bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D vertical nanostructures for enhanced infrared plasmonics
Authors: Malerba Mario , Alabastri Alessandro , Miele Ermanno , Zilio Pierfrancesco , Patrini Maddalena , Bajoni Daniele , Messina Gabriele C. , Dipalo Michele , Toma Andrea , Proietti Zaccaria Remo , De Angelis Francesco 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe exploitation of surface plasmon polaritons has been mostly limited to the visible and near infrared range, due to the low frequency limit for coherent plasmon excitation and the reduction of confinement on the metal surface for lower energies. In this work we show that 3D - out of plane - nanostructures can considerably increase the intrinsic quality of the optical output, light confinement and electric field enhancement factors, also in the near and mid-infrared. We suggest that the physical principle relies on the combination of far field and near field interactions between neighboring antennas, promoted by the 3D out-of-plane geometry. We first analyze the changes in the optical behavior, which occur when passing from a single on-plane nanostructure to a 3D out-of-plane configuration. Then we show that by arranging the nanostructures in periodic arrays, 3D architectures can provide, in the mid-IR, a much stronger plasmonic response, compared to that achievable with the use of 2D configurations, leading to higher energy harvesting properties and improved Q-factors, with bright perspective up to the terahertz range.
The effect of statins on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational research
Authors: Cao Chao , Wu Yinfang , Xu Zhiwei , Lv Dan , Zhang Chao , Lai Tianwen , Li Wen , Shen Huahao 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study is to assess whether statin use is associated with beneficial effects on COPD outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available studies describing the association between statin use and COPD mortality, exacerbations and cardiovascular events. Medline, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched, with no restrictions. The hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated. Fifteen studies with a total of 238,459 patients were included. Nine articles provided data on all-cause mortality (124,543 participants) and they gave a HR of 0.62 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.73). Three studies provided data on cancer mortality (90,077 participants), HR 0.83 (0.65 to 1.08); four studies on COPD mortality (88,767 participants), HR 0.48 (0.23 to 0.99); and three studies on cardiovascular mortality (90,041 participants), HR 0.93 (0.50 to 1.72). Six articles provided data on COPD exacerbation with or without hospitalization (129,796 participants), HR 0.64 (0.55 to 0.75). Additionally, the use of statins was associated with a significant reduction risk of myocardial infarction, but not for stroke. Our systematic review showed a clear benefit of statins in patients with COPD.
Development and Effects of FTY720 Ophthalmic Solution on Corneal Allograft Survival
Authors: Liu Zhaochuan , Lin Haotian , Huang Chulong , Chen Wan , Xiang Wu , Geng Yu , Chen Weirong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFingolimod (FTY720), a novel class of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators, has received special interest among ophthalmologists, particularly given that oral administration of FTY720 has proven to effectively treat corneal graft rejection in animal models. However, no studies have examined the performance of FTY720 as an ophthalmic solution in reducing corneal rejection in high-risk corneal rejection models and the stability and ocular irritation profile of FTY720 ophthalmic solution are also unknown. Thus, we developed 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.5% FTY720 ophthalmic solutions and evaluated their chemical stabilities under various storage conditions with high- performance liquid chromatography. To investigate the ocular irritancy of the FTY720 ophthalmic solution, New Zealand albino rabbits were subjected to the Draize test. Furthermore, classic, well-established rat allogenic penetrating keratoplasty models were used to investigate the anti-rejection efficacy of the tested FTY720 ophthalmic solutions. We found that the non-irritating 0.5% FTY720 ophthalmic solution could prolong corneal allograft survival in rats with significant efficacy for about one month. Furthermore, no significant concentration changes occurred in any of the types of FTY720 ophthalmic solutions within three months. These results revealed crucial profiles of FTY720 ophthalmic solutions and warrant further investigation and optimization of FTY720 in the anti-rejection therapy after keratoplasty.
Dihydrotanshinone-I interferes with the RNA-binding activity of HuR affecting its post-transcriptional function
Authors: D’Agostino Vito Giuseppe , Lal Preet , Mantelli Barbara , Tiedje Christopher , Zucal Chiara , Thongon Natthakan , Gaestel Matthias , Latorre Elisa , Marinelli Luciana , Seneci Pierfausto , Amadio Marialaura , Provenzani Alessandro 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPost-transcriptional regulation is an essential determinant of gene expression programs in physiological and pathological conditions. HuR is a RNA-binding protein that orchestrates the stabilization and translation of mRNAs, critical in inflammation and tumor progression, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). We identified the low molecular weight compound 15,16-dihydrotanshinone-I (DHTS), well known in traditional Chinese medicine practice, through a validated high throughput screening on a set of anti-inflammatory agents for its ability to prevent HuR:RNA complex formation. We found that DHTS interferes with the association step between HuR and the RNA with an equilibrium dissociation constant in the nanomolar range in vitro (Ki = 3.74 ± 1.63 nM). In breast cancer cell lines, short term exposure to DHTS influences mRNA stability and translational efficiency of TNF in a HuR-dependent manner and also other functional readouts of its post-transcriptional control, such as the stability of selected pre-mRNAs. Importantly, we show that migration and sensitivity of breast cancer cells to DHTS are modulated by HuR expression, indicating that HuR is among the preferential intracellular targets of DHTS. Here, we disclose a previously unrecognized molecular mechanism exerted by DHTS, opening new perspectives to therapeutically target the HuR mediated, post-transcriptional control in inflammation and cancer cells.
Tensile strain-induced softening of iron at high temperature
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Schönecker Stephan , Simon Eszter , Bergqvist Lars , Zhang Hualei , Szunyogh László , Zhao Jijun , Johansson Börje , Vitos Levente 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn weakly ferromagnetic materials, already small changes in the atomic configuration triggered by temperature or chemistry can alter the magnetic interactions responsible for the non-random atomic-spin orientation. Different magnetic states, in turn, can give rise to substantially different macroscopic properties. A classical example is iron, which exhibits a great variety of properties as one gradually removes the magnetic long-range order by raising the temperature towards its Curie point of "Equation missing" = 1043 K. Using first-principles theory, here we demonstrate that uniaxial tensile strain can also destabilise the magnetic order in iron and eventually lead to a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition at temperatures far below "Equation missing". In consequence, the intrinsic strength of the ideal single-crystal body-centred cubic iron dramatically weakens above a critical temperature of ~500 K. The discovered strain-induced magneto-mechanical softening provides a plausible atomic-level mechanism behind the observed drop of the measured strength of Fe whiskers around 300–500 K. Alloying additions which have the capability to partially restore the magnetic order in the strained Fe lattice, push the critical temperature for the strength-softening scenario towards the magnetic transition temperature of the undeformed lattice. This can result in a surprisingly large alloying-driven strengthening effect at high temperature as illustrated here in the case of Fe-Co alloy.
Increased serum levels of sortilin are associated with depression and correlated with BDNF and VEGF
Authors: Buttenschøn H N , Demontis D , Kaas M , Elfving B , Mølgaard S , Gustafsen C , Kaerlev L , Petersen C M , Børglum A D , Mors O , Glerup S 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNeurotrophic factors have been investigated in relation to depression. The aim of the present study was to widen this focus to sortilin, a receptor involved in neurotrophic signalling. The serum sortilin level was investigated in 152 individuals with depression and 216 control individuals, and eight genetic markers located within the SORT1 gene were successfully analysed for association with depression. Genotyping was performed using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. All the individuals returned a questionnaire and participated in a semi-structured diagnostic interview. Sortilin levels were measured by immunoassay, and potential determinants of the serum sortilin level were assessed by generalized linear models. Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in previous studies. We identified a significant increase of serum sortilin levels in depressed individuals compared with controls (P=0.0002) and significant positive correlation between serum sortilin levels and the corresponding levels of BDNF and VEGF. None of the genotyped SNPs were associated with depression. Additional analyses showed that the serum sortilin level was influenced by several other factors. Alcohol intake and body mass index, as well as depression, serum BDNF and serum VEGF were identified as predictors of serum sortilin levels in our final multivariate model. In conclusion, the results suggest a role of circulating sortilin in depression which may relate to altered activity of neurotrophic factors.
Potent irreversible P2Y12 inhibition does not reduce LPS-induced coagulation activation in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Schoergenhofer Christian , Schwameis Michael , Hobl Eva-Luise , Ay Cihan , Key Nigel S. , Derhaschnig Ulla , Jilma Bernd , Spiel Alexander O. 
Published: November 2015

Platelets play an important role in the activation of coagulation. P2Y12 receptor inhibition may be beneficial in inflammatory states. Prasugrel, a potent irreversible inhibitor of P2Y12 receptor-induced platelet activation may reduce activation of coagulation in a human LPS (lipopolysaccharide) model. A double-blind, randomized, crossover trial with a minimum washout period of 6 weeks was performed. Sixteen subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment group that received prasugrel or placebo 2 h before infusion of a bolus of LPS (2 ng/kg of body weight), whereas four subjects were assigned to a control group receiving prasugrel or placebo without LPS. hcDNA (histone-complexed DNA), coagulation and platelet-specific parameters were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Leucocyte aggregate formation was analysed by flow cytometry, and thromboelastometry was performed. LPS infusion markedly activated coagulation. However, prasugrel did not reduce changes in prothrombin fragments 1 and 2 (F1+2), thrombin–antithrombin complexes, microparticle-associated tissue factor, CD40 ligand, P-selectin, platelet–leucocyte aggregation, hcDNA levels or the coagulation profile measured by thromboelastometry. hcDNA plasma levels increased approximately 6-fold after LPS infusion in both treatment groups, but not in the control groups. Potent irreversible P2Y12 inhibition by prasugrel does not affect LPS-induced coagulation activation. The 6-fold increased hcDNA plasma levels after infusion of LPS indicates the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps during sterile inflammation.
Capillary-induced giant elastic dipoles in thin nematic films
Authors: Jeridi Haifa , Gharbi Mohamed A. , Othman Tahar , Blanc Christophe 
Published: November 2015

SignificanceThe coupling of capillarity and elasticity at liquid crystal interfaces is an emerging topic driven by the ability of both mechanisms to guide the self-assembly of microparticles into ordered structures. In this research, we explore fundamental questions about how capillary deformations at liquid crystal interfaces can affect the texture around particles captured in thin nematic films. We report for the first time, to our knowledge, the formation of giant elastic dipoles and develop a fuller understanding of their creation. The understanding of such elastocapillary effects could lead to new opportunities to control the spatial organization of colloidal particles and develop novel classes of reconfigurable materials that are highly interesting for technological applications.
Designed protein reveals structural determinants of extreme kinetic stability
Authors: Broom Aron , Ma S. Martha , Xia Ke , Rafalia Hitesh , Trainor Kyle , Colón Wilfredo , Gosavi Shachi , Meiering Elizabeth M. 
Published: November 2015

Significance
Much research has focused on the molecular basis for protein thermodynamic stability; by comparison, kinetic stability is much less understood. Thermodynamics define the equilibrium fraction of unfolded protein while kinetics define the rate of unfolding; the latter can be of great practical importance for ensuring a protein remains folded under biological conditions. Using extensive experimental and modeling analyses we show that ThreeFoil, a small glycan binding protein without disulfides, exhibits outstanding kinetic stability against chemical denaturation and proteolytic degradation. We demonstrate that high kinetic stability is successfully modeled in terms of extensive long-range intramolecular interactions. These results show that topological complexity is a key determinant of kinetic stability which should help in designing proteins to withstand harsh conditions.
A vacuolar phosphate transporter essential for phosphate homeostasis inArabidopsis
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Yang Lei , Luan Mingda , Wang Yuan , Zhang Chi , Zhang Bin , Shi Jisen , Zhao Fu-Geng , Lan Wenzhi , Luan Sheng 
Published: November 2015

SignificancePhosphate is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and inorganic phosphate (Pi) is stored largely in the vacuole of plant cells. Thus, vacuolar Pi maintains homeostasis of cytosolic Pi to ensure an optimal Pi supply for plants under variable Pi status in the soil. This study uncovered inArabidopsisa vacuolar phosphate transporter, VPT1, that mediates vacuolar Pi sequestration. Lack of VPT1 caused growth defects under both low-Pi and high-Pi conditions, implicating VPT1 in plant adaptation to constantly changing Pi levels in the environment. This finding not only supplies a missing link in our understanding of vacuolar Pi storage and homeostasis, but also provides a new path for engineering crops that can better adapt to variable Pi availability in the soil.
Mapping landscape friction to locate isolated tsetse populations that are candidates for elimination
Authors: Bouyer Jérémy , Dicko Ahmadou H. , Cecchi Giuliano , Ravel Sophie , Guerrini Laure , Solano Philippe , Vreysen Marc J. B. , De Meeûs Thierry , Lancelot Renaud 
Published: November 2015

Significance
Tsetse flies transmit human and animal trypanosomoses in Africa, respectively a neglected disease (sleeping sickness) and the most important constraint to cattle production in infested countries (nagana), and they are the target of the Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomoses Eradication Campaign (PATTEC). Here, we used genetic distances and remotely sensed environmental data to identify natural barriers to tsetse dispersal and potentially isolated tsetse populations for targeting elimination programs. The method can be used to prioritize intervention areas within the PATTEC initiative and it is applicable to the control campaigns of other vector and pest species, as well as to the conservation of endangered species in fragmented habitats.
Evidence of Landlocked Chinook Salmon Populations in California
Authors: Perales K. Martin , Rowan Jay , Moyle Peter B. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Natural reproduction of adfluvial Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha has been documented in their native and introduced range but not in California, the southern end of their native range. A combination of anecdotal evidence and survey data suggests that successful spawning by Chinook Salmon reared in California reservoirs could be common. The planted juveniles are often from different basins and are genetically distinguishable from local salmon populations below reservoirs. Consequently, the possibility of behavioral and genetic interactions may lead to complications of restoration efforts via trap and haul programs. The full extent of this phenomenon needs to be documented before trap and haul programs are initiated to reintroduce salmon above reservoirs.
Supercongruences involving Euler polynomials
Authors: Sun Zhi-Hong 
Published: November 2015

Let

p
>
3

p>3

be a prime, and let

a
a

be a rational

p
p

-adic integer. Let

{

E
n

(
x
)
}

\{E_n(x)\}

denote the Euler polynomials given by

2

e

x
t

e
t

+
1

=

∑

n
=
0

∞

E
n

(
x
)

t
n

n
!

\frac {2\text {e}^{xt}}{\text {e}^t+1}=\sum _{n=0}^{\infty }E_n(x)\frac {t^n}{n!}

. In this paper we show that

a
m
p
;

∑

k
=
0

p
−
1

(

a
k

)

(

−
1
−
a

k

)

≡
(
−
1

)

⟨
a

⟩
p

+
(
a
−
⟨
a

⟩
p

)
(
p
+
a
−
⟨
a

⟩
p

)

E

p
−
3

(
−
a
)

(
mod

p
3

)
,

a
m
p
;

∑

k
=
0

p
−
1

(

a
k

)

(
−
2

)
k

≡
(
−
1

)

⟨
a

⟩
p

−
(
a
−
⟨
a

⟩
p

)

E

p
−
2

(
−
a
)

(
mod

p
2

)

for

a
≢
0

(
mod

p
)
,

\begin{align*} &\sum _{k=0}^{p-1}\binom ak\binom {-1-a}k\equiv (-1)^{\langle a\rangle _p}+ (a-\langle a\rangle _p)(p+a-\langle a\rangle _p)E_{p-3}(-a)\pmod {p^3}, \\&\sum _{k=0}^{p-1}\binom ak(-2)^k\equiv (-1)^{\langle a\rangle _p}-(a-\langle a\rangle _p)E_{p-2}(-a) \pmod {p^2}\quad \text {for}\quad a\not \equiv 0\pmod p, \end{align*}

where

⟨
a

⟩
p

∈
{
0
,
1
,
…
,
p
−
1
}

\langle a\rangle _p\in \{0,1,\ldots ,p-1\}

satisfying

a
≡
⟨
a

⟩
p

(
mod

p
)

a\equiv \langle a\rangle _p\pmod p

. Taking

a
=
−

1
3

,
−

1
4

,
−

1
6

a=-\frac 13,-\frac 14,-\frac 16

in the first congruence, we solve some conjectures of Z. W. Sun. We also establish a congruence for

∑

k
=
0

p
−
1

k

(

a
k

)

(

−
1
−
a

k

)

\sum _{k=0}^{p-1}k\binom ak\binom {-1-a}k

modulo

p
3

p^3

.
Blood Pressure Out of the Office: Its Time Has Finally Come
Authors: Krakoff Lawrence R. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The diagnosis of hypertension includes measurement of blood pressure out of the office by either 24-hour ambulatory monitoring or home blood pressure monitoring. These methods have led to recognition of “white coat hypertension” (WCH) and “masked hypertension” (MH). Research in the 1930s first demonstrated that blood pressures in the office were often far different from those out of the office, at a time when there was no effective treatment. International attention was focused on another imminent world war and a highly controversial election in the United States. Hypertension was not a priority for concern. From the 1950s onward: (i) epidemiology linked hypertension to risk of cardiovascular disease, (ii) effective and safe drugs for treatment of hypertension appeared, (iii) randomized clinical trials demonstrated that drug treatment of hypertension is highly effective for prevention of cardiovascular disease, and (iv) advances in technology led to development of small, portable devices for recording blood pressure noninvasively at home or during usual activities. Accurate measurement of blood pressure in “real life” is now necessary and feasible for appropriate diagnosis and assessment of treatment. Out-of-office blood pressure measurement is emerging as the standard of care for hypertension.
Immediate Postnatal Overfeeding in Rats Programs Aortic Wall Structure
Alterations and Metalloproteinases Dysregulation in Adulthood
Authors: Achard Vincent , Sanchez Caroline , Tassistro Virginie , Verdier Monique , Alessi Marie-Christine , Grino Michel 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Alterations in the nutritional perinatal environment, such as intrauterine growth retardation with subsequent postnatal catch-up growth, program cardiovascular disease in adulthood, possibly through alterations in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9. However, experimental evidences demonstrating that changes in the nutritional perinatal environment can program MMP-2 and -9 with subsequent alterations of vessel wall are lacking.

AIM
The current study evaluated whether immediate postnatal overfeeding is able to alter vascular morphological indexes and circulating and/or vascular MMP2-2 and -9 status.

METHODS
Aortic morphology (wall thickness and percentage of incomplete elastin lamellae) and circulating and aortic MMP-2 and -9 activity (measured by gelatin zymography) and aortic MMP-2 and -9 mRNA (measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)) were studied in adult male rats overfed (OF) or normofed (NF) during the immediate postnatal period.

RESULTS
Postnatal overfeeding induced early onset obesity. Adult OF rats presented with increased blood pressure and circulating MMP-2 and -9 activity. In the thoracic aorta, postnatal overfeeding increased wall thickness and decreased elastin integrity (as demonstrated by an increased percentage of incomplete elastin lamellae). OF rats showed enhanced aortic MMP-2 activity and MMP-9 mRNA levels. Circulating and aortic MMP-2 activity correlated positively with the percentage of incomplete elastin lamellae and aortic wall thickness, respectively.

CONCLUSION
Our data demonstrate for the first time that immediate postnatal nutritional programming induces increases in circulating and aortic MMP-2 activity with parallel aortic wall alterations, such as decreased elastin integrity and enhanced thickening, showing that this experimental model is suitable for the study of perinatal nutritional programming of vascular functions.