bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantum fluctuation theorem for error diagnostics in quantum annealers
Authors: Gardas Bartłomiej , Deffner Sebastian 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNear term quantum hardware promises unprecedented computational advantage. Crucial in its development is the characterization and minimization of computational errors. We propose the use of the quantum fluctuation theorem to benchmark the accuracy of quantum annealers. This versatile tool provides simple means to determine whether the quantum dynamics are unital, unitary, and adiabatic, or whether the system is prone to thermal noise. Our proposal is experimentally tested on two generations of the D-Wave machine, which illustrates the sensitivity of the fluctuation theorem to the smallest aberrations from ideal annealing. In addition, for the optimally operating D-Wave machine, our experiment provides the first experimental verification of the integral fluctuation in an interacting, many-body quantum system.
Plant pathogen responses to Late Pleistocene and Holocene climate change in the central Atacama Desert, Chile
Authors: Wood Jamie R. , Díaz Francisca P. , Latorre Claudio , Wilmshurst Janet M. , Burge Olivia R. , Gutiérrez Rodrigo A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFuture climate change has the potential to alter the distribution and prevalence of plant pathogens, which may have significant implications for both agricultural crops and natural plant communities. However, there are few long-term datasets against which modelled predictions of pathogen responses to climate change can be tested. Here, we use 18S metabarcoding of 28 rodent middens (solidified deposits of rodent coprolites and nesting material) from the Central Atacama, spanning the last ca. 49 ka, to provide the first long-term late Quaternary record of change in plant pathogen communities in response to changing climate. Plant pathogen richness was significantly greater in middens deposited during the Central Andean Pluvial Event (CAPE); a period of increased precipitation between 17.5–8.5 ka. Moreover, the occurrence frequency of Pucciniaceae (rust fungi) was significantly greater during the CAPE, and the highest relative abundances for five additional potentially pathogenic taxa also occurred during this period. The results demonstrate the promising potential for ancient DNA analysis of late Quaternary samples to reveal insights into how plant pathogens responded to past climatic and environmental change, which could help predict how pathogens may responded to future change.
Impact of preanalytical conditions on plasma concentration and size distribution of extracellular vesicles using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Authors: Jamaly Simin , Ramberg Cathrine , Olsen Randi , Latysheva Nadezhda , Webster Paul , Sovershaev Timofey , Brækkan Sigrid K. , Hansen John-Bjarne 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOptimal pre-analytical handling is essential for valid measurements of plasma concentration and size distribution of extracellular vesicles (EVs). We investigated the impact of plasma preparation, various anticoagulants (Citrate, EDTA, CTAD, Heparin), and fasting status on concentration and size distribution of EVs measured by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA). Blood was drawn from 10 healthy volunteers to investigate the impact of plasma preparation and anticoagulants, and from 40 individuals from a population-based study to investigate the impact of postprandial lipidemia. Plasma concentration of EVs was measured by NTA after isolation by high-speed centrifugation, and size distribution of EVs was determined using NTA and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Plasma concentrations and size distributions of EVs were essentially similar for the various anticoagulants. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of EVs. TEM and SEM-analyses showed that the EVs retained spherical morphology after high-speed centrifugation. Plasma EVs were not changed in postprandial lipidemia, but the mean sizes of VLDL particles were increased and interfered with EV measurements (explained 66% of the variation in EVs-concentration in the postprandial phase). Optimization of procedures for separating VLDL particles and EVs is therefore needed before NTA-assessment of EVs can be used as biomarkers of disease.
Impact of uranium uptake on isotopic fractionation and endogenous element homeostasis in human neuron-like cells
Authors: Paredes Eduardo , Avazeri Emilie , Malard Véronique , Vidaud Claude , Reiller Pascal E. , Ortega Richard , Nonell Anthony , Isnard Hélène , Chartier Frédéric , Bresson Carole 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe impact of natural uranium (U) on differentiated human neuron-like cells exposed to 1, 10, 125, and 250 µM of U for seven days was assessed. In particular, the effect of the U uptake on the homeostatic modulation of several endogenous elements (Mg, P, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu), the U isotopic fractionation upon its incorporation by the cells and the evolution of the intracellular Cu and Zn isotopic signatures were studied. The intracellular accumulation of U was accompanied by a preferential uptake of 235U for cells exposed to 1 and 10 µM of U, whereas no significant isotopic fractionation was observed between the extra- and the intracellular media for higher exposure U concentrations. The U uptake was also found to modulate the homeostasis of Cu, Fe, and Mn for cells exposed to 125 and 250 µM of U, but the intracellular Cu isotopic signature was not modified. The intracellular Zn isotopic signature was not modified either. The activation of the non-specific U uptake pathway might be related to this homeostatic modulation. All together, these results show that isotopic and quantitative analyses of toxic and endogenous elements are powerful tools to help deciphering the toxicity mechanisms of heavy metals.
Evaluation of Structure-Function Relationships in Longitudinal Changes of Glaucoma using the Spectralis OCT Follow-Up Mode
Authors: Suda Kenji , Akagi Tadamichi , Nakanishi Hideo , Noma Hisashi , Ikeda Hanako Ohashi , Kameda Takanori , Hasegawa Tomoko , Tsujikawa Akitaka 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe detection of glaucoma progression is an essential part of glaucoma management. Subjectivity of standard automated perimetry (SAP) prevents the accurate evaluation of progression, thus the detection of structural changes by optical coherence tomography (OCT) is attracting attention. Despite its objectivity, there is controversy about the appropriateness of the use of OCT, because many previous studies have indicated OCT results may not reflect the deterioration of visual field. A reason for this dissociation may be the test-retest variability of OCT, a major cause of which is misplacement of the measurement location. Recent advantages of spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT), especially Spectralis OCT with an eye-tracking system (follow-up mode) enable measurement at approximately the same location as previous examinations. In addition to utilizing Spectralis follow-up mode, we introduced structure-function relationship map and nonlinear relationship between SAP and OCT results in considering structure-function relationship in longitudinal changes. The introduction of these two ideas in our study population improved the correlation between the SAP and OCT (R = 0.589 at most). The results of this study support the practical use of OCT in glaucoma progression but also stress the importance of focus on the corresponding focal changes and the consideration of disease severity.
Investigating social-contextual determinants of cooperation in incarcerated violent offenders
Authors: Scheeff Jonathan , Jusyte Aiste , Schönenberg Michael 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAntisocial and psychopathic personality traits constitute a severe and treatment resistant form of externalizing psychopathology. While deficits in social information processing have been extensively investigated in these individuals, less is known about their capacity for altruism and cooperation. In particular, no studies to date have investigated whether established social-contextual determinants of cooperation, e.g., group affiliation and number of expected interactions, can motivate cooperative behaviour in antisocial individuals. The present study compared cooperative behaviour of incarcerated violent offenders (N = 52) and controls (N = 46) by using an established social interaction paradigm (Give Some Dilemma) where two players divide monetary units between themselves and the counterpart. Group affiliation (in- vs. out-group) and number of expected interactions (single-trial vs. repeated-trial interactions) were manipulated. Violent offenders as compared to controls shared less monetary units with their counterparts, indicating an overall reduced cooperation. Both groups showed increased cooperation rates towards in-group members and in repeated interactions. Higher psychopathic traits were associated with lower cooperation in single-trial interactions in the violent offender group. Although cooperation was comparably reduced in violent offenders, behaviour in both groups was determined by the number of expected interactions as well as group affiliation, thus providing evidence for equivalent social-contextual determinants.
Epidemiology of Breakthrough Varicella after the Implementation of a Universal Varicella Vaccination Program in Taiwan, 2004–2014
Authors: Cheng Hao-Yuan , Chang Luan-Yin , Lu Chun-Yi , Huang Li-Min 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNational one-dose varicella vaccination at 12 months of age was implemented in Taiwan since 2004.Our study aimed to evaluate breakthrough varicella (BV) in post-vaccine era and its associated risk factors. We retrospectively identified children vaccinated against varicella between 12–23 months of age during 2004–2008. Their vaccination information was extracted from the national vaccination registry system and linked to the 2004–2014 National Health Insurance database. BV was defined as a diagnosis of varicella (ICD-9-CM codes 052 and 052.0–052.9) beyond 42 days post-vaccination. Multiple Cox regression model was used to identify risk factors for BV. Among 932,874 enrolled vaccinees, 26,446 (2.8%) had BV and 219 (0.024%) required hospitalization over the study period. Varicella incidence declined from 4.71 per 1000 person-year (PY) in 2004 to 0.81/1000 PY in 2014. BV incidence decreased from 3.90/1000 PY at first year to 1.94/1000 PY at 11th year after vaccination. Females had a lower risk for BV than males (hazard ratio [HR] 0.85, 95% CI, 0.83–0.87); Varivax® recipients had a lower risk for BV than Varilrix® recipients (HR 0.75, 95% CI, 0.72–0.78). Our study showed the incidence of varicella, BV and varicella-related hospitalizations in Taiwan were kept low in post-vaccine era.
Identifying chondroprotective diet-derived bioactives and investigating their synergism
Authors: Davidson Rose K. , Green Jonathan , Gardner Sarah , Bao Yongping , Cassidy Aedin , Clark Ian M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease and nutrition is a modifiable factor that may contribute to disease onset or progression. A detailed understanding of mechanisms through which diet-derived bioactive molecules function and interact in OA is needed. We profiled 96 diet-derived, mainly plant-based bioactives using an in vitro model in chondrocytes, selecting four candidates for further study. We aimed to determine synergistic interactions between bioactives that affected the expression of key genes in OA. Selected bioactives, sulforaphane, apigenin, isoliquiritigenin and luteolin, inhibited one or more interleukin-1-induced metalloproteinases implicated in OA (MMP1, MMP13, ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5). Isoliquiritigenin and luteolin showed reactive oxygen species scavenging activity in chondrocytes whereas sulforaphane had no effect and apigenin showed only a weak trend. Sulforaphane inhibited the IL-1/NFκB and Wnt3a/TCF/Lef pathways and increased TGFβ/Smad2/3 and BMP6/Smad1/5/8 signalling. Apigenin showed potent inhibition of the IL-1/NFκB and TGFβ/Smad2/3 pathways, whereas luteolin showed only weak inhibition of the IL-1/NFκB pathway. All four bioactives inhibited cytokine-induced aggrecan loss from cartilage tissue explants. The combination of sulforaphane and isoliquiritigenin was synergistic for inhibiting MMP13 gene expression in chondrocytes. We conclude that dietary-derived bioactives may be important modulators of cartilage homeostasis and synergistic relationships between bioactives may have an anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective role.
The absence of SigX results in impaired carbon metabolism and membrane fluidity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Fléchard Maud , Duchesne Rachel , Tahrioui Ali , Bouffartigues Emeline , Depayras Ségolène , Hardouin Julie , Lagy Coralie , Maillot Olivier , Tortuel Damien , Azuama Cecil Onyedikachi , Clamens Thomas , Duclairoir-Poc Cécile , Catel-Ferreira Manuella , Gicquel Gwendoline , Feuilloley Marc G. J. , Lesouhaitier Olivier , Heipieper Hermann J. , Groleau Marie-Christine , Déziel Éric , Cornelis Pierre , Chevalier Sylvie 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn Pseudomonas aeruginosa, SigX is an extra-cytoplasmic function σ factor that belongs to the cell wall stress response network. In previous studies, we made the puzzling observation that sigX mutant growth was severely affected in rich lysogeny broth (LB) but not in minimal medium. Here, through comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, we show that the absence of SigX results in dysregulation of genes, whose products are mainly involved in transport, carbon and energy metabolisms. Production of most of these genes is controlled by carbon catabolite repression (CCR), a key regulatory system than ensures preferential carbon source uptake and utilization, substrate prioritization and metabolism. The strong CCR response elicited in LB was lowered in a sigX mutant, suggesting altered nutrient uptake. Since the absence of SigX affects membrane composition and fluidity, we suspected membrane changes to cause such phenotype. The detergent polysorbate 80 (PS80) can moderately destabilize the envelope resulting in non-specific increased nutrient intake. Remarkably, growth, membrane fluidity and expression of dysregulated genes in the sigX mutant strain were restored in LB supplemented with PS80. Altogether, these data suggest that SigX is indirectly involved in CCR regulation, possibly via its effects on membrane integrity and fluidity.
Nitrogen acquisition and resource allocation strategies in temperate seagrass Zostera nigricaulis: Uptake, assimilation and translocation processes
Authors: Nayar S. , Loo M. G. K. , Tanner J. E. , Longmore A. R. , Jenkins G. P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe dominant seagrass in Port Phillip Bay (PPB), Australia,Zostera nigricaulis, declined between 2000 and 2011, coinciding with the ‘Millennium drought’ that ended in 2009. These seagrasses are nitrogen-limited, underpinning the need to develop nitrogen budgets for better ecosystem management. Environmentally realistic measurements of specific uptake rates and resource allocation were undertaken to develop nitrogen budgets and test the hypothesis that the above-ground and below-ground compartments are able to re-mobilise ammonium and nitrate through uptake, translocation and assimilation to adapt to varying levels of nitrogen in the ecosystem. Uptake of15N labelled ammonium and nitrate by above- and below-ground seagrass biomass, epiphytes and phytoplankton was quantified in chambersin situ. Preferential uptake of ammonium over nitrate was observed, where the uptake rate for nitrate was about one sixth of that for ammonium. Epiphytes and phytoplankton also registered an increased affinity for ammonium over nitrate. Translocation experiments demonstrated the uptake by both the above-ground and below-ground biomass, respectively from the water column and pore water, and subsequent translocation to the opposite compartment. Acropetal translocation (below- to above-ground biomass) was more prevalent than basipetal translocation. This is a unique outcome given basipetal translocation has been widely reported forZosteraby other researchers.
Changes in retinal flow density measured by optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with carotid artery stenosis after carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Lahme Larissa , Marchiori Elena , Panuccio Giuseppe , Nelis Pieter , Schubert Friederike , Mihailovic Natasa , Torsello Giovanni , Eter Nicole , Alnawaiseh Maged 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim of the study presented here was to evaluate retinal and optic nerve head (ONH) perfusion in patients with severe asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (CAS) compared with healthy controls and to analyze the impact of carotid endarterectomy using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). 25 eyes of 25 patients with CAS (study group) and 25 eyes of 25 healthy controls (control group) were prospectively included in this study. OCT-A was performed using RTVue XR Avanti (Optovue, Inc, Fremont, California, USA). The flow density data in the superficial and deep retinal OCT-angiogram of the macula and in the radial peripapillary capillary network (RPC) of the ONH were extracted and analyzed. The flow density in the superficial retinal OCT angiogram of the macula and in the ONH were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (macula: p = 0.003) (ONH: p = 0.013). The flow density in the ONH improved significantly after carotid endarterectomy (p = 0.004). A reduced flow density was observed in patients with CAS when compared with healthy controls. The flow density also improved after carotid endarterectomy. Quantitative changes in the microvascular density, as measured using OCT-A, could well be useful in the diagnosis of CAS and the evaluation of therapy success.
Nanotube-structured Na2V3O7 as a Cathode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries with High-rate and Stable Cycle Performances
Authors: Tanibata Naoto , Kondo Yuki , Yamada Shohei , Maeda Masaki , Takeda Hayami , Nakayama Masanobu , Asaka Toru , Kitajou Ayuko , Okada Shigeto 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSodium ion batteries meet the demand for large-scale energy storage, such as in electric vehicles, due to the material abundance of sodium. In this report, nanotube-type Na2V3O7 is proposed as a cathode material because of its fast sodium diffusivity, an important requirement for sodium ion batteries, through the investigation of ~4300 candidates via a high-throughput computation. High-rate performance was confirmed, showing ~65% capacity retention at a current density of 10C at room temperature, despite the large particle size of >5 μm. A good cycle performance of ca. 94% in capacity retention after 50 cycles was obtained owing to a small volumetric change of <0.4%.
DENV-1 Genotype V in Brazil: Spatiotemporal dispersion pattern reveals continuous co-circulation of distinct lineages until 2016
Authors: de Bruycker-Nogueira Fernanda , Souza Thiara Manuele Alves , Chouin-Carneiro Thaís , da Costa Faria Nieli Rodrigues , Santos Jaqueline Bastos , Torres Maria Celeste , Ramalho Izabel Letícia Cavalcante , de Aguiar Shirlei Ferreira , Nogueira Rita Maria Ribeiro , de Filippis Ana Maria Bispo , dos Santos Flavia Barreto 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn Brazil, DENV-1 introduced in the 80’s, remained the prevalent serotype from 2012 to 2016. After its re-emergence in the country in 2009, the co-circulation of different viral lineages was identified, however, its transmission dynamics afterwards, was not fully characterized. In this study, we performed the continuous molecular surveillance after the reemergence period (2012 to 2016), covering the 30 years of circulation of DENV-1 in Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis allowed confirmation of the continued presence of genotype V, as well as three distinct co-circulating lineages. The molecular characterization of the E gene presented two new amino acid substitutions previously unidentified in the country. Phylogeographic analysis has shown that a large flow of migrations has occurred between Brazil and Argentina in the last 10 years.
Research on passivity based control strategy of power conversion system used in the energy storage system
Authors: Li Jianguo , Lv Xiuping , Zhao Biao , Zhang Yajing , Zhang Qiaojie , Wang Jiuhe 
Published: November 2018

This study proposes a practical control strategy of passivity based control (PBC) of the power conversion system (PCS) used in the energy storage system. First, the differential equations based on the Kirchhoff voltage and current laws are listed in the study, and the mathematical model in Euler–Lagrange form is also given. On the basis of the PBC theory, the system passivity of the PCS is demonstrated, the implementation of differential equations based on the damping injection principle is deduced, and simulation results in SIMULINK are also given. The PBC strategy has the advantages of high stability globally in a nonlinear system, and strong robustness to the system parameters deviation and external interference. Finally, a PCS prototype of 10 kW, which is made up of ac–dc converter and dc–dc converter, is built and the experimental results verify the correctness and effectivity of the proposed solution.
Toxicity, morphological and structural properties of chitosan‐coated Bi2O3–Bi(OH)3 nanoparticles prepared via DC arc discharge in liquid: a potential nanoparticle‐based CT contrast agent
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen , Tavajjohi Atiyeh , Ziashahabi Azin , Pournoori Negin , Muhammadnejad Samad , Delavari Hamid , Poursalehi Reza 
Published: November 2018

In this study, Bi2O3 nanoparticles were employed as computed tomography (CT) contrast agents. In this regard, X‐ray attenuation of Bi2O3 nanoparticles, prepared via DC arc discharge in water, was investigated. In addition, the optical, structural, morphology and cytotoxicity properties of afforded nanoparticles were also studied. The electric arc discharge was done via bismuth electrodes in a water medium. Then, to stabilise Bi2O3 nanoparticles, chitosan molecule was cross linked via glutaraldehyde around Bi2O3 nanoparticles. X‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrated the monoclinic structure and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy images clarified the average size of Bi2O3 as 40 nm. Fourier transform infrared analysis proved chitosan band formation around Bi2O3 nanoparticles. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay revealed no considerable toxicity after 72 h. Finally, X‐ray CT of chitosan‐coated Bi2O3 nanoparticles and Iohexol was carried out at concentrations of 1–6 mg/ml. The CT number of chitosan‐coated Bi2O3 nanoparticles measured 16, 30, 49, 66, 75 and 85, as well as, respective numbers for Iohexol were 5, 14, 25, 34, 44 and 57. Therefore, it displayed that X‐ray attenuation of chitosan‐coated Bi2O3 nanoparticle was more in comparison with Iohexol at the same concentrations. Eventually, the results demonstrated that chitosan‐coated Bi2O3 nanoparticles are a suitable candidate for commercial iodine contrast agent substitution.