bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Degradation of microbial fluorescence biosignatures by solar ultraviolet radiation on Mars
Authors: Dartnell Lewis R. , Patel Manish R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractRecent and proposed robotic missions to Mars are equipped with implements to expose or excavate fresh material from beneath the immediate surface. Once brought into the open, any organic molecules or potential biosignatures of present or past life will be exposed to the unfiltered solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation and face photolytic degradation over short time courses. The key question, then, is what is the window of opportunity for detection of recently exposed samples during robotic operations? Detection of autofluorescence has been proposed as a simple method for surveying or triaging samples for organic molecules. Using a Mars simulation chamber we conduct UV exposures on thin frozen layers of two model microorganisms, the radiation-resistant polyextremophile Deinococcus radiodurans and the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Excitation–emission matrices (EEMs) are generated of the full fluorescence response to quantify the change in signal of different cellular fluorophores over Martian equivalent time. Fluorescence of Deinococcus cells, protected by a high concentration of carotenoid pigments, was found to be relatively stable over 32 h of Martian UV irradiation, with around 90% of the initial signal remaining. By comparison, fluorescence from protein-bound tryptophan in Synechocystis is much more sensitive to UV photodegradation, declining to 50% after 64 h exposure. The signal most readily degraded by UV irradiation is fluorescence of the photosynthetic pigments – diminished to only 35% after 64 h. This sensitivity may be expected as the biological function of chlorophyll and phycocyanin is to optimize the harvesting of light energy and so they are readily photobleached. A significant increase in a ∼450 nm emission feature is interpreted as accumulation of fluorescent cellular degradation products from photolysis. Accounting for diurnal variation in Martian sunlight, this study calculates that frozen cellular biosignatures would remain detectable by fluorescence for at least several sols; offering a sufficient window for robotic exploration operations.
High sensitivity AlGaN/GaN lateral field‐effect rectifier for zero‐bias microwave detection
Authors: Zhou Q. , Chen W. , Zhou C. , Zhang B. , Chen K.J. 
Published: October 2013

High sensitivity AlGaN/GaN lateral field‐effect rectifiers (L‐FERs) were realised that can be monolithically integrated with AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) circuitry. F− ion plasma treatment was optimised to achieve strong nonlinearity of the L‐FER at zero‐bias. The L‐FER treated by F− ion plasma at 120 W for 200 s exhibits a record level zero‐biased curvature coefficient, γ, of 69 V−1 at room temperature. The direct‐measured voltage sensitivity is as high as 6.75 mV/μW at 2 GHz. The high sensitivity and AlGaN/GaN HEMTs compatibility of the L‐FER make them very promising for zero‐bias square‐law detector applications.
Influence of sympathetic inrush on voltage dips caused by transformer energisation
Authors: Peng Jinsheng , Li Haiyu , Wang Zhongdong , Ghassemi Foroozan , Jarman Paul 
Published: October 2013

Energising a transformer with other adjacent transformers in service may induce sympathetic inrush that could lead to long duration voltage dips. This study addresses this issue through analysing voltage dip events observed on a 400/132 kV grid when energisations of several generator step‐up transformers were performed. With the help of a number of field measurements of voltage dips involving sympathetic inrush, a detailed network model in alternative transients program/electromagnetic transients program has been developed and validated. Based on the network model, comprehensive simulation studies have been performed. In addition, because of the nature of multiple controlling parameters, sensitivity assessment has been carried out to identify the key influential parameters. It is found that the sympathetic inrush, although does not affect voltage dip magnitude, can prolong voltage dip duration by 143% under the worst energisation condition. The sympathetic inrush occurring in substation transformers gives rise to a network‐wide sympathetic interaction, resulting in further prolonged voltage dips on the 132 kV grid. Finally, it is proven that application of static var compensator is able to speed up the voltage dip recovery.
Design and experimental verification of low cost plastic optical fibre transimpedance amplifiers
Authors: García del Pozo Jose María , Celma Santiago , Gimeno Cecilia , Camón Agustín 
Published: October 2013

This study introduces a low‐cost transimpedance amplifier (TIA) suitable for plastic optical fibre front ends. The proposed TIA is designed with some novel principles and fabricated in a low‐cost 180‐nm CMOS technology. The power consumption is 24 mW supplying the block with 1.8 V. An electrical test allows characterising the block under ideal conditions reaching 1 GHz bandwidth and low noise levels. An optical measurement setup is also presented, allowing checking the block performance in a controlled test ambient. This optical setup allows validating the novel design criteria as well as obtaining valuable information for future works.
Atomic-level functional model of dengue virus Envelope protein infectivity
Authors: Christian Elizabeth A. , Kahle Kristen M. , Mattia Kimberly , Puffer Bridget A. , Pfaff Jennifer M. , Miller Adam , Paes Cheryl , Davidson Edgar , Doranz Benjamin J. 
Published: October 2013

Significance
Dengue virus (DENV) infects nearly 400 million people annually, and approximately 40% of the world’s population lives at risk for infection. Without a therapeutic or vaccine available, DENV remains a major public health burden. Our studies provide a comprehensive structure–function analysis of the DENV Envelope protein, integrating information from numerous Envelope structures with our functional data into a cohesive mechanistic model. This model describes the dynamic processes by which specific residue interactions within Envelope mediate infectivity—from fusion-loop triggering to hinge movement to membrane fusion—and may also apply to related class II viral fusion proteins. Because of the importance of the specific amino acids identified, our results also identify new functional residue targets for DENV vaccines and therapeutics.
Pharyngeal Function and Breathing Pattern during Partial Neuromuscular Block in the Elderly
Authors: Cedborg Anna I. Hårdemark , Sundman Eva , Bodén Katarina , Hedström Hanne Witt , Kuylenstierna Richard , Ekberg Olle , Eriksson Lars I. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background:
Intact pharyngeal function and coordination of breathing and swallowing are essential for airway protection and to avoid respiratory complications. Postoperative pulmonary complications caused by residual effects of neuromuscular-blocking agents occur more frequently in the elderly. Moreover, elderly have altered pharyngeal function which is associated with increased risk of aspiration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of partial neuromuscular block on pharyngeal function, coordination of breathing and swallowing, and airway protection in individuals older than 65 yr.

Methods:
Pharyngeal function and coordination of breathing and swallowing were assessed by manometry and videoradiography in 17 volunteers, mean age 73.5 yr. After control recordings, rocuronium was administered to obtain steady-state train-of-four ratios of 0.70 and 0.80 followed by spontaneous recovery to greater than 0.90.

Results:
Pharyngeal dysfunction increased significantly at train-of-four ratios 0.70 and 0.80 to 67 and 71%, respectively, compared with 37% at control recordings, and swallowing showed a more severe degree of dysfunction during partial neuromuscular block. After recovery to train-of-four ratio of greater than 0.90, pharyngeal dysfunction was not significantly different from the control state. Resting pressure in the upper esophageal sphincter was lower at all levels of partial neuromuscular block compared with control recordings. The authors were unable to demonstrate impaired coordination of breathing and swallowing.

Conclusion:
Partial neuromuscular block in healthy elderly individuals causes an increased incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction from 37 to 71%, with impaired ability to protect the airway; however, the authors were unable to detect an effect of partial neuromuscular block on coordination of breathing and swallowing.
High-mobility Group Box 1 Protein Initiates Postoperative Cognitive Decline by Engaging Bone Marrow–derived Macrophages
Authors: Vacas Susana , Degos Vincent , Tracey Kevin J. , Maze Mervyn 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background:
Aseptic trauma engages the innate immune response to trigger a neuroinflammatory reaction that results in postoperative cognitive decline. The authors sought to determine whether high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), an ubiquitous nucleosomal protein, initiates this process through activation and trafficking of circulating bone marrow–derived macrophages to the brain.

Methods:
The effects of HMGB1 on memory (using trace fear conditioning) were tested in adult C57BL/6J male mice; separate cohorts were tested after bone marrow–derived macrophages were depleted by clodrolip. The effect of anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody on the inflammatory and behavioral responses to tibial surgery were investigated.

Results:
A single injection of HMGB1 caused memory decline, as evidenced by a decrease in freezing time (52 ± 11% vs. 39 ± 5%; n = 16–17); memory decline was prevented when bone marrow–derived macrophages were depleted (39 ± 5% vs. 50 ± 9%; n = 17). Disabling HMGB1 with a blocking monoclonal antibody, before surgery, reduced postoperative memory decline (52 ± 11% vs. 29 ± 5%; n = 15–16); also, hippocampal expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 was prevented by the neutralizing antibody (n = 6). Neither the systemic nor the hippocampal inflammatory responses to surgery occurred in mice pretreated with anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody (n = 6).

Conclusion:
Postoperative neuroinflammation and cognitive decline can be prevented by abrogating the effects of HMGB1. Following the earlier characterization of the resolution of surgery-induced memory decline, the mechanisms of its initiation are now described. Together, these data may be used to preoperatively test the risk to surgical patients for the development of exaggerated and prolonged postoperative memory decline that is reflected in delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction, respectively.
Analysis of transcriptomes of three orb‐web spider species reveals gene profiles involved in silk and toxin
Authors: Zhao Ying‐Jun , Zeng Yan , Chen Lei , Dong Yang , Wang Wen 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAs an ancient arthropod with a history of 390 million years, spiders evolved numerous morphological forms resulting from adaptation to different environments. The venom and silk of spiders, which have promising commercial applications in agriculture, medicine and engineering fields, are of special interests to researchers. However, little is known about their genomic components, which hinders not only understanding spider biology but also utilizing their valuable genes. Here we report on deep sequenced and de novo assembled transcriptomes of three orb‐web spider species, Gasteracantha arcuata, Nasoonaria sinensis and Gasteracantha hasselti which are distributed in tropical forests of south China. With Illumina paired‐end RNA‐seq technology, 54 871, 101 855 and 75 455 unigenes for the three spider species were obtained, respectively, among which 9 300, 10 001 and 10 494 unique genes are annotated, respectively. From these annotated unigenes, we comprehensively analyzed silk and toxin gene components and structures for the three spider species. Our study provides valuable transcriptome data for three spider species which previously lacked any genetic/genomic data. The results have laid the first fundamental genomic basis for exploiting gene resources from these spiders.
Rethinking Geopolitics: Climate Security in the Anthropocene
Authors: Dalby Simon 
Published: October 2013

AbstractClimate change has become a matter of security in recent policy discussions. The scale of the transformations we are living through is slowly dawning on policy makers. But the implications for both security and policy making in general of our new geological conditions, our living in the new geological epoch of the Anthropocene, have yet to be thought through carefully. The basic geopolitical premises in security thinking are now in need of a radical overhaul in light of the insights from Earth system science. Simplistic assumptions of environmental change leading directly to conflict are misleading at best and dangerous at worst. Climate security discussions now have to engage directly with global environmental change and with Earth systems science in particular. Climate security in the long run is not a matter of environmental change causing political difficulties, but rather a matter of contemporary political difficulties causing accelerating climate change. Climate change is a production problem, not one that can be managed in the terms of traditional environmental thinking; security thinking needs to focus on the implications of this rethinking of traditional geopolitical assumptions.
Queer Worldings: The Messy Art of Being Global in Manila and New York
Authors: Manalansan Martin F. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis essay is an exploration of queer (im)possibilities and of the “worlding” of urban spaces by focusing on voices from below. Using ethnographic fieldwork and queer theory to bear upon a conceptualization of “queer “and urban world‐making in terms of mess, this essay focuses on the lives of two Filipino working class queers living in Manila and New York. Located at the fringes of gay global modernity, these subjects inhabit recalcitrant and chaotic spaces and quotidian practices that re‐narrate and resist the idealized integrative spatial order of global queer cities. This essay contributes to a critical theorization of queerness and urban spatial politics within a transnational framework.
Heavy menstrual bleeding significantly affects quality of life
Authors: Karlsson Trine S. , Marions Lena B. , Edlund Måns G. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of women subjectively experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding in the general population and their health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) compared with women experiencing normal menstrual blood loss.DesignCommunity‐based cross‐sectional descriptive survey on a randomized sample of the Swedish general population.SettingsInvitation by e‐mail to join an online questionnaire in Sweden, conducted in June 2012.Population1547 women, aged 40–45 years old.MethodsWeb‐based questionnaire consisting of disease‐specific questions, concerning the perceptions of menstrual bleeding, in combination with the generic Short Form‐36v2 (SF‐36) Health Survey Questionnaire to evaluate HRQoL.ResultsWe found that 32% of women experienced heavy menstrual bleeding, 39% normal menstrual blood loss, 15% light menstrual blood loss and 14% no menstruation. In general, menstrual bleeding was associated with negative perceptions and limited social and professional activities, although all areas were significantly more affected in women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding than normal menstrual bleeding. The SF‐36 showed that women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding had significantly worse HRQoL compared with women with normal menstrual bleeding in all domains.ConclusionOf women 40–45 years old, 32% experience heavy menstrual bleeding. These women have significantly worse HRQoL compared with women with normal menstruation patterns.
Costs of medically assisted reproduction treatment at specialized fertility clinics in the Danish public health care system: results from a 5‐year follow‐up cohort study
Authors: Christiansen Terkel , Erb Karin , Rizvanovic Amra , Ziebe Søren , Mikkelsen Englund Anne L. , Hald Finn , Boivin Jacky , Schmidt Lone 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the costs to the public health care system of couples in medically assisted reproduction.DesignLongitudinal cohort study of infertile couples initiating medically assisted reproduction treatment.SettingSpecialized public fertility clinics in Denmark.SampleSeven hundred and thirty‐nine couples having no child at study entry and with data on kind of treatment and live birth (yes/no) for each treatment attempt at the specialized public fertility clinic.MethodsTreatment data for medically assisted reproduction attempts conducted at the public fertility clinics were abstracted from medical records. Flow diagrams were drawn for different standard treatment cycles and direct costs at each stage in the flow charts were measured and valued by a bottom‐up procedure. Indirect costs were distributed to each treatment cycle on the basis of number of visits as basis. Costs were adjusted to 2012 prices using a constructed medical price index.Main outcome measuresLive birth, costs.ResultsTotal costs per live birth in 2012 prices were estimated to 10 755€. Costs per treated couple – irrespective of whether the treatment was terminated by a live birth or not – were estimated at 6607€. Costs per live birth of women <35 years at treatment initiation were 9338€ and 15 040€ for women ≥35 years.ConclusionThe public costs for live births after conception with medically assisted reproduction treatment are relatively modest. The results can be generalized to public fertility treatment in Denmark and to other public treatment settings with similar limitations in numbers of public treatment cycles offered.
Postoperative levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system versus oral contraceptives after gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist treatment for preventing endometrioma recurrence
Authors: Cho Sihyun , Jung Ji Ann , Lee Yousun , Kim Hye Yeon , Seo Seok Kyo , Choi Young Sik , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Byung Seok 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveAlthough the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) is effective in reducing the recurrence of endometriosis‐associated pain, its efficacy in preventing endometrioma recurrence is questionable. We compared the efficacy of postoperative use ofLNG‐IUSwith oral contraceptives (OC) for preventing endometrioma recurrence.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingMedical university hospital.PopulationNinety‐nine women with endometriomas.MethodsA chart review was performed of women of reproductive age who had undergone laparoscopic surgery for endometrioma followed by three cycles of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (leuprolide acetate) treatment. Women were categorized into two groups: a group that had postoperativeLNG‐IUSplacement (n = 42) and a group that received postoperative, cyclic, low‐dose, monophasic,OCs (n = 57).Main outcome measuresEndometrioma recurrence was analyzed according to several clinical variables and postoperative treatment modalities.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period (median 17 months), recurrent endometriomas were detected in eight women (8.1%). Patients withLNG‐IUShad a recurrence rate of 4.8% (2/42), whereas women receivingOChad a recurrence rate of 10.5% (6/57). Cumulative recurrence‐free survival assessment revealed that mean disease‐free survival times for both groups were similar, but that forLNG‐IUSwas slightly longer than that forOC, with statistical significance (34.4 ± 1.0 months, 95% confidence interval 32.3–36.5, vs. 33.4 ± 1.3 months, 95% confidence interval 30.8–36.0,p = 0.045). Univariate analysis revealed a hazard ratio of 0.178 (95% confidence interval 0.029–1.075) (p = 0.060) for postoperativeLNG‐IUSuse and endometrioma recurrence. However, for the multivariate regression analysis, only postoperative serumCA 125 levels were significantly associated with endometrioma recurrence (hazard ratio 1.012,p = 0.010).ConclusionsPostoperativeLNG‐IUSuse seemed to be comparable to the use of cyclicOCin preventing endometrioma recurrence.
Cerebral maturation on amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography and perinatal exposures in preterm infants
Authors: Reynolds Lauren C , Pineda Roberta G , Mathur Amit , Vavasseur Claudine , Shah Divyen K , Liao Steve , Inder Terrie 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo determine the associations between perinatal exposures, cerebral maturation on amplitude‐integrated encephalography (aEEG) and outcome.MethodsDuring this prospective cohort study, 136 infants ≤30 weeks estimated gestational age received 4 h of aEEG at four time points (between the first 2 weeks of life and term‐equivalent age) during hospitalisation. Perinatal factors were documented. Associations between perinatal exposures and Burdjalov‐scores were investigated. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at the age of two.ResultsImmature cyclicity on the initial aEEG recording was associated with higher CRIB score (p = 0.01), vaginal delivery (p = 0.02), male gender (p < 0.01) and death (p = 0.01). Perinatal factors associated with lower Burdjalov‐scores included cerebral injury (p < 0.01), sepsis (p < 0.01), lower caffeine dose (p = 0.006), prolonged mechanical ventilation (p = 0.002) and death (p < 0.01). Burdjalov‐scores at 30 (β = 2.62, p < 0.01) and 34 weeks postmenstrual age (β = 2.89, p = 0.05) predicted motor scores.ConclusionaEEG measures of cyclicity and Burdjalov‐scores in the first 6 weeks of life, with an emphasis on 30 and 34 weeks postmenstrual age, demonstrated associations with perinatal factors known to predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.
A Generalization of Chao's Estimator for Covariate Information
Authors: Böhning Dankmar , Vidal-Diez Alberto , Lerdsuwansri Rattana , Viwatwongkasem Chukiat , Arnold Mark 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThis note generalizes Chao's estimator of population size for closed capture–recapture studies if covariates are available. Chao's estimator was developed under unobserved heterogeneity in which case it represents a lower bound of the population size. If observed heterogeneity is available in form of covariates we show how this information can be used to reduce the bias of Chao's estimator. The key element in this development is the understanding and placement of Chao's estimator in a truncated Poisson likelihood. It is shown that a truncated Poisson likelihood (with log-link) with all counts truncated besides ones and twos is equivalent to a binomial likelihood (with logit-link). This enables the development of a generalized Chao estimator as the estimated, expected value of the frequency of zero counts under a truncated (all counts truncated except ones and twos) Poisson regression model. If the regression model accounts for the heterogeneity entirely, the generalized Chao estimator is asymptotically unbiased. A simulation study illustrates the potential in gain of bias reduction. Comparisons of the generalized Chao estimator with the homogeneous zero-truncated Poisson regression approach are supplied as well. The method is applied to a surveillance study on the completeness of farm submissions in Great Britain.