 pathway. To conclude, we revealed the potential possibility of developing LINC00346 as an indicator for HCC.
A potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target: SPOCK1 promotes the proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Li Jia , Ke Jing , Fang Jun , Chen Jin‐Peng 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a common malignancy originated from the digestive system worldwide, has a poor clinical outcome. SPOCK1 is a widely investigated member of the Ca2+‐binding proteoglycan family and functions as an essential driver in several cancers. However, the complex regulatory role of SPOCK1 in PDAC is unclear. Bioinformatics analysis predicted an interrelationship between increased SPOCK1 expression and the clinical characteristics of patients with PDAC. The SPOCK1 expression levels in fresh tissue samples were confirmed, and SPOCK1 expression was then knocked down by lentivirus‐mediated short hairpin RNA. Cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis were detected through Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation assays, invasion and migration assays, flow cytometric analysis, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot experiment. On the basis of the Cancer Genome Atlas database, we found a significantly higher level of SPOCK1 in PDAC than in adjacent nontumor tissues. Patients with PDAC with high SPOCK1 expression exhibited shorter overall survival time, as well as disease‐free survival time. The knockdown of SPOCK1 significantly decreased the proliferation and metastasis of PCNA‐1 and MIA PaCa‐2 cells. Moreover, the knockdown of SPOCK1 led to cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and increased the proportion of apoptotic PDAC cells by regulating members of the caspase and Bcl‐2 families. Our data proved that SPOCK1 is a critical regulator of tumor proliferation and metastasis in PDAC cells. Therefore, SPOCK1 might be a potential prognostic and therapeutic target molecule in PDAC.